There is no doubt that the one constant thing about Lake Murray over the last ninety-some-odd years has been change. From the Dam itself, which started as an earthen structure and is now a full hydroelectric power station with a backup, to the 600 miles of shoreline that surrounds the billions of gallons of lake water.
Over the last few years, however, the region has undergone significant changes, and each spring offers new and diverse experiences, from restaurants and marinas to public spaces, for the ever-growing population of Lake Murray.
Capital City Lake Murray Country Executive Director Vickie Davis said, “The changes over the last fifteen years have been significant, but over the last couple, they have been transformative. The growth in tourism dollars will help save taxpayer burden,” pointing to many new and reimagined restaurants around the area.
One notable change that people are looking forward to is Pine Island, which had been owned by Dominion Energy, however, they transferred it to the State of South Carolina as part of a tax agreement. The island, which had been a private retreat for the power company, is now known as Pine Island State Park, near the Irmo side of the Dam, and is open to the public. Pine Island offers twenty-seven acres of lakefront to guests, a beach, picnic areas, and even boat slip rentals.
Another sight visitors have seen over the last couple of seasons is the return of the Spirit of Lake Murray. The 80-foot dinner cruise boat has been a staple on the Lake since 2009, however, in 2022, she was purchased by Norm Agnew and Rick Crout, given a full makeover, and returned to service offering a full bar, a full menu, and even dockside dining in 2024.
Speaking of dining on the lake, there is an increasing number of restaurants and bars, from brand new to fully reimagined. In Prosperity, the former Buffalo Creek has been transformed into Martin’s Landing, which offers inside and outside dining, a marina store, fuel, and, of course, if Mexican is your mood, you’ll find Nacho Margarita. You will also find one of the four boat club options, Freedom Boat Club, that has two locations on the Lake.
Also in Prosperity, you will find Fat Frog’s Marina. Matt Lyons, one of the owners of Lake Murray Boat Fun, said his group has several options, including the restaurant formally known as the Frayed Knot. Fat Frog’s offers fuel, docking, and Doolittle’s Watering Hole. It is also the location of two music festivals each year, Floatchella Lake Murray and Lake Murray Palooza.
Across the pond, in Leesville, you will find Lake Murray Resort, which, according to Lyons, also offers fuel, boat slips, the Driftwood Smokehouse, and a Carefree Boat Club location.
Lyon’s Team recently purchased Shealy’s Landing in Ballentine, where you will find the boat dealership Lake Life Marine and a second Carefree Boat Club location. Even with new services, one thing that won’t change is the name, noting that the community has known it as Shealy’s for years, and “it should remain that way forever.”
Putnam’s Harbor is another familiar name for generations of “lake lifers,” although if it has been a while since you were there, you may not recognize it. General Manager Craig Baird said the location went through an “absolute overhaul.” He said that throughout the seven-acre property, you will find both 90 and 93 non-ethanol fuel, a full-service marina store, and 325 slips, both wet and dry. Baird said you will find food trucks, a boat ramp, and excellent customer service.
With the changes also come many new owners to Lake Murray businesses, including Bowline Marina, which recently purchased Lake Murray Marina, where you find Liberty on the Lake, Nautical Boat Club, and lake-side condos. According to General Manager Chris Bellinger, they are planning several upgrades, including a new gas dock with a ship store. Liberty also reopened after a kitchen area renovation.
Bowline Marina purchased Southshore Marina, and they have created dry boat stacks, offering more options for storage. Bellinger said that you’ll also find Freedom Boat Club’s second location, and the Southshore Grocery and Grill.
Another Lake staple, The Rusty Anchor and Catfish Johnny’s, is under new ownership, and with that comes a few changes, including the rebranding of the latter to the Nauti Turtle. One notable change is that the bars will remain open year-round, rather than seasonally. Like Shealy’s, the Rusty Anchor name will remain unchanged.
It isn’t just on the shore that you will find entertainment options. You have seen the SunDogs boat over the years. Owner Tom Shealy has upped his hot dog game, with an updated 26’ Tritoon boat, and extended hours all summer long, so you can look for the SunDogs Concession Vessel to come to you all summer.
Even with all the new owners, renovated entertainment options, and general changes, some tried and true locations remain, including Jake’s Landing on the Lexington side of the Dam, with a public boat ramp, wet and dry slips, fuel, and the home of Lake Murray Boat Tours.
Siesta Cove, with fuel, a marina store, slip rentals, and RV parking, remains another long-standing marina, and of course, Big Man’s, with some of the best burgers on the lake.
“I think the lake is changing in a good way, bringing positive energy, geared toward customer service and helping out the people on the lake,” Bellinger shared.