News Summary
Lake Murray Public Park in South Carolina will introduce a new online reservation system on March 19, ahead of its season opening on April 9. Visitors will need to book a single-use day pass for $5 and can do so up to three weeks in advance. The shift from a first-come, first-served policy aims to streamline access and control crowd sizes, enhancing visitor safety and convenience. The change has received mixed reactions from the public, with some welcoming the organization while others miss the spontaneity of previous visits.
Exciting News for Lake Murray Visitors in South Carolina!
**Lake Murray Public Park** is rolling out some big changes this year, just in time for the beautiful spring and summer months. As we all look forward to soaking up the sun by the water, **Dominion Energy** has announced a new online reservation system that’s set to make your visits smoother and more efficient!
Mark Your Calendars: Reservation System Launches Soon!
The *new reservation system* goes live on March 19, well before the park officially opens its gates on April 9. This means you’ll be able to start booking your days of fun on the lake long before the warm weather truly hits. Under the new guidelines, visitors will need to reserve a *single-use day pass* for just **$5**, and you can make those reservations up to **three weeks in advance**. So, if you have a particular date in mind, be sure to book it early!
Say Goodbye to First-Come, First-Served
Gone are the days of rushing to the park and hoping there’s still room for you. This new reservation policy replaces the older system that relied on *first-come, first-served access*. Additionally, it’s important to note that cash will no longer be accepted at the gate, so make sure to have your reservation ready online!
Park Hours Just for You!
Lake Murray Public Park will be open during the following hours: **11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays** and **10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends**. It’s a perfect chance for families and friends to enjoy picnics, hikes, and everything else the gorgeous park has to offer!
Parks Access: Vehicles Only!
This year, the park is making it easier for vehicle access only, meaning **pedestrian access** will no longer be allowed at the entrance. This is a shift designed to streamline entry and ensure only those who have made a reservation can enjoy the park’s scenic surroundings. Parking will be limited to about **200 spaces**, so keep that in mind as you make your plans.
Control, Convenience, and Capacity
One of the main goals behind this *new reservation policy* is to control the crowd size during peak times, especially on busy weekends when the park is most popular. No more being turned away because of overcapacity! This way, everyone can enjoy the splendor of Lake Murray without feeling packed in like sardines.
What About Other Parks?
For those looking to explore beyond Lake Murray, there’s good news! Other parks operated by Dominion Energy, including the boat launch on the Irmo side and *Lake Monticello*, will **not** require reservations. So, during weekends when Lake Murray is crowded or fully booked, you still have options to explore other beautiful outdoor spaces.
Seasonal Fun Until Labor Day!
Lucky for us, the seasonal park will be open from **April 9 until Labor Day**, which falls on **September 1** this year. So, whether you’re planning a day of swimming, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy all that Lake Murray has to offer.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Encouraging Safety and Convenience
The primary aim of these changes is to create a **safer** and **more convenient** experience for all visitors. With everyone focusing on safety and enjoyment, the hope is that Lake Murray can remain a beloved destination for years to come!
So, get those plans in place and get ready to make the most of your time at Lake Murray Public Park this season!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Wikipedia: Lake Murray (South Carolina)
- WACH News
- Google Search: Lake Murray Public Park
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- The State News
- Google News: Lake Murray Public Park
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
