Boat Ramps On Lake Wylie: Open Or Closed?

Lake Wylie, located between Rock Hill, SC, and Charlotte, NC, offers several boat access points for visitors. The lake, which was first created in 1904, spans across 12,177 acres, with 7,316 acres in South Carolina. There are five public boat access areas in South Carolina, including Allison Creek, which has four boat ramps open 365 days a year, and Ebenezer Park, which has three boat ramps. Other access areas include the Buster Boyd Access Area, which offers paved parking and boat ramps, and the Allen Fishing Access Area. For up-to-date information on boat ramp closures and lake levels, visitors are advised to refer to the Duke Energy website or the Duke Energy Lake View app.

Allison Creek Park boat ramps are open

Allison Creek Park in York County, South Carolina, features four boat ramps that are open 365 days a year. The boat ramps are located on the shores of Lake Wylie, at 2499 Viesta Road, York, SC 29745. Allison Creek has long been a popular access point for boaters in the county.

The boat ramps at Allison Creek Park are open to the public during daylight hours, and night access cards can be purchased for those wishing to use the ramps after the park has closed. The park does not offer boat, kayak, or canoe rentals, but there is a kayak/canoe launch available. If you plan to fish in Lake Wylie, a valid South Carolina fishing license is required for those aged 16 and older. These can be purchased at the Allison Creek Park office, as well as at area convenience stores, sporting goods stores, and bait and tackle shops.

In addition to the boat ramps, Allison Creek Park offers a fishing dock, three miles of trails, a playground, and picnic shelters. There is also a campground with 33 full hook-up RV campsites and 16 primitive tent sites available for overnight stays. The park is open from 7 am to 8 pm during March, April, September, and October.

For the latest information on lake levels and any area ramp closures, it is recommended to visit the Duke Energy website or download the Duke Energy Lake View app.

Ebenezer Park boat ramps are closed for renovation

The boat ramps at Ebenezer Park are a vital access point for many boaters in York County, and their closure is part of a larger renovation project that began in September 2024. The project has been in the works for about two years, with construction expected to last around nine months. The boat ramps, along with some picnic areas and the boat parking lot, were initially scheduled to reopen on Saturday, October 31, 2020, with a more significant opening to follow. However, as of June 2024, the boat ramps remain closed.

During the closure, boaters can utilize alternative access sites at Allison Creek and Nivens Creek, and the Buster Boyd Access Area in Lake Wylie. While the renovations may cause temporary inconvenience, the end result is anticipated to be well worth the wait. The 26-acre park will boast new features such as trails, basketball and sand volleyball courts, an improved parking lot, and the highly anticipated pier structure enclosing the swimming area.

The park superintendent, Pat Morrison, expressed excitement about the upcoming improvements, stating that the final product will be "really cool." The renovations address previous issues with erosion on the shores of Ebenezer Park and are primarily funded by hospitality taxes on prepared food and drinks in unincorporated areas. Additional funding comes from sales tax collected for camping reservations, supporting campground facilities and operations.

While access to the park is limited during the construction period, most guests understand and share Morrison's enthusiasm for the changes. The upgrades to Ebenezer Park are part of a broader effort by local leaders to improve access to water recreation in the area, including other projects on Lake Wylie and the Catawba River.

Night access cards for after-hours boating

Night access cards are available for purchase for boaters who want to use the boat ramps after the park closes to the general public. These cards can be purchased from the park office. It is important to note that night access cards are only for launching a boat after hours and cannot be used for other activities in the park, such as riding through the park after hours or fishing off the dock.

The boat ramps at Allison Creek Park are open 365 days a year, and there are four ramps available. Allison Creek has historically been a popular access point for York County boaters. Ebenezer Park, another popular access point with three boat ramps, is currently closed for renovations.

To purchase a night access card, boaters can visit the park office during regular business hours. The card will allow them to access the boat ramps after the park has closed for the day. It is important to note that the night access card is only valid for launching a boat and not for any other activities within the park after hours.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the fishing regulations in the area. If you are 16 years of age or older, you will need a valid South Carolina fishing license to fish in the South Carolina waters of Lake Wylie. These licenses can be obtained from the park office, convenience stores, sporting goods stores, and bait and tackle shops. A valid photo ID is required to purchase a fishing license.

Night access cards provide a convenient option for boaters who wish to launch their boats after regular park hours. By purchasing these cards, boaters can enjoy the flexibility of extended hours while still adhering to the park's regulations and guidelines.

South Carolina fishing license requirements

In South Carolina, anyone aged 16 or older is required to obtain a fishing license to fish in the state's waters. This rule applies to both residents and visitors. Anglers must keep their license on their person while fishing.

Types of Licenses:

South Carolina offers temporary (14-day), annual, or three-year licenses. The type of license you need depends on your residency, age, the species you're targeting, and other factors.

Resident Licenses:

To qualify as a resident, you must be domiciled in South Carolina for at least 30 days and provide proof of residency when obtaining your license. Military personnel and their dependents stationed in South Carolina for 30 days or more or domiciled in the state are eligible for resident privileges. Full-time students at a South Carolina educational institution are also eligible with a valid student ID.

The following resident licenses are available:

• Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses (14-day, annual, or three-year)
• Resident Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (for nongame devices)
• Resident Saltwater Fishing Licenses (14-day, annual, or three-year)
• Annual Public Fishing Pier License
• Resident Combination Fishing & Hunting Licenses (for hunting, big game, and freshwater fishing)
• Resident Sportsman License (for hunting, big game, wildlife management areas, and freshwater fishing)
• Resident Disability Fishing License or Disability Combination License
• Lifetime License (cost based on the applicant's age)

Non-Resident Licenses:

A non-resident is anyone who doesn't meet the definition of a resident. The following non-resident licenses are available:

• Nonresident Freshwater Fishing Licenses
• Nonresident Nongame Freshwater Fishing License (for nongame devices)
• Nonresident Saltwater Fishing Licenses
• Annual Public Fishing Pier License

Reciprocal Licenses:

If you have a valid freshwater fishing license from Georgia, you can fish in certain waters in South Carolina under a reciprocal license agreement. These waters include the Savannah River and the Chattooga River up to the boundary line between Georgia and North Carolina. This agreement also covers several impoundments, including Thurmond, Russell, and Hartwell.

Costs:

The cost of a South Carolina fishing license varies depending on the type of license and your residency status. For example, in 2021, a 3-year freshwater fishing license for residents was $30, while the non-resident price for the same license was $105.

Where to Buy:

You can obtain a South Carolina fishing license online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website. You'll need a Social Security number and proof of residency for a resident license, such as a driver's license or identification card. You can also purchase a license in person at various local license vendors or by mailing in an application.

Buster Boyd Access Area boat ramps

The Buster Boyd Access Area in Lake Wylie, York County, South Carolina, has four boat ramps, two of which are open to the public. The area is managed by Duke Energy and is a popular landing spot with several stores, marinas, and restaurants within walking distance. It is located at 310 Blucher Circle, Lake Wylie, SC 29710, and can be reached by taking I-77 exit #90, going northwest on Carowinds Blvd. for 3.8 kilometres (2.4 miles), turning left onto NC #49 and going west for 9.5 kilometres (5.9 miles), and then turning right on the first road past the bridge. The boat ramps are in close proximity to offsite restrooms, and there is plenty of paved parking available.

Frequently asked questions