Hiking
Lake Murray State Park has an extensive trail system that stretches from the north end of the park at Ardmore to the Nature Center. There are approximately 30 miles of trails and detailed maps are available at the Park Office. Hikers and cyclists are allowed on all these trails.
Ski Jump Campground
Located in Lake Murray’s former ski jump cove, the park’s Ski Jump campground offers primitive tent camping with fire pits, picnic tables, grills and direct views of Tucker Tower. Pitch your tent in this area and enjoy great lake views and a peaceful beach protected from the wind.
Buzzard’s Roost
Traveling north from ski jump cove toward the park office, you’ll find Buzzard’s Roost campground, a popular camping area surrounded by lake views and water access, as well as beautiful views of Tucker Tower. A recent renovation has given Buzzard’s Roost Campground a fresh look with 50+ tent sites and over 30 RV sites. This area can get crowded, so secure your spot early in the day. ATV/ORV Area
Lake Murray State Park
Lake Murray State Park is home to an exceptional ATV/ORV Area. From the intersection of Highway 77S and Highway 70, go east 3.2 miles and turn right on Lindsey Drive (look for the big, gold horse across the street). The ATV area is surrounded on two sides by beautiful Lake Murray and has trails that lead right up to the water. Bring your two or four-wheeler out to enjoy 1,000 acres of mostly hard-packed dirt with minimal sand. Mature trees line the trails and you can venture as far off the beaten path as you’d like. State law requires that riders under 18 wear a DOT-approved helmet, and riding double is only permitted when the ATV is manufactured for two people. The cost to ride is $10 per person per day. A large staging area is also available at the trail entrance, which is open from 8am to dusk each day. RV and tent camping spots complete with concrete pads, grills and picnic tables are conveniently available near the ATV gatehouse.
Sunset Beach Day-Use Area
Located on the east side of the lake, the Sunset Beach day-use area is a great option for people looking to get out and swim without paying a day-use fee. The Sunset Beach Area offers just under a quarter-mile of sandy beach and plenty of parking. Vault toilets are also on-site for convenience.
Tucker Tower
Driving west across the dam along the southern shore of Lake Murray, you’ll come upon Tucker Tower, the most iconic structure at Lake Murray State Park. The rich history of this historic landmark dates back to 1933 when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began building the tower as a summer retreat for then-Governor William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray. The tower was transformed into a geological museum in 1954 and later became a nature center. This must-see tower extends 65 feet into the air and provides stunning bird’s eye views of the lake below.
Lake Murray Marina & Beach Area
Located 1 ½ miles south of Lodge Road and Highway 77S, the Lake Murray Marina is a floating one-stop shop that can be accessed from land or water. Grab your favorite snacks and drinks while re-fueling your boat, or rent a pontoon boat for a half or full day and enjoy the lake. With 450 slip rentals available, a SCUBA shop, comfort station with restrooms and showers, boat ramp and free swimming beach, the marina area is a popular base for lake activities.
Lake Murray Golf Course & Riding Stables
Located near the Lodge Road and Highway 77S intersection are the Lake Murray Golf Course and horse stables. The golf course features a pro shop, practice range and 18-holes scattered within towering oak trees, strategically placed water hazards and a beautiful natural waterfall. Guests can also take a horseback ride or hayride at the Lake Murray Riding Stables , where private trail rides are available.
Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini-Golf
Located just in front of the lodge is Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini-Golf, which offers an 18-hole miniature golf course and rentals for paddleboats, kayaks, canoes, water bikes, sailboats, a water trampoline and a water slide. Guests can also rent waverunners and jet boats, as well as all the equipment you need like wakeboards, tubes and skis. Sunset cruises are also available each night and run about an hour and fifteen minutes. During the day, guests can also go out on a pontoon boat tour, which lasts about a half-hour.