Lake Murray Dam walkway, travel down Lake Murray Blvd will run into it…read more I come here to run occasionally as it is scenic, breezy, straight, and runners frequent. I just started parking on the Irmo side, parking to left of guard house is free. On a weekend I can see this lot filling up quickly it's not a lot of spaces free. I do think this side is more stretching friendly than the Lexington side. Speaking of Lexington side I always parked there with larger overflow lot but there was construction there last time that closed half the spaces. The walkway across dam is wide enough for about three people walking side by side but for runners it can get hard to pass the more populated. I've seen roller skaters out there, strollers, dog walkers although there is no grass only concrete so pick up the doo. The mileage is about 3.4 miles across and back; there isn't any man made shade except the short barrier wall between lake and walkway. If you come during the day will be in full sun so recommend morning or evening for shadier walks/runs. It's an easy run across, is windy certain spots so make sure hat is tight or you will lose it. Worth visiting.

Beautiful public park next to a dam - today's local adventure. My fur friend Cleo and I were out…read moreand about exploring neighboring cities and happened upon this smaller park area. The lake views are gorgeous! There's a small pier people fish from. Although windy, some people were picnicking in a couple spots. Geese and butterflies greeted us as we strolled by the water for a bit. Was a lovely, relaxing morning in local nature before the storm rolled in.

This is a great family outing…read more The lights are always well done. About half way through, you can stop for a hay ride ans race your kids down the hill on the slide. Kids can write letters to Santa and buy hot chocolate and snacks. It was a nice warm 48 degrees when we went there. Get out have some fun and make a few memories.

If you love Christmas lights, this is one of the best spots to be. The trail is 4miles long, and we…read morewere able to stroll through for the annual Sleigh Bell Trot. The light displays don't really change year after year, so if you've been last year, there aren't any new surprises this year. Still a fun night out! Safe and clean!

Impressed with the intentional use of space!…read more We made a day trip to Columbia, SC and needed to stretch our legs and burn some energy. Finlay Park offers a GREAT playground with slides, rope ladders, climbing limbs, splash pad, and turf slide. Plenty of room to relax or log a few steps. There is a beautiful water fountain, grotto and pond where they offer sailboat rentals . There is also 2 miles of sidewalk and pathways for walking or taking advantage of the roller skate rentals they offer. Not to mention pickleball courts, ping pong, soccer goals, and fitness court. A round of applause to the City of Columbia for this amazing recreational and public space.

This went from an unsafe blight on our city to a polished jewel. Our experience was beyond…read moreexpectation, tons of art and sculptures to gaze upon while visiting Finlay Park. Park rangers diligently worked cleaning the paths this morning. Several families were here soaking in the fun. Great park to for walking or to play on the pickle ball courts. Nice Sunday morning outing today !!!

The good- beautiful lake, lots of sites and amenities. The…read morebad- most items in tackle shop unpriced, busted up roadways, small sites, mostly unkept and broken. The ugly- mold in bathrooms, shower curtains ready to walk away on their own on the 80 loop. (Like, loose your campground host they're terrible) Not the best campground in SC, but you can have a good time here on the right site.

I stayed in camper cabin 3 the weekend of October 4th, 2025. The main reason we stayed in a camper…read morecabin was because it's a pet friendly cabin. The cabin itself is tiny. One full bed and one set of bunk beds. One small dorm-type refrigerator and a small microwave. One thing I learned quick was to not run the microwave while the refrigerator is also plugged in as the breaker will trip. So I unplugged the refrigerator whenever I needed to use the microwave. The refrigerator will hold several bottles of water, ham, cheese, mayo, etc. I also brought some soup and a soup mug to use in the microwave. Also to note, it's about a 30-45 second walk to the bath house, at least from cabin 3. The bed wasn't horribly uncomfortable. I had my pillows and sleeping bag from home and was quite comfortable. The little Gree mini-split unit kept the cabin at a great temperature. Now for the not-so-good things. First, a metal roof surrounded by trees, some of which were dropping acorns. Large acorns hitting a metal roof from high up make a very loud BANG when they hit the roof. Quite the scare in the middle of the night. That's my only complaint. There was a nice little front porch and a picnic table with fire pit close by. I must say it was a great weekend away from the hustle and bustle of life. I'm still giving this review 5 stars. The state park employees work very hard to make sure you have a great experience. And you have to want to be a state park employee. It's not just a job you get. You have to have a passion for it.

