Dreher Island State Park

Picnic landing pad 1. Let me tell you something if you had a choice. Going with number three would have been the flattest option and a little more level but we only had the option for pad number one. You can pull in at the top of the location and drop all your stuff off and then park maybe 300 ft up the road in a nice little parking area that was with wide open parking on the busiest day of the year. Because typically only people with the picnic area parked there so it's a lot of room. There are some rocks getting down to the water so it's not just sand. Pretty big rocks to climb on to get into the water and take up about 5 ft. But I have kids at various ages and they were all morning capable of climbing down through the rocks to get into the water definitely a perfect spot to reserve for 35$ bucks 100% would recommend. We got there in the whole park. Was packed crazy full on a Saturday but the quiet little place to get to for the picnic pads was amazing. Quiet and had tons of room between you and the next landing Pad comes with a flat pad and a picnic table and also a tiny charcoal grill you typically see at a park. This spot has room for two hammocks. We use both. It was amazing. If you sit in a chair by the edge of the water, there's a Cool breeze that comes in in the afternoon. Also, in the morning it's really sunny at the picnic table, but there's a nice tree that provides shade by midnoon and all afternoon, it's nice and shade. Also nice bathrooms within 50 ft of walking distance directly across the street from the pad.

Great place. We stayed at a Full Service RV site. We could view the lake from our back window. There is plenty of shade and several spots for swimming access. Restrooms are clean and maintained. The Tackle Shop is a nice convenience store. Not a whole lot to do at the park, but it was a good trip. The herd of deer roaming the area daily is a bonus.

South Carolina has some Great Lakes and great state parks, and Dreher Island may top the list. We stayed at one of their tent sites last May, but I rebooked almost immediately after that trip because I wanted to bring my boat. Tons of sites of all types, but make sure you’re looking 6+ months out as they fill up. All sites have water and power hookups, which is a luxury we’re not usually used to. Multiple bath houses are easily accessible from every site. There almost isn’t a bad site in the whole loop - they’re very nearly all waterfront, which is a real benefit to pull the boat right up once you put in at the marina. Lots of additional parking at the marina and near the camp loop for your boat or truck or trailer to tuck it out of the way while you camp. We had to contact the ranger about a picnic table during our stay, and they were quick to respond. Boat ramps and parking are plentiful and nice, and the marina store has all odds and ends you may have forgotten. Take advantage of their loaner rod and tackle program if you forget yours. Great spot to spend the weekend on the water whether you’re in a tent or an RV.

There are leaches any where you go to swim at this state park. But it was super fun and relaxing. The camp host was super nice! A big storm came and it dropped trees. Everyone's tent was destroyed. There was a mom running in the storm with her kids to safety after the roof was lifted off their tent. It was terrifying to say the least. We were without power for 8 hours. I also didn't see any playgrounds there.

I liked that u can swim anywhere u deem a good spot as well as fish n the same manner. There was a great spot to swim with room under the trees to sit n the shade. We had a birthday party there & it was very nice! They could use more bathrooms tho!

We go here for the fishing. Specifically to use the boat ramps. They are very well maintained with plenty of room.There's a large parking lot with plenty of parking and bathrooms are located right at the ramps. There's also a little general store. So if you happened to forget anything they've probably got it.

Tons of picnic tables and grills. All of them are open to reservations on the weekends, they’re all completely booked up. So there’s basically no space to grill or picnic tables available on the weekends. The worst part is every spot is reserved for the whole day only. So half of the spots, don’t have anyone in them most of the day, but you can’t use them. Plus, they don’t have any minimum number of people requirement for some of the larger spots. So you get three people at an area big enough for 20 or 30 people, and no way for anyone to only reserve half of the shelter. Super pretty park with very nice facilities, but just don’t bother coming here on the weekends

We stayed on Anglers camp circle in spot 17. The view was beautiful. The site was pretty level and clean. The bathrooms were clean. The park employees were super nice and helpful with any questions and recommendation for places to eat or things to do near the park.

We Loved camping at Dreher Island. We had T4 (Tent Site 4) and it was great. There was plenty of room, nearby bathrooms, electricity, water and best of all

This is a beautiful park. Stayed in little cabins that were spacious with a queen bed and bunks and a refrigerator. Clean restrooms/showers with key access use for only cabin occupants. Trailheads nearby. Boating. Little store/bait shop.

I initially thought of leaving a bad review , maybe that way people would stop coming and I could have the park all to myself . This place is amazing !!! The cabin we stayed in was super clean , We were really close to the water , fishing was great in that spot by the way ,we had the power go out all day during our last day ,it went out at noon and we didn't have power till around 5, most of that was our fault we never called to have it checked and just assumed it was something the park did for a few hours. We called the after hours number and within 5 minutes they had it fixed . If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle this is the place to be

One of our beautiful states hidden gems. From the nature trails to the clean camp/ RV sites to the amazing fishing. Don't miss out!

