Boat Ramps In South Carolina: Open Or Closed?

South Carolina is known for its beautiful state parks and waterways, which are popular for boating, fishing, and kayaking. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, public boat ramps and landings on South Carolina's lakes, rivers, and waterways were closed to prevent the spread of the virus, causing frustration among outdoor enthusiasts. As of 2024, boating in South Carolina is back in action, with many state parks providing access to coveted waters. So, if you're wondering about the accessibility of boat ramps in South Carolina, read on to find out more about the current status and the various options available to boating enthusiasts in the state.

Boating in South Carolina during COVID-19

South Carolina is a great place for boating, with its state parks providing access to some of the most coveted waters in the state. There are many boat ramps and landings across the state, on its lakes, rivers, and waterways, as well as access to the Atlantic Ocean. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these were closed to the public.

On March 31st, 2020, an executive order was passed by Governor Henry McMaster, closing all public boat ramps and landings in South Carolina. This included popular spots in Charleston, such as Riverland Terrace Boat Landing and Limehouse Boat Landing on Johns Island. The order was enforced by the City of Charleston police and DNR officers. This was due to gatherings of boaters off Capers Island and other islands and sandbars along the coast, which went against social distancing rules. Commercial fishermen with licenses were still allowed to launch.

The closure of these public access points to the water left many communities struggling to figure out enforcement and caused frustration for those who wanted to get out on the water. Some people were able to sneak into the water at the Charleston County landing at Wappoo Cut. However, others were forced to remove their boats from the water, like Erven Roper, owner of Redfish Charters, who was trying to cut expenses during the pandemic.

While public access to beaches, lakes, and rivers was barred, there were some exceptions. Lakes Marion, Moultrie, and Murray remained open, and anglers could fish if they found private access to these waters. It is unclear how long the closures remained in place, but it seems likely that they were temporary measures to control the spread of COVID-19.

Boat ramps and landings closed in 2020

On March 31, 2020, an executive order was passed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to close all public boat ramps and landings on the state's lakes, rivers, and waterways. This decision was made in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and followed similar closures of beaches and beach paths. The closure of these boat ramps and landings created enforcement challenges for local authorities.

The closure of these boat access points left many South Carolina residents frustrated as they lost an outlet for their energy and a way to de-stress during the pandemic. This was especially true for fans of outdoor recreation, including fishing, which was added to the list of activities no longer permitted on state-owned freshwater lakes. While some lakes, such as Marion, Moultrie, and Murray, remained open to anglers with private access, the closure of public boat ramps and landings significantly limited recreational opportunities for many residents and visitors to the state.

The Riverland Terrace Boat Landing in Charleston, for example, was monitored by City of Charleston police officer Sean Engles following the executive order. Commercial fishermen with licenses were still allowed to launch, but recreational boaters and kayakers were denied access. This created a challenging situation for law enforcement and disappointed many who wanted to take advantage of the state's waterways.

The closure of boat ramps and landings in South Carolina in 2020 was a necessary step to help control the spread of COVID-19. While it caused frustration for some residents, it was a temporary measure to protect the health and safety of the public.

Private access to water during closures

On March 31, 2020, an executive order was passed by Governor Henry McMaster to close all public boat ramps and landings on South Carolina's lakes, rivers, and waterways. This was done to prevent gatherings and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. However, those with private beach walkovers and backyard docks could still access the water.

If you have private access to lakes Marion, Moultrie, and Murray, you are allowed to fish. You can also anchor in streams and rivers if you can find a private access point. Keep in mind that commercial fishermen with licenses are still permitted to launch their boats.

To find private access to the water, you can use resources such as the South Carolina Parks Official Site, which provides information on state parks that offer boat launches and rentals. For example, Edisto Beach State Park provides a boat launch to Big Bay Creek and the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, you can launch your boat at Dreher Island State Park to access Lake Murray or Devils Fork State Park for the only public boat landing on Lake Jocassee.

