Nothing says summer like swimming. Charlotte's warm weather means that day is near (or almost!). But if you don't have access to a pool, you may not know where to start.
That's why we created this guide highlighting all the places in the Charlotte area where you can access public swimming and water sports. Local options include streams, lakes, and even quarries.
Lake Norman Public Swimming and Water Sports
Lake Norman State Park
position: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Fee: $6 per adult, $4 per child 12 and under.
Enjoy paddling, fishing, and swimming at Lake Norman State Park. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in all of North Carolina, and the state park spans approximately 27 miles of shoreline, giving you plenty of room to swim and participate in water sports this summer. Day-use amenities are open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.
Ramsey Creek Beach
position: 18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Fee: For county residents, the fee is $5 per vehicle on weekdays and $10 per vehicle on weekends.For non-county residents, $10 per vehicle on weekdays and $15 per vehicle on weekends.
Dip your toes in the sand this summer at Ramsey Creek Beach. Located along the Lake Norman area, this 46-acre park features swimming areas, playgrounds, picnic shelters, nature trails, and volleyball courts to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day.
Starting June 12, the beach will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm, transitioning to weekend-only hours with the same hours starting August 23rd until the end of Labor Day weekend.
Lake Wylie Public Swimming and Water Sports
Ebenezer Park
position: 4490 Boat Shore Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Fee: $3 for adult county residents (17 and older) and $5 for adult non-county residents (17 and older). $1 for county residents for children (ages 6-16) and $2 for adults (ages 6-16) for non-county residents. Children 5 and under are free for residents and $1 for non-residents.
Although currently closed for renovations, Ebenezer Park is typically a great place for public swimming and water sports in the Charlotte area. Ebenezer Park is scheduled to reopen in late summer or fall 2024, when a swimming area, kayak and canoe launch pad, and semicircular fishing pier will be constructed.
McDowell Nature Preserve
position: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Fee: Guided kayak tours cost $20 for residents and $24 for non-residents. Guided paddleboard tours cost $25 for residents and $30 for non-residents.
Lake Wylie is accessed through McDowell Nature Preserve. Launch your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from the launch near the waterfront deck. Alternatively, you can sign up for a guided watersports program, where kayaks and paddleboards are provided and experienced instructors guide you through the water.
Rock Hill Lake Park
position: 4037 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Fee: free
Located on a quiet corner of Lake Wylie, Rock Hill Lake Park is a 21-acre park with free public access. Rock Hill Lake Park has a swimming and beach area, as well as five fishing stations and a kayak/canoe launch. This park is an ideal place to bring your lunch and spend a calm summer day.
Windjammer Park at Tega Cay
position: 8999 Windjammer Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708
Fee: Free for Tega Kei residents.$100 parking permit per calendar year for non-residents
Lake Wylie Windjammer Park has a beach and swimming area, as well as a covered picnic area, restrooms, and a playground. Plus, if you visit on the right day, you might even spot the award-winning Carolina Show Ski Team, which puts on a free water ski show for park visitors.
Please note that to park at Windjammer Park, your vehicle must display a parking permit, which can be obtained at City Hall. Parking permits are free for Tega Cay residents. If you are not a resident, a parking permit costs $100 per calendar year.
Catawba River Public Swimming and Water Sports
Catawba River Access Point
position: 2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708 to 998 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Fee: free
Spend a fun summer day tubing, kayaking, or boating down the Catawba River in the Charlotte area. This water adventure requires him to take two vehicles, so plan ahead. Park one car at Riverwalk Carolinas and drive the other car to the Lake Wylie Dam access point. From the dam, take a tube or boat and travel down the river until you reach your second vehicle at River Walk Carolina, then return to your starting point. The experience time varies depending on the river that day, but the total time is about 3 and a half hours.
US National Whitewater Center
position: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
Fee: All-access day passes are $79 per person.Paths for a single activity vary
Adventurous families will love spending the day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Although you can't swim, there are plenty of water activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Enjoy whitewater rafting and whitewater kayaking on the world's largest man-made whitewater river. The open waters of the Catawba River and Long Creek offer flatwater kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Additionally, you can climb deep into the facility's pool by yourself.
The Whitewater Center is open year-round and activities change depending on the season. Be sure to check the website to see what's available and book in advance before you head out.
Additional public swimming and water sports spots
Ann Springs Close Greenway
position: 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Fee: $16 per person for 2-hour kayak rental.50% off for members
Ann Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre nature preserve located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, and biking, as well as water sports available to the public at the preserve's Lake Haigler.
Kayak and paddleboard on the lake on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June 5th to August 2nd, 2024. Advance reservations are required and can be booked in two-hour increments on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. , Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Swimming is prohibited in the lake, but fishing is allowed.
Cane Creek Park
position: 5213 Harkey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Fee: Admission is $4 per vehicle, swim and pedal boat rentals are $2 per person, and kayak and canoe rentals are $4 per person per hour.
Cane Creek Park surrounds a massive 350-acre lake that is open to the public for activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, jon and pedal boats, and swimming.
Enjoy these activities for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every day from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend in 2024. Additionally, there are shelters and picnic areas available to rent for events, making Cane Creek Park a great place to travel. Have a special summer day.
Culligan Farms
position: 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
Fee: $30 per person (cash only)
Swim in Culligan Farms' natural quarry this summer. The 2024 open swim season begins May 18 and can be reserved online with a $5 deposit per person, with the balance payable in cash upon arrival.
Once at the quarry, jump, swing, and float in the open water until you work up an appetite. Afterwards, stop by our snack stand for burgers, pizza, ice cream, and more. Beer and wine are also available for purchase. All guests are required to wear a life jacket unless a swim test has been completed and each guest must sign a waiver prior to swimming.