Absolutely beautiful. We have loved the campsite on the water. Plus we had a Lot of fun riding our electric bikes around the park.

Wow! This out first trip with our "new to us" travel trailer. We decided to make this out first stop on a 2 week RV-cation, and we are super happy we did. We are in site 22 and spending all day with the most amazing views of the lake. In addition to the views, the fish are jumping, the turtles are peeling above the water top. The roadway is pretty good for biking and walking. Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor's Center, along with bundles of firewood (currently, $6.50 per bundle), gas for your boat, and tons of other camping essentials. Dreher Island State Park has definitely earned a spot on our go to camping list.

I was excited to find a state park that has easy access to the lake. We were on a cove which were able to swim and kayak without boat traffic. When I arrived it appeared to be the perfect place, however, I began to notice a problem. The state park that I had paid for to have a peaceful weekend was not that. Boaters began to anchor themselves in a row began to get louder and louder without restriction. I do not recommend lot 32 because of this possible issue.

Great to camp on the island on the lake' great for the day, night, or all week! Bring the kids too

The bathrooms need to be updated and site 59 has roots growing up into the parking place making it very uneven and a trip hazard. Other than that had a great stay.

Nice State Park near Chapin. Mostly fishermen and campers here. I like to come here to walk the trails and go birding. I see people bring floats and play in the water, bike, and walk their dogs. I would give it 5 stars if it had more hiking trails. Nice place to see the sun set

Family friendly and great for camping with children of all ages. Pull up on your boat and enjoy the day!

Beautiful SC State Park. The access to Lake Murray is awesome and the park is spacious and family friendly.

One of my favorite close by go to's hikes when I need to get outdoors. Pet friendly on the leash. Water views all the way around you as you hike. Don't miss the old ruins half way thru Little Gap Trail. Wonderful place to hike New Year's Day when the lake is drawn down and there are no leaves on the trees. You can see so much more of the lake and walk out further along the shoreline

Love lake Murray. The most underrated place I. The state of South Carolina. Dreher is a great resource provided by The State.

This park is very clean, plenty of beautiful trails to walk, and great for the entire family whether you like fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, celebrating, etc. We'll have to bring some water floaties and toys next time!

We love a dreher!! We visit there multiple times a month as we live just across from it. We kayak over with our dogs and walk the property. (Don't worry, we Park pass holders) or we bike thru or park and run! Well maintained Park with nice trails, pretty campsites and nice facilities.

I came here for a little bit of day hiking. The park and lakes were beautiful, but next time I will bring a boat! My dog enjoyed the trails.

Great state park friendly rangers and a great place to drop in a boat or a paddle board!

This was such an awesome state park! We camped at the Islanders side of the campground. The lakefront sites were AWESOME! We had a whole beach and backyard to ourselves. The sites are paved which makes life so much easier. The bathhouses are typical state park, nothing fancy, great water pressure though and no problems with the hot water. Lots of great islands to explore by kayak or boat! Highly recommend!

What a beautiful little gem west of Columbia! We camped on this island with our 32' Class A motor home in early November. Reserve well in advance or they'll be booked up. We prefer campground B on the southern end with lots of trees and lakefront camping; don't know how many hours we spent skipping rocks and sitting by the water. They drop the level of Lake Murray in winter so more shoreline is exposed. All sites are basic hookups (no sewer) so be sure to bring your Blue Boy to haul liquid wastes to the dump station. And if you depart on Sunday around checkout, be prepared to wait in line for the dump station. Really nice easy hiking around the island and spectacular sunsets!

PET OWNERS BEWARE! They advertise the cabins as being "pet friendly" but DO NOT disclose a $58 non-refundable fee for bringing a pet. They spring this on you at arrival. This should be plainly visible when making a reservation and part of the registration process.

We came here and drove through the state park. This is a nice clean park that has lots of cramping sites. There are villas or homes along the lake for rent. In addition there are covered picnic areas where someone can have family gatherings. I loved the varied outdoor activities available for use. I recommend this state park.

All I can say is beautiful!! Love this park !! Bra places to sit and relax And fish !!

