If you’re in the Charlotte area and you’re looking for a beach between your beach trips, check out Ebenezer Park, 4490 Boatshore Road, Rock Hill, SC. The park is 26 miles from the center of Charlotte, which shouldn’t be more than a 40-minute drive unless something is amiss on I-77.
Ebenezer Park is a 26-acre York County park on the shores of Lake Wylie. It features one of the few public beaches on either Lake Wylie or Lake Norman, so that alone is a big draw. The sand beach leads to a large swimming area thats bordered by a circular pier.
Read on to learn about swimming, camping, boating, fishing, and more at Ebenezer Park. We are including the current day pass fees, as well as and information about a park renovation starting September 15, 2023, that will have the park closed for 9-12 months. We also answer the popular question: can dogs swim at Ebenezer Park?
Also, Ebenezer Park recently announced a change in admission on June 22, 2023:
It has recently experienced unprecedented demand, which has led to high vehicular traffic volumes and hazardous conditions on the entrance road, nearby neighborhoods, and within the park itself.
Ebenezer Park’s Facebook Page
As a result, effective immediately, Ebenezer Park will close the park to new visitors once the park reaches full capacity. In addition, pedestrian traffic (walk-ins and bicycles) will no longer be admitted into the park when the park is at capacity. Park staff will admit patrons on a first-come first-serve basis until the park reaches full capacity. Therefore, all park visitors will need to plan ahead, especially on weekends and holidays. Once Ebenezer Park has reached full capacity, park staff will no longer allow vehicle stacking or wait lines for park entry at later times in the day. Individuals who park offsite and attempt to enter the park on-foot will be denied admission and asked to return to their vehicles.
The Swim Beach at Ebenezer Park
The sandy beach provides plenty of room for lounging and sandcastle-building. The pier that encircles the swimming area has swinging benches that face both the beach and Lake Wylie. Jumping and diving from the pier is not allowed.
No lifeguard is on duty. Swim at your own risk. Water shoes and life jackets are recommended. No swimming is permitted outside the designated swim area.
Several visitors have mentioned that there are some sharp rocks in the lake, so the water shoe recommendation is important.
The swimming area is open for swimming year-round.
There are restrooms and picnic tables near the swim beach. There’s also a shaded area with lounge chairs overlooking the swim beach.
You might also be interested in where to swim in the Charlotte area.
Can Dogs Swim at Ebenezer Park?
Yes! But not everywhere, all the time. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming area from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During that time of year, they can enter the water outside of the swimming area Monday to Thursday, around the boat ramps. From Friday to Sunday, pets need to keep to the water in the cove to the left of the boat ramps, where it’s less crowded.
During the off-season, between Labor Day and Memorial Day, pets can swim at any location in the park, except around any high-volume boat traffic at the boat ramps.
Pet owners can not enter the water with their pets.
Day Passes at Ebenezer Park
A day pass or annual pass is required to enter the park. Discounts are offered to York County residents, seniors (age 60+), children, York County employees, and disabled people.
When Ebenezer Park holds a special event, a day pass may night be required.
York County Resident Rates
- $3.00 per York County resident adult (ages 17+) day pass
- $1.00 per York County discount seniors (60 +)/disabled/York County Employee day pass
- $1.00 per York County resident children (ages 6-16)
- Free for children (ages 5 & under)
- $40.00 Annual Pass (also allows admission to Allison Creek Park)
- $20.00 Annual Pass *Seniors (60+)/disabled/York County Employee
Non County Resident Rates
- $5.00 per non-resident adult (ages 17+) day pass
- $2.00 per non-resident *Seniors/disabled day pass
- $2.00 per non-resident children (ages 6-16)
- Free for children (ages 5 & under)
- $80.00 Annual Pass (also allows admission to Allison Creek Park)
- $40.00 Annual Pass *Senior/disabled
Boating and Fishing at Ebenezer Park
The park includes three public boat ramps and a boat trailer parking lot. The only cost is the day or annual pass (see above.)
There’s a kayak launch next to the other boat ramps.
The park does not offer boat rental.
Learn about boat rentals in Charlotte.
Bank fishing is permitted, except within 50 feet of the boat ramps, boat docks and swimming area. A South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone age 16 or older. Licenses can be purchased at area convenience stores, sporting goods stores and bait and tackle shops. They can be purchased from the Ebenezer Park Ranger Station Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More information on boating and fishing.
Camping at Ebenezer Park
Ebenezer Park has 66 campsites. Each includes water, sewer, electric, a fire ring and a picnic table. Improvements are in store for the campsites. Keep read on for the temporary closure notice.
More Facilities at Ebenezer Park
The park also includes a volleyball and basketball court, and a playground.
Several shelters are available to rent for your event. There is a large and a small picnic shelter, as well as an enclosed event shelter, which can be opened up for a view of the lake.
Special Events at Ebenezer Park
Throughout the spring and summer months, Ebenezer Park hosts several special events. Often, there is no day pass required for admission to these events.
Keep reading for a list of upcoming events in South Carolina, which will include any Ebenezer Park events on Charlotte on the Cheap’s calendar.
Ebenezer Park Temporary Closure
The park will be closing for renovations starting September 15, 2023. The renovations include improvements and additions to the campsites, paving campground roads, updating water and sewer lines, and modernizing the restrooms and concessions stand.
The renovations are expected to take 9 to 12 months.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Charlotte on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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