Wonderful, beautiful, and quiet . Mind you you will hear…read moreartillery You will hear horn going off at different times. Lake is awesome

This review is for the campground and our experience while staying there. We booked our site for…read moreseveral days but then extended, which turned out to be trouble-free. We simply called or stopped by the office. I'm sure it would have been much harder had it been summer but because we were there in April, it worked out wonderfully. Having a larger rig, I tried to do some initial research on sites. There are a few photos on the internet and with the help of Google Earth, I had an idea of the campground layout prior to arrival. We reserved a site as we were guests of our daughter, who was graduating Army Basic Training. We extended our stay as she was going to be staying at Fort Jackson for her AIT and as it worked out, we got to spend some time with her once she arrived at AIT (the following weekend after graduation). As far as the campground, it was wonderful! The staff keeps the trash picked up and the sites clean. The sites have poured concrete pads with modern hook-ups. The roadway around the sites is gravel. We tow a 40' RV and the only issue we had with the road is the gravel in front of our site was washed out due to rain. This made it a bit tough backing into our site. Thankfully, the site across from us was unoccupied so it made it a bit easier to back in. Had we angled in, the ruts would have been a bit of an issue but not impossible. All the hook-ups were great. The site numbers are well marked and were easy to find. Electric was modern and the pedestal was lit for use after dark. The water hookup was at the base of the electric pedestal and the sewer connection was next to that. The site was level and had a nice pad off to the side which contained a coated metal picnic table and grill. To date, it's the nicest site we've stayed in during our years of camping. Depending on your site and the length of your rig, you may want to decide which road to enter and from which direction. The roads in the campground are not one way, so your entry will be determined on the angle of the site in relation to the road. If you have a site across from you, someone could have a vehicle parked near the roadway so there could be some challenges backing into a site if it's directly across from another which is in use. I saw a few folks drive around, formulating a plan prior to occupying their site. We did not use the facilities but did walk around the campground and boat launch area. There are several very nice cabins on the water that can be rented. It appeared as if their decks overlooked the water. All of the RV sites were in great condition. There were a few tent campers in those designated areas. Many folks had pets and the campground was pretty active during nice weather with folks walking their pets and just getting some exercise. Within walking distance are the boat launch area and also the main office and beach area. There is a nice playground for children near the campground. A very family friendly location and again, everything appeared well maintained. There are lots of pine trees that give some shade from the sun but after a long winter, those rays were welcomed. We found our drive time from our campsite to For Jackson Gate 4 (Exit 15), which you use for attending Family Day and Graduation was about a 20-25 minute drive. From our campsite to Gate 2 (Exit 12) was a bit closer and an easy drive for getting onto Fort Jackson otherwise. There is a Gate 5 close to the campground but we did not use that. The hours were limited and being guests, we used Gate 2 and 4 as directed. There are several fuel stations that you pass on the way to the campground. We also used laundry facilities about 15 minutes away from the campground. There is a Food Lion nearby for groceries. We ended up needing some propane and used U-Haul down a few exits from Fort Jackson. The staff were outstanding and made our stay so very enjoyable. The campground is near the training sites so you will hear some automatic gunfire from time to time. Being on the lake, you'll hear a few boats but our experience was, the campground was very quiet and we slept great at night. Thanks to the staff for all your help in getting us a site and allowing us to extend to spend a few more days with our Soldier. Our entire experience was extremely memorable and we are thankful for the opportunity to stay and play. This campground is for military members both current and retired, along with their friends and family. And best of all, you can't beat the price!!!

