FAQs
Dreher Island State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
Is swimming allowed at the park?
Yes, you may swim anywhere along the shoreline in Lake Murray. There is no designated swimming area with lifeguards. All swimming your own risk. We do not allow swimming from the bridges, boat docks, or boat ramps.
Is fishing permitted at the park?
You may fish anywhere from the shoreline at the park. We do not allow fishing from our bridges, boat docks or boat ramps. You must have a valid S.C. fishing license in order to fish in Lake Murray.
Are fishing licenses sold at the park?
Yes, you may purchase a S.C. fishing license at the park. We only accept cash or check for these transactions. For more information on fishing licenses, please visit the
SCDNR website.
Is fishing bait sold at the park?
Bait for sell at the park includes: large and small shiners, worms, artificial lures and terminal tackle.
Is gasoline sold at the park?
Mid-grade, 89 Octane, ethanol-free gasoline is available for purchase at our boat-ramp area. In-water refueling is available.
While staying at Dreher Island is there anywhere to leave a boat trailer?
There is plenty of overflow parking that will accommodate a boat trailer. Park staff will be able to identify such locations for you when you arrive. Please see a ranger or other park staff.
May I bring my golf cart to the park?
Golf carts are permitted on the park. Golf carts must be operated by a licensed driver, must stay on paved roads, must obey normal traffic laws and must be licensed and insured. You cannot operate a golf cart at night on the park.
Are boats, canoes or kayaks available for rent from the park?
The park does not do any on-site boat rentals of any kind. However, if you ask park staff they will provide you with a list of local vendors who do rent boats, canoes and/or kayaks.
What amenities are included in the park villas?
Each villa includes: bed and bath linens, cooking utensils, coffee maker, microwave oven, dishwasher, fireplace, upstairs balcony, screened in porch, 42” color satellite TV and DVD/ VHS player.
We have someone coming to visit us at the park, but they are not staying the night. Will they have to pay to enter the park?
If your visitors are entering the park and not staying overnight, they are required to pay the park admission. Admission is $2 for adults, $1.25 for SC senior citizens and children 15 and under are admitted free.
What type of wildlife can I expect to see at Dreher Island?
The park is home to a wide variety of animals observable in their natural environment. These include: white-tailed deer, grey squirrels, egrets, osprey, purple martins, Canadian geese and mallard ducks. Aquatic species found in Lake Murray include: hard/softshell turtles, striped bass, large/smallmouth bass, bream, crappie and catfish. Please note: there are no alligators in Lake Murray.
What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?
Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob. Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.
How do I make a reservation at a state park?
Reservations at state parks may be made up to 11 months in advance. There are three convenient ways to make reservations at South Carolina State Parks:
Call toll free 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
Online at
SouthCarolinaParks.com or
click here to reserve
At the park of your choice, by calling the park directly
Reservations for group camps or primitive camping must still be made through the state parks.
Camping Reservations: Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Campsite reservations require payment in full at the time the reservation is made.
Cabin Reservations & Day Use Facilities: Reservations requested LESS THAN three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Wednesday and you are making a reservation for the upcoming Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.
How far in advance may I make a reservation?
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For example: If you would like to check in on November 1, 2012 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2011.
What is the cancellation policy for park reservations?
Fees assessed to reservation cancellations or changes are based on the amount of notice given in advance of the arrival date. Transaction fees are not refundable. Below is more detailed information:
CANCELLATION POLICY:
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LODGING
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CAMPING
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DAY-USE
|
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
15+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
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15+ Days
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No Charge
|
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15-29 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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0-14 Days
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Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
|
LODGING
|
CAMPING
|
DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
15-29 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
|
0-14 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
* Changes that result in additional nights reserved will not incur handling fees or penalties, but will be subject to non-refundable transaction fees for the additional nights.
EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY: Cancellation Policy applies in conjunction with Fee Policy for Emergency Waivers.
Are pets allowed in state parks?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.
Which parks offer free wi-fi internet service?
The following parks offer free wifi in some capacity on the park: Caesars Head State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Dreher Island State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Hunting Island State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Santee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Lake Hartwell State Park. For more detailed information, please contact the park you are interested in visiting, directly.
What is the discount policy for senior citizens, blind and disabled citizens?
South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age, legally blind or disabled, qualify for certain rate reductions. Proof of age or disability is required. These qualifying residents receive 35% off admission fees, camping, picnic shelters, golf greens fees and fishing pier admission. In order to receive the camping discount, qualifying individuals MUST occupy the site reserved. Also these qualifying residents may purchase a Palmetto Passport for $37.50 (50% off) for admission to all state parks for the period of one year. There are NO rate reductions for lodging, building or meeting facility rentals, leased facilities, resale items or equipment rentals.
Do out-of-state senior citizens, blind or disabled citizens receive any discounts?
The same rate reductions as listed in the question above are extended to out-of-state U.S. residents only at the following parks: Baker Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hamilton Branch, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek, EXCEPT for the Palmetto Passport discount.
What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?
What are your geocaching guidlelines for state parks and state park properties?
How can I get printed information on state park camping and lodging?
Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?
What is the minimum age required to reserve/occupy a campsite?
To reserve and/or occupy a campsite, a member of the party must be least 18 years of age and present at the time of check in. They must also be present on the site with the camping equipment.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on park property?
It is unlawful for any person to consume or display in public any beverage of alcoholic content, including beer and wine, except where specifically authorized by the Department.
Are golf carts permitted on state parks?
For information regarding the use of a personal golf cart, please contact the individual park that you plan to visit.
What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?
Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob. Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.