11 lakes, rivers, creeks and watering holes for swimming, kayaking + more around Charlotte
Nothing says summer quite like going for a swim, and warm weather in Charlotte means those days are near (or here!). But if you don’t have pool access, you might not know where to start.
That’s why we’ve created this guide with all of the places in the Charlotte area that have public swimming and water sports access. Local options include creeks, lakes and even a quarry.
Lake Norman public swimming and water sports
Lake Norman State Park
Location: 759 State Park Rd, Troutman, NC 28166
Cost: $6 per adult and $4 per child 12 and under.
Enjoy paddling, fishing and open swim at Lake Norman State Park. Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in all of North Carolina, with the state park covering about 17 miles of its shoreline, giving you plenty of space to swim and participate in watersports this summer. The day-use amenities are open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ramsey Creek Beach
Location: 18441 Nantz Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Cost: $5 per car on weekdays or $10 per car on weekends for county residents; $10 per car on weekdays or $15 per car on weekends for non-county residents
Stick your toes in the sand this summer at Ramsey Creek Beach. Located along Lake Norman area, this 46-acre park has a swimming area, playground, picnic shelters, nature trails and a volleyball court, so the whole family will be entertained all day.
Starting June 12, the beach will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-6 p.m. then on Aug. 23 will transition to weekends only with the same hours until it closes Labor Day weekend.
Lake Wylie public swimming and water sports
Ebenezer Park
Location: 4490 Boat Shore Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Cost: $3 for adult (17+) county residents, $5 for adult (17+) non-county residents. $1 for child (6-16) county residents, $2 for adult (6-16) non-county residents. Children 5 and under are free for residents, $1 for non-residents.
Although it’s currently closed for renovations, Ebenezer Park is typically a great option for public swimming and water sports in the Charlotte area. Ebenezer Park is expected to open back up in late summer or fall of 2024, and when it does expect to find a swimming area, kayak and canoe launch pad and a semicircular fishing pier.
McDowell Nature Preserve
Location: 15222 York Rd, Charlotte, NC 28278
Cost: Guided kayak tours are $20 for residents, $24 for non-residents; guided paddle board tours are $25 for residents, $30 for non-residents.
You can access Lake Wylie through the McDowell Nature Preserve. Launch your canoe, kayak, or paddle board from the landing located near the waterfront deck. Or, you can sign up for a guided watersports program, where kayaks or paddle boards are provided and an experienced instructor leads you through the water.
Rock Hill Lake Park
Location: 4037 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Cost: Free
Nestled in a quiet corner of Lake Wylie sits Rock Hill Lake Park, a 21-acre park with free public access. Not only does Rock Hill Lake Park feature a swim and beach area, but there are also five fishing stations and a kayak/canoe launch point. This park is an ideal place to bring lunch and spend a lowkey summer day.
Windjammer Park at Tega Cay
Location: 8999 Windjammer Dr, Tega Cay, SC 29708
Cost: Free for Tega Cay residents; $100 parking permit per calendar year for non-residents
Windjammer Park on Lake Wylie features 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 catch the award-winning Carolina Show Ski Team, which puts on free water ski shows for visitors of the park.
It’s important to note that to park at Windjammer Park you must have a parking permit displayed on your vehicle, which you can obtain from City Hall. If you’re a resident of Tega Cay the parking permit is free. If you’re not a resident, the parking permit costs $100 for the calendar year.
Catawba River public swimming and water sports
Catawba River Access Points
Location: 2541 New Gray Rock Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708 to 998 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Cost: Free
Tubing, kayaking, or boating down the Catawba River makes for a fun-filled summer day in the Charlotte area. Plan ahead, as you’ll need to take two cars for this water adventure. Park one car at Riverwalk Carolinas, then take another to the Lake Wylie dam access point. From the dam, hop in your tube or boat and head down the river until you reach your second vehicle at Riverwalk Carolinas and can drive back to your starting point. The experience takes about 3.5 hours in total, depending on the river that day.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Cost: $79 per person for an all-access day pass; single-activity cost passes vary
Adventurous families will love spending the day at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. While swimming isn’t available, adrenaline-inducing water activities are plentiful. Whitewater rafting and whitewater kayaking are available on the man made whitewater river, which is the largest in the world. Flatwater kayaking and stand up paddleboarding are available on the open waters of the Catawba River and Long Creek. Plus, you can deep water solo climb into a pool at the facility.
The Whitewater Center is open year round, with activities changing based on season. Be sure to check its website to see what’s available and reserve your spot ahead of time before heading out.
Additional public swimming and water sport spots
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Location: 2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Cost: $16 per person for a two-hour kayak rental; 50% off for members
Anne Springs Close Greenway is a 2,100-acre natural preserve located in Fort Mill, SC. Among activities like hiking, horseback riding and biking, you’ll also find water sports open to the public that take place on the reserve’s Lake Haigler.
You can kayak and paddleboard on the lake on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 5 through Aug 2. in 2024. Advanced reservations are required and can be made in two-hour increments, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Swimming is not permitted in the lake, but you can fish there.
Cane Creek Park
Location: 5213 Harkey Rd, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Cost: $4 entrance fee per vehicle, plus $2 per person for swimming and pedal boat rentals, and $4 per person per hour for kayak and canoe rentals
Cane Creek Park surrounds a massive 350-acre lake that is open to the public for activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, jon and pedal boating, and swimming.
Enjoy these activities with the whole family from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily in 2024. Plus, there are shelters and picnic areas available to rent for events, making Cane Creek Park the perfect place to spend a special summer day.
Carrigan Farms
Location: 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
Cost: $30 per person (cash only)
Swim in a natural quarry at Carrigan Farms this summer. Open swim began May 18 for the 2024 season, and you can make your reservation online with a $5 deposit per person, then pay the rest in cash when you arrive.
Once at the quarry, jump, swing and float into the open water until you work up an appetite. Then, stop by the snack stand for hamburgers, pizza, ice cream and more. Beer and wine are available for purchase, too. Life jackets are required for all guests unless a swim test is completed, and each guest is required to sign a waiver prior to swimming.