We highly recommend lake Murray boat tour capt Tyler was knowledgeable funny we had such a fun time…read morewill be going back for sure!!!!!

Amazing trip with Capt. Mike on a beautiful afternoon. Great tour with great historical info…read more Teriffic and would highly recommend this! Perfect in every way!

We recently rented the Lake House property over the weekend of 7/31/15. The condition of the…read moreproperty upon arrival was completely unacceptable, cobwebs and dust, dead bugs, dirty windows and electric outlets and fans that did not work. In addition to that, we had to leave the property on Sunday due to the fact that we discovered mice feces in multiple areas throughout the house along with dead cockroaches behind one of the beds. Mice feces are not only unsanitary they can cause diseases like the Hantavirus. We left a message with the rental office on Sunday which was never responded to. I have attached the photos one of our renters took of some of the conditions I reference. We had rented several times in the past from your company, however, after out last rental experience and the lack of response it is doubtful that we will rent from your reality company again. As I am sure you can understand we feel that we paid for an unclean, unsanitary property that we needed to evacuate, not only did this inconvenience us but also the family that we ended up staying with.

We needed to rent a house near Columbia, South Carolina so our family could get together for…read moreChristmas since we had recently sold our home in Florence. My husband went to homeaway.com and it took him to Lake Murray Vacation Rentals. We needed three bedrooms, two bathrooms and since my son was bringing his dog, it had to be pet friendly. We were sent to a home on the lake ( I think they all are) at 258 Turtle Trail. Our first one and a half days we were here, because hurricane Matthew had come through here, our hot water smelled like rotten eggs which reeked through the house. I called the company and they told me to run the water out of the hot water heater which made the smell even worse. Don't you think a management company should have come prior to our rental to do this? There were also some ceiling lights that were burnt out and had not been replaced. Their housekeeping company leaves a little to be desired. Remember all surfaces, including glassware left on shelving, needs to be dusted. Also, the wood flooring on the sides of the carpeted steps needed a desperate cleaning. Appliances were outdated. There was no ice nor ice cube trays to use to make ice. We own a condo in Myrtle Beach and rent it out when we are not there and our management company would never stand for this. We also found out after we got here that there was no internet service. I was told that a lot of homes don't have it because a lot of times it doesn't work. You're on a huge open lake and technology has really come along so I think you could have internet service. Would I use this rental company again? No, they would have to manage things a little better.

Sesquicentennial state park is beautiful! They have 4 trails, including one trail (Sandhills trail)…read morethat loops around the lake, which makes for some great photos during sunrise or sunset. They have a little visitor center when you can buy a bunch of souvenirs, snacks, and can get a stamp in your SC state parks passport. If this review was solely on the trails and beauty, it would be a 5/5 but unfortunately the campsite brings it down a bit. The campsite is on the larger side, and has 3 bathhouses to accommodate the area (close to you). You are given the basics like a picnic table & fire ring. Sites 1-29 have 20/30/50 amps, and 36-84 have 20/30 amp electric hookups. Sites 1-9 are full service (also have sewer). These sites do not give you a lot of privacy, and it seems like they built as many sites as they could in a confined area instead of spreading the sites out a bit to give the camper a bit more privacy. The bathhouses are clean, but are very dated and are in desperate need of a renovation. If you are not a camper, you will be charged an entrance fee of $6 if you are an adult, $3.75 for seniors (65+), or $3.50 for children (6-15). Overall, a 5/5 for the beauty of the park and amenities outside of the campsite, but 2/5 for the campsite itself.

Convenient location but lacking the amenities or cleanliness that RV'ers have come to expect from a…read moreState Park. Most sites require leveling so bring plenty of wood to accommodate. Also, I was shocked to learn that my restrooms had only one (1) shower and/or toilet.