Absolutely great place to relax, take a walk, take your pets ( even your birds!). Well kept, and huge! Great for biking, hiking, fishing, or just chillin. Can't wait to go back!

ok well I came here one weekend and absolutely loved it, kids and I had a great time, we swam and floated on float-ees relaxation at its best. Ok well later that week I was thinking about how much fun we had, so why not get a cabin and stay not one night but 2, Yep I really wanted to show the little people mom is so cool she planned a whole weekend of lazy fun in the sun and marshmallows toasting nights. I start searching for cabins online to house my family of 6 and an extra one of my daughters friends, yep I need at least a villa that sleeps 6 but those cabins were all booked. I kept searching and found a cabin that was free for the weekend, so I booked it for Sat to Monday. Now most normal people might think well this cabin said it only sleeps 4 no way a family of 7 is going to fit but that is so not me, I booked it!. Saturday comes and we packed up 2 cars, had to take 2 so we could make sure and fit all the chairs, float-ees, coolers and most importantly the little people. We had a great time waiting on our cabin. Once the cabin was ready 1600 is check in, hubby and I decide to drive on up to the cabin before we bring all the little people. So as we drive up we notice all these little bitty wood cabins Im thinking to myself surely that cannot be what I booked but it was. So tiny you walk in a double bed, and a bunk bed that is it no bathroom no divider nothing. Ok fast forward to when we get the little people, they were shocked how little it was, but we managed to make it work. we moved the double bed against the wall and had a blow up twin mattress along with a cot. It rained that night so we decided that we would just go to bed and start fresh and early in the morning. Lights are off we all trying to get some rest until we are jolted up by screams of little people. We turn on the lights and notice bugs everywhere. These aren't just your traditional little bugs, oh no they were the silver dollar sized cock roach better know as the famous Palmetto bug!!! Make a long story short you are a guest in their cabin, the bugs rule the place. If you like or don't mind sharing your space with all the 4 legged creatures spend the extra money and get a Villa hopefully those aren't the same.

Amazing place to relax and spend time with family. Make sure to take a pillow and blankets!

First off, I must say that this state park is absolutely great! If you are into fishing, camping, hiking, or just want to get outside for a few hours, this park is the place to go. I came here toward the beginning of December 2017 and I was so grateful that I discovered this state park. I needed a place where I can both hike and think about a career opportunity that I needed to spin my thoughts around. I completed the 2.1 miles Little Gap Trail and "every fiber of my being" felt renewed that I was able to complete the trail and view different shoreline areas of Lake Murray. If I were into fishing and even more into camping, I would definitely come here again. Since I am neither, I would still come here again. I recommend you do as well!

This is one of my favorite state parks. We camp here a few times a year. Very family friendly but still quiet and relaxing. The waterfront sites are just BEAUTIFUL. The staff is friendly and helpful as well.

Dreher is a great place to take your family and relax. Fishing, swimming and hiking are just a few things you can enjoy while visiting the park.

I just love this place! It's far enough away from town but not so far away if you have any emergency that you would like to call for help. The staff is top notch and courteous and the amenities areas convenient for me to get around with in my wheelchair! I am a regular local and I definitely plan on bringing friends and family back here for a great time! This place is an amazing family friendly place to visit!

Dreher Island State Park is my favorite campsite as well as my family's. I like that it is indeed an island and you feel somewhat secluded. There are plenty of nice campsites that are waterfront and have nice views. Fishing here is the main and also favorite activity of ours while camping here. Be on the look out because this island is pretty packed with wildlife. There are also plenty of picnic shelters to choose from but you might want to reserve because this place is popular in warmer seasons. My family and I try to make it here at least two or three times a year for camping. Great place and I highly recommend it.

Villa # 5. This is a review I wish I had read before we went. Dreher Island State Park is a fabulous location. There were two adults and four boys who went and stayed in Villa number five. We stayed for four days. There were linens but you should probably bring your own towels because they have just enough to take showers with. The sheets on the beds were nice the bedspreads were old icky polyester bedspreads. The kitchen is stocked but just six plates six bowls six glasses six coffee mugs six wineglasses. The pots and pans are minimal but there is a colander so you can make spaghetti. We were lucky that the people before us had left dishwashing detergent. There's an old washcloth to use to clean the dishes and there's a small dishwasher which we did not use. The bathrooms are huge but note if you're an elderly person or someone with not great balance the tub is slick. There is no soap. Thanks to the mercy of the people who were there before us there was a roll of toilet paper - you must bring your own. The couch was comfy, the porch has fabulous Adirondack chairs and a table with six chairs around it. There is a nice dining room table with six chairs in the Villa. No paper towels no dish drying towels all that you have to bring your own. All in all was a great place but very sparse. It's nice they do recycle, and trash seems to be gotten often. But bring your own trash bags! Air conditioning worked fabulously, even during the heat of August. Very quiet and peaceful during the middle of the week, we were not there on the weekends when I'm sure it gets busier on the lake. We could tie our boat up to a tree in front of the Villa. There is a community dock for short-term docking at the villas. Fishing was good, everybody caught something and didn't get discouraged. The fish that we caught were not huge. No state records for us! Swimming and tubing more fun, also. We would definitely come here again.