In addition, some parks offer access to free-flowing rivers for canoeing and kayaking, such as Colleton and Aiken, which provide access to the Edisto River and the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. Cheraw and Goodale State Parks also have canoe trails within their boundaries. Utilizing these private access points can help you get out on the water during closures of public boat ramps and landings.

Commercial fishing during boat ramp closures

Commercial fishing is a regulated activity in South Carolina, with specific rules and requirements that must be followed. While I cannot find explicit information on boat ramp closures in South Carolina, I can provide an overview of commercial fishing regulations and how they may be impacted by such closures.

Commercial Fishing Regulations in South Carolina:

• A commercial saltwater license, mandatory harvester training, and other licenses and permits are required for commercial shellfish harvesting.
• Commercial fishing for shad and herring in freshwaters is regulated under saltwater fisheries laws, regardless of location within the state.
• Specific gear licenses and permits are needed for commercial fishing using cast nets, shad gill nets, or herring gill nets.
• Commercial fishing licenses are required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, or both, depending on the location of the fishing activities.

Boat Ramp Closures:

Boat ramp closures can impact commercial fishing activities by limiting access to the water. During closures, commercial fishers may not be able to launch their boats and carry out their regular fishing operations. This can result in disruptions to their business and livelihood.

Possible Alternatives During Boat Ramp Closures:

• Utilize state parks with boat launches: Some state parks in South Carolina, such as Edisto Beach State Park and Dreher Island State Park, provide access to boat launches. Commercial fishers can explore alternative launch sites through state parks to continue their operations.
• Explore other water bodies: During boat ramp closures, commercial fishers can consider accessing different water bodies that may have open ramps or alternative access points. This may involve travelling to a different area or region within the state.
• Advocate for amended access restrictions: As mentioned in the quote from CCA South Carolina, organizations and individuals in the commercial fishing industry can voice their concerns to local governments and encourage the reconsideration of boat ramp closures. Suggesting additional protocols or social distancing measures that would allow for the continued use of boat ramps can be beneficial.

It is important for commercial fishers to stay informed about any boat ramp closures and to follow local regulations to ensure their operations remain compliant. They should also be aware of any alternative access points or permits required to continue their fishing activities during such closures.

State parks with boat ramps

South Carolina's state parks offer access to some of the most coveted waters in the state, from speed boats to pedal boats. Boat ramps can be found in many state parks, providing access to lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

Edisto Beach State Park, located on Edisto Island, offers a boat launch to Big Bay Creek and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a great spot for fishing, shrimping, or simply exploring the waterways. Dreher Island State Park provides access to Lake Murray, while Devils Fork State Park is the only public boat landing on Lake Jocassee. Colleton and Aiken are excellent for paddling and offer access to the Edisto River, including the Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. Cheraw and Goodale State Parks feature beautiful and secluded canoe trails within their boundaries.

Lake lovers will also enjoy Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek State Parks, which provide access to the expansive Savannah, Seneca, Tugaloo, and Chauga Rivers. Lake Jocassee, a crystal-clear mountain lake, can be accessed through Devils Fork State Park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife management areas. Lake Keowee, located downstream, is known for its serene mountain setting and can be accessed through Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

For those seeking larger lakes, Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina, offers public access through Santee State Park and Santee National Wildlife Refuge. Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre lake in the Midlands, is popular for fishing and water sports, with access points at Dreher Island State Park and various public boat ramps. Lake Russell, straddling the border of Georgia and South Carolina, is perfect for water sports and can be accessed through Calhoun Falls State Park.

Additionally, Baker Creek State Park, Hamilton Branch State Park, and Hickory Knob State Resort Park are located on the shores of Thurmond Lake, one of the most visited Corps lakes in the nation. Lake Warren State Park grants access to the 200-acre recreational Lake George Warren, while Lake Wateree State Park offers boat ramps and access to one of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes, known for its excellent fishing opportunities.

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