NO FUN ALLOWED! SCE&G tightly controls it & closes the beach promptly after summer for the rest of…read morethe year, therefore, most of the time the beach is useless as there is no access. You can only look at it through chain-link fences along the dam. This isn't in the best interest of the public. I have to travel to Charleston for free beach so I spend my money & pay taxes there. In addition, since 9/11 the police have overreacted & the area is heavily patrolled in a police-state type of environment. Security cameras are foreseeable in the near future. Enjoy!

I've always enjoyed the exclusivity and peace that you can have near the SCEG Site. From the…read morewater. Fishing. So there, you have one of my favorite fishing spots! Thank you for a great place to enjoy the lake!

While Congaree National Park is very different from many of the other National Parks I've visited…read morethroughout the United States, rest assured that if it's a National Park, it's getting five stars from me. Having now visited more than 60 designated National Parks, I can confidently say that each one offers something unique - and Congaree remains one of the system's underrated gems. My first visit was a solo trip in September 2021. The entire purpose of that South Carolina adventure was to cross another National Park off my list, so I flew into Charleston and made the drive up to Congaree. Like many National Park enthusiasts, I was thrilled to spot the entrance sign and officially arrive. I spent my first day exploring the visitor center, collecting a park stamp, patch, magnet, and Junior Ranger book before heading out onto the boardwalk trail. Even with some exhibits closed due to COVID-era protocols, the famous Mosquito Meter was alive and well. The 2.4-mile boardwalk offered an excellent introduction to the park's towering trees, floodplain forest, and unique ecosystem. Even in mid-September, the mosquitoes were plentiful - but thankfully they mostly left me alone as long as I kept moving. That evening, I camped in the park and enjoyed a peaceful night of sleep. The following morning, I joined a Forest Wellness program hosted by the National Park Service and Friends of Congaree. For over two hours, we hiked through the forest while participating in creative journaling exercises and mindfulness activities. It was a very memorable ranger led program!!! I returned again in May 2026, this time with two friends. We explored the visitor center, watched the park film, completed our Junior Ranger books (you're never too old), and spent time walking the boardwalk once again. We also paddled nearby Cedar Creek, which provided a completely different perspective on the Congaree ecosystem. Unfortunately, while we had planned to return that evening to see the famous synchronous fireflies, the weather had other ideas. Rain moved in and changed our plans. That's okay, resting in a hotel was good too. Like all of our National Park units, Congaree protects something special. While it may not have the dramatic cliffs of Yosemite or the iconic vistas of the Grand Canyon, it preserves one of the largest intact expanses of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. The massive trees, winding waterways, cypress knees, wildlife, and quiet solitude create an experience unlike any other national park in the system. Sure, this is not a park that requires several days (or even a full day) to explore, but it is worth your time. Whether you're hiking the boardwalk, paddling Cedar Creek, camping, attending a ranger program, or simply marveling at the giant trees, Congaree offers a unique experience. Come with the right expectations, bring your own supplies (services are limited) and take the time to appreciate what this park protects. America's Best Idea isn't always about the grand scenery. Sometimes it's about preserving places that would otherwise be forgotten. Congaree is one of those places and I'm grateful it exists! Plus, Charleston and all of its city glory is nearby and awaits your visit pre- or post-Congaree!

Congaree National Park preserves the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the…read moresoutheastern United States, which is what makes it a National Park. It is a primeval floodplain ecosystem, which is what makes it so beautiful! There are 11 trails at Congaree National Park, all featuring beautiful scenery and the value within nature. Beware of the mosquitoes! Because of this floodplain (body of water), this is a prime home for mosquitoes. They are known for their "Skeeter Meter," which is helpful in gauging the presence of mosquitoes. If you want to avoid the mosquitos, try to come during the Fall & Winter seasons, or during a drought. This park is 100% dog & RV friendly, and is a great place to take your kids!! Have fun, and take in the scenery!