Here’s what you need to know about Lake Norman’s new beach
Residents of Mecklenburg County have been asking for a beach and a place to swim at Lake Norman for a long time. This spring, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation opened Ramsey Creek Beach at the existing Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius. Since opening, an estimated 50,000 people have used the park.
The beach opened this past Memorial Day weekend.
“It was a perfect storm of circumstances,” said Chris Hunter, parks and recreation manager for 60 parks in the county.
The weather was beautiful and the new beach attracted more people than were expected. Parking lots became full and some parked a mile away and walked in carrying chairs, coolers and grills. Hunt estimates that at least a thousand people came on those first days.
The parking issues associated with the crowds have been cause for complaints from local residents and visitors.
Too many amenities jammed into a small park with limited parking and marginal access. Was built to launch watercraft. #ramseycreekpark
— Brian Cox (@eBrianCox) June 18, 2016
To their credit, park staff made changes quickly to accommodate the large number of visitors. They partnered with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) to run a free shuttle to Ramsey Creek Beach on weekends and holidays from the Northcross Park and Ride lot in Huntersville.
In addition, the county increased parking attendants and added more signs to direct people where to park. Staff will continue to work with the community to determine ways to improve the park and decrease the impact on the local residents.
According to Hunter, the fenced area for the beach fits 500 people comfortably. There is 1/3 of an acre of beach and almost the same in the roped-off swimming area. Staff count each hour to keep track of visitors. Once the park gets closer to capacity, they count more often and start a ten-in, ten-out rule.
I visited the park early on a Thursday, after these changes had been made. It was clean, easy to access and family friendly. Our group stayed for several hours enjoying the water and beach.
As for feedback from visitors, Hunter said, “Hearing a little boy or girl talk about this being their first time at the beach is a gift.”
Admission Fees
$5 per car, Mecklenburg County resident, Monday – Thursday
$10 per car, Mecklenburg County resident, Friday – Sunday, holidays
$5 walk-in, individuals 14 years and older
$3 walk-in, children 6-13 years old
Free, children under 6 years old
$10 per car, non-Mecklenburg County resident, Monday – Thursday
$15 per car, non-Mecklenburg County resident, Friday – Sunday, holidays
Hours
Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Shuttle
- Free to ride shuttle
- Park at 17126 Northcross Drive
- Available on weekends and holidays
- Runs every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Admission to the park is free for shuttle users
Pro Tips
- Wear flip-flops or water shoes to protect your feet from the smooth pebbles on the bottom of the lake.
- Bring drinks and food. There are no vending machines. Shaved ice food truck and other food vendors may be available, but not on a regular basis.
- Pack an umbrella if you are concerned about sun exposure. There are limited shaded and sheltered areas.
- Visit weekday and early mornings to avoid crowds.
- Choose any bathroom. They are all individual and unisex.
18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius
This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Here’s what you need to know about Lake Norman’s new beach."