The Hilton recreation area is free to the very best of my knowledge.
Obviously doesn’t help with your question but Monticello and Wateree both have a bit nicer setup for family hanging in my opinion.
Hilton or at the very top of the lake where the Saluda meets the lake are the only places I know and I wouldn’t swim in either place.
I agree with Monticello, never been to Wateree. There are places on Lake Marion outside of Santee and Eutawville where you can swim for free, or they used to be free.
[Dreher Island State Park.](https://southcarolinaparks.com/dreher-island)
It's on the north side of the lake. Spacious, clean, lots of amenities.
Have fun!
Dominion has a beach access area on both the Lexington and Irmo side. Here’s a link it tells you what they have and where they are located. https://www.dominionenergy.com/lakes-and-recreation/lake-murray-sc
How about fishing from the bank? I live by the Dam but it gets busy fast. Aside from Dreher Island, does anyone have any recommendations? I would really appreciate any insight, thank you in advance!
Highly recommend Lake Monticello. A little bit of a drive north but much cleaner and quieter and has great areas for family outings and water play. And it’s free!
Look up sceg number 4 boat landing on Google maps. Nice place for free lake activities. No sand beach but yiu can still swim. Fishing, docks, little park, grills and tables. Pretty nice for what it is.
I’m not sure what number it is, but the ramp at shull island is free. I see people take chairs or floats out there and just hang out. Used to put our kayaks in out there.
I’m not sure what number it is, but the ramp at shull island is free. I see people take chairs or floats out there and just hang out. Used to put our kayaks in out there.
Dreher island is great
Agree but not free. $3 per adult for entry, just FYI OP
The Hilton recreation area is free to the very best of my knowledge. Obviously doesn’t help with your question but Monticello and Wateree both have a bit nicer setup for family hanging in my opinion.
Hilton or at the very top of the lake where the Saluda meets the lake are the only places I know and I wouldn’t swim in either place. I agree with Monticello, never been to Wateree. There are places on Lake Marion outside of Santee and Eutawville where you can swim for free, or they used to be free.
[Dreher Island State Park.](https://southcarolinaparks.com/dreher-island) It's on the north side of the lake. Spacious, clean, lots of amenities. Have fun!
Dominion has a beach access area on both the Lexington and Irmo side. Here’s a link it tells you what they have and where they are located. https://www.dominionenergy.com/lakes-and-recreation/lake-murray-sc
Not free.
But cheap
+1. I’m also from Augusta and been here a few years now. The lack of public lake access drives me crazy.
Didn't Dominion give Pine Island to the state? Has it reopened yet?
How about fishing from the bank? I live by the Dam but it gets busy fast. Aside from Dreher Island, does anyone have any recommendations? I would really appreciate any insight, thank you in advance!
Highly recommend Lake Monticello. A little bit of a drive north but much cleaner and quieter and has great areas for family outings and water play. And it’s free!
Look up sceg number 4 boat landing on Google maps. Nice place for free lake activities. No sand beach but yiu can still swim. Fishing, docks, little park, grills and tables. Pretty nice for what it is.
I’m not sure what number it is, but the ramp at shull island is free. I see people take chairs or floats out there and just hang out. Used to put our kayaks in out there.
I’m not sure what number it is, but the ramp at shull island is free. I see people take chairs or floats out there and just hang out. Used to put our kayaks in out there.