About This Park - Dreher Island State Recreation Area

Dreher Island State Recreation Area

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Out into the lake but not far from the city, Dreher Island State Recreation Area is a great place to get away from it all.

Only about 30 miles from downtown Columbia on the shores of big Lake Murray – one of the best-known largemouth and striped bass fishing destinations in the South – the park consists of three islands linked to shore by a causeway and two bridges.

In addition to woodsy hiking trails and lots of places to fish from shore, Dreher Island offers picnicking, camping and lakeside villas.

A tackle shop and boat ramp also is available. The park has long been popular with recreational boaters and fishermen, and has been a launching spot for major national bass tournaments.

GENERAL

Must See: Yes
Counties: Newberry
Acreage: 348
When & How PRT Acquired: Leased in 1970 from South Carolina Electric and Gas Co.
Pets: Pets are not allowed in the villas or the villa areas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Pay Phone on Site: Yes

HOURS

Admissions: $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free
Office Hours: 9am-6pm (extended to 8 p.m. in peak season)
Days and Hours of Operation: M-Su Dawn to Dusk

LOCATION

Driving Directions:
From I-26: Take exit 91 (Chapin exit- Hwy. 48) to Chapin. Turn rt on Hwy 76 for 1/8 mile, then turn left onto St. Peter's Church Rd (Hwy. 29) for 4 mi. Turn left onto Dreher Island Rd (Hwy 231) for approximately 3 mi. Then turn onto State Park Rd for 2 mi. to the park entrance.
Lake Location: Yes
Miles to Nearest Hospital: 17
Miles to Nearest Town: 11
Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 9

MILES TO:

Charleston, SC: 135
Columbia, SC: 30
Florence, SC: 105
Greenville, SC: 85
Charlotte, NC: 120
Raleigh, NC: 235
Atlanta, GA: 245
Augusta, GA: 100

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there Cabins or Villas at this Park?: There are two 2-Bedroom and three 3-Bedroom villas at Dreher Island State Park. Please click on the Lodging menu item above to see detail information. To check availability and/or make a reservation, click the Park Reservationsbanner on the right of this page.
What kind of camping is available at this Park?: Two lakefront camping areas have scenic views and easy access to the shoreline of Lake Murray. Please click on the Camping menu item above to see detail information. To check availability and/or make a reservation, click the Park Reservations banner on the right of this page.
What are your overnight rates at this Park?: Rates vary depending on campsite amenities. General information is available on the Camping pages of this site. Please click on these menu items above for more information.
Are there any Overnight sites available?: Please click on the Park Reservations banner on the right of this page to check availability and make your reservation.
What kind of activites are available at this Park?: Fishing, Boating, Picnicing, and Trails are available. Please click on the Things To Do menu item above for more details.
If you cannot find it on this website: We try to provide you with as much information as possible on this website to assist you in selecting your favorite State Park and book your reservation on-line. However, if you can't locate the information you are looking for on this site, please feel free to email the park at dreherisland@scprt.com. We will respond to your email as soon as possible.