We recently visited Dreher Island State Park in the Midlands of South Carolina. The park sits on 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline. The lake is a great fishing spot for largemouth and striped bass. We enjoyed camping, kayaking, and hiking during our stay at the park. Read on to hear about beautiful Lake Murray in the heart of South Carolina.
Dreher Island State Park
After a long day of traveling, we arrived at Dreher Island State Park campground. It was a very dark night, but we managed to get set up at the lakefront campsite #58. Luckily, we were meeting up with friends who had a delicious dinner ready for us.
The following morning, we woke to a beautiful sunrise. Suddenly, we forgot the toil of the previous day.
We contemplated whether or not to take the kayak out but decided the wind was not favorable. Instead, we spent the day visiting and relaxing at the campground.
The sunset was just as beautiful as the sunrise. We watched a heron hunt as the sun went down.
The following morning, the sunrise was as picture-perfect as the previous morning. We fixed coffee and tea and then decided to drive in to the town of Chapin to check out a local delicacy.
Chickenbutt Donuts
We had to try the “official donut of Lake Murray” – Chickenbutt Donuts.
We ordered half a dozen donuts and dug in. We cut each donut into fours (for sharing with friends) and then devoured the whole box. The sugar high was brief. The low was lasting.
We decided to eat a healthier lunch (no offense to the quality of the donuts!) to regain our energy.
Kayaking to Hollow Cay
Just before two o’clock in the afternoon, we began exploring Lake Murray in our kayak. We set our sites on Hollow Cay, about two-thirds of a mile from our shoreline. The water was perfect for a paddle.
We made it over to Hollow Cay and explored around the shore of the tiny island.
The paddle back was just as enjoyable.
Later that evening, as we enjoyed the sunset, the heron returned. He (or she) was back at the same fishing hole as the previous evening. We decided to name the heron – Harold. We watched as Harold got into a scuffle defending the fishing hole. Harold won.
We sat outside chatting, reminiscing, and making future travel plans. Before long, the moon was out. We witnessed yet another beautiful sky over Lake Murray.
Little Gap Trail
On the day of our departure, we hiked the Little Gap Trail. We soaked in the views as we meandered along the peninsula of this loop trail along the shoreline of Lake Murray. The hike was a little over two miles.
Heritage Fields Farm LLC
After our hike, we returned to camp to pack up. With the camper in tow, we made one final stop at Heritage Fields Farm before leaving the Midlands of SC.
Heritage Fields is located in Irmo, SC. They offer fresh-picked vegetables year-round as well as jams and other goodies.
In the parking area of the market, we found The Coffee House. The owners converted a vintage Ford Ranger truck into a drive-thru coffee shop – very cool!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Dreher Island State Park. We recommend the park to anyone traveling to the Midlands of South Carolina.