South Carolina’s Recently Opened Island State Park Has Swimming, Scenic Sunsets, And Heron Sightings

One of South Carolina’s latest state parks, Pine Island, is one other gem within the Palmetto State’s already sensible crown of waterfront parks. This one is on Lake Murray, on the outskirts of the centrally positioned state capital, Columbia. For a small lakefront park, it is received so much: bald eagles and blue herons, playgrounds and picnic tables, and scenic sundown views over the water. The web site was initially a non-public retreat for Dominion Energy staff till it was acquired by the state as a part of a settlement in March 2023. After a number of setbacks, together with a hearth and Hurricane Helene injury, Pine Island State Park had its “soft opening” in October 2025. Six months later, the park’s subsequent attraction is prepared — the seashore is now open for swimming.

Bird watching is plentiful right here, with one Google reviewer commenting, “Great place for bird watching. We saw a bald eagle who lives there, and about 15 other species.” You would possibly get fortunate and spot a bald eagle or, extra seemingly, a blue heron. The herons like to fish within the shady shallows by the shore. 

Pine Island State Park is a day-use solely park that is open Thursday by way of Sunday and costs a $6 per-person entry payment on the time of writing. For now, it is a quiet, up-and-coming park. There are not any campgrounds, however upgrades proceed in lots of areas of the park. The remaining renovations are regularly being accomplished, and facilities will probably be added over the following few years, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the views, the water, and the wildlife, only a 30-minute drive from downtown Columbia.

Cool off this summer season on the park’s seashore space, open for swimming from April by way of October. There are no lifeguards right here. According to 1 reviewer, the seashore is “great for building sandcastles or sunbathing.” Lake Murray is a well-liked swimming spot throughout South Carolina’s oppressively sizzling and humid summers, so this new spot will seemingly be busy within the years to come back. For now, although, the shortage of different facilities within the park may fit in your favor to maintain it from being crowded. 

The park’s renovations are ongoing, however there are nonetheless loads of enjoyable issues to do within the meantime. Let the children play on the model new playground, fish for bass, crappie, and catfish, or get pleasure from a picnic at one of many many first-come, first-served picnic tables. Several tables have fundamental picket shelters and charcoal grills. If you convey your personal kayak or paddleboard, you’ll be able to launch it right here, however there are not any leases accessible, and there is not sufficient parking to accommodate boat trailers.

Set up on the island’s west facet and keep for sundown, should you can. The park closes effectively earlier than nightfall in the summertime, however within the winter, sunsets throw beautiful orange and pink skies and reflections over the lake. Park Manager Tim Ritter stated on the park web site, “My favorite feature of Pine Island State Park is the stunning view of sunsets over Lake Murray. My family and I like walking out to the westernmost point of the park to see the sun set beside Goat Island. It is so incredibly beautiful!” If you do not thoughts making your personal enjoyable, it is a good park. Visit each Pine Island and close by Irmo, a Columbia suburb with cafes and trails, for a fun-filled day journey escape from the town.

Some amenities, just like the model new playground and all of the picnic tables, had been added previous to the mushy opening in October 2025, however the park remains to be a piece in progress. If you are trying for lots of facilities, this is not the park for you simply but. Many of the earlier Dominion retreat’s amenities had been eliminated solely or are being renovated. Confirm with the park what amenities are presently open earlier than heading out. For instance, the outdated Dominion pool, tennis courts, and docks are all gone or presently closed, and the outdated clubhouse has been rechristened Sunset Hall and is present process renovations. It will probably be transformed into an occasion house with a killer view, but it surely will not be open for an additional few years. Pine Island’s marina has 38 boat slips with a ship launch for leasees solely, but it surely’s additionally not open fairly but.

If you need to camp on Lake Murray’s shores or want boat launch entry, then Dreher Island State Park is an idyllic various on the opposite facet of the lake, a few 45-minute drive away. If a weekend of world-class fishing on South Carolina’s largest lake is what you are after, Santee State Park on Lake Marion could also be a greater match for now. But maintain tabs on Pine Island — it’s going to shine simply as brilliant as these different parks within the years to come back.