Lake Murray, Hydroelectric reservoir near Columbia, South Carolina.

Lake Murray is a reservoir of about 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) with roughly 650 miles (1,050 km) of shoreline, formed where the Saluda River was impounded behind the Saluda Dam, also called Dreher Shoals Dam. The dam is an earthen wall about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and 220 feet (67 m) high, built of native red clay soil and bedrock. The lake runs about 41 miles (66 km) long and 14 miles (23 km) wide at its widest point.

Construction of the reservoir began in 1927 when the Lexington Water Power Company received permission to build a dam on the Saluda River to generate electricity for the growing Columbia region. The flooding of the valley took several years and eventually created one of the largest man-made bodies of water in the southeastern United States.

Anglers often arrive at the shoreline areas in the early morning hours to catch largemouth bass or catfish, while boat ramps see heavier use on weekends. Local families use the many coves for swimming and picnicking, especially during the warm months between May and September.

Several public boat ramps provide access to the water and are typically open from sunrise to sunset, though some areas may close during high winds or storms. The calmer coves in the northern section work better for swimming and paddling, while the deeper southern stretches are popular with motorboaters.

Bomb Island, a small island in the southern part of the reservoir, serves as a nighttime gathering spot for Purple Martins during summer, with thousands assembling there before migrating south. This seasonal gathering is considered the largest of its kind in North America and attracts birdwatchers from across the region.