Lake Murray, SC

[spoilsofwar]

Any iboaters boat on Lake Murray? I'm on orders to Columbia, SC, reporting in early 2014. When I found out, of course the first thing I checked out was where I could put my boat in; looks like Lake Murray is that spot. Anyone have information about it to share?

I'm coming from what I consider the mecca of inland boating (thousand islands), but one thing am looking forward to for sure is the extended boating season... Up in NNY, we only get about 5 months.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

Lucky you. Columbia is a fine town, and Lake Murray is in Lexington, just west of town.

It's a really fine lake, with a boating season substantially longer than you're used to in New York. You can be in the water the end of May until October. Fishing season starts in March, and many are on the lake riding around until the end of November.

People there are mostly South Carolina athletic fans. It's a much larger university that I ever realized @ 28,000 students on campus.

You're close to Savannah and Charleston, both really popular ocean cities.

 

[JimMH]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

You will also want to check out Lake Greenwood about 45 minutes North West of Columbia. If you are willing to drive a little father Lake Hartwell and Russell are beautiful lakes. Russell is uncrowded and the water is clear! Welcome to the South and thankyou for your service!

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I've driven past Lake Hartwell a few times on my trips down to Fort Benning; looked like a fine place to boat as well.

I realized I'll be living only about 70 miles from where my boat was built, in Hartsville. Wonder if Stingray gives factory tours?

 

[Augoose]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

What branch? Ft jackson? I'm here on lake murray and its great - prior service army as well. When I get back to a computer I can shoot you all the details- ramps, storage, etc

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

What branch? Ft jackson? I'm here on lake murray and its great - prior service army as well. When I get back to a computer I can shoot you all the details- ramps, storage, etc

Army, and yep, Jackson. I'm an 11B, SFC, and on orders to TRADOC there so I could be doing any number of things.

I'll be keeping the boat at home on the trailer (and in a garage hopefully), but I would definitely be interested in your opinion on different launch ramps and good places to drop anchor on the lake. I'm pretty excited to get down there and get back on the water - In Afghanistan right now!

 

[Nivekt]

Re: Lake Murray, SC

Glad to have another Lake Murray boater! I live in SE Lexington and spend my summers on Murray. Im in the process of replacing my engine but will be out on the lake in the next month or so. Here is a link with the most common launch sites: http://lakemurrayfun.com/ramps.shtml Seeing as you probably live in the vicinity of the base, you will probably want to launch at site #5. It does get crowded on the weekends so other launch sites might be worth the drive. I typically drop at #3, which is free, or here: http://www.siestacovemarina.com/ They do charge like $3 or something for parking, but it is a privately owned launch site and the owners are very courteous and watch your vehicle/trailer for you.