Beach on the river (Columbia, Rock Hill: to live, swimming, best)

[clemsonbrad]

Is there any place along the Catawba around Ft. Mill to hang out on a beach of sorts and swim in the river? I keep looking when I drive over the Cherry Road bridge and I-77, but don't really see a place.

I loved going to the river in Columbia next to the Riverbanks zoo and hang on the rocks/beach and swim in the river when I used to live there. Would love to find something like that here.

Thanks!

[greenvillesc]

Here is a park that has access to Lake Wylie, but it's in Rock Hill. I've heard that the park is very nice and fairly new. There is swimming access, I think.
Ebenezer Park of Rock Hill

Links to Catawba River access : The Fort Mill access link has some further pictures, too. Looks sort of "remote." Never been there!
South Carolina River Runner's Handbook

[fabfivefigo]

As far as river access goes, RIver Park in Rock Hill (off of Red River Rd.) is probably the best bet. I'm not sure if any of the access can be described as beachy, but there is plenty of open river access.

Overall, I'm not sure I'd want to swim in the Catawba in this area, as when the water is up enough to make swimming worthwhile, the flow is pretty quick.

[RockThrill]

River Park does not allow swimming....ClemsonBrad, I moved here from Columbia and use to go to the exact same spot at Riverbanks. I have yet to find a place that is anywhere close to that experience. York County combines with Duke Energy did very poor planning in giving the public access to water recreation unless of course you are fortunate to either own property or a boat.

[Keykitty]

We live in Gaffney and have 2 dogs that love to swim. We'd love to find a place close by that we could take them for the day and go swimming with them. Anyone have any suggestions?