Lake Norman

A new public beach is now open in the Charlotte area. Where to enjoy sand & sun

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Key Takeaways

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  • A new public beach opened at Beatty’s Ford Park on Lake Norman.
  • The beach features restrooms, concessions, parking, and operates Wednesday–Sunday.
  • Entry fees vary by residency status; updates posted on Lincoln County’s Facebook page.

Charlotte area residents now have a new destination for summer swimming.

Beatty’s Ford Park in Denver, 8335 Shipley Ln in Lake Norman, is now open for all.

The site includes a concession building with bathrooms and paved parking. It will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Duke Energy, which is behind the project, is required to provide amenities on the lake under its 2006 Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement, The Charlotte Observer reported. The utility company must also do so as a condition for keeping its hydroelectric operating license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The new swim beach on Lake Norman is at Beatty’s Ford Park in Denver.
The new swim beach on Lake Norman is at Beatty’s Ford Park in Denver. Courtesy of Lincoln County Parks and Recreation.

“We are very excited for this project as it will add another amenity for Lincoln County families and visitors. Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake in the state of North Carolina, and creating a safe and enjoyable access for the public to enjoy adds to the caliber of our community,” John Davis, the county’s parks and recreation director, previously said in a news release.

Beatty’s Ford Park is now the third public access area for swimming on Lake Norman, after Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius and Lake Norman State Park in Troutman.

When will Beatty’s Ford Park be open?

The beach will be open from noon-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. There will not be a lifeguard on duty, officials said.

Lincoln County officials held a ceremony to officially open the beach on June 5.
Lincoln County officials held a ceremony to officially open the beach on June 5. Courtesy of Lincoln County Parks and Recreation

Is there a beach entry fee?

Admission is temporarily cash only. Here are the admission fees for the beach:

  • Children 5 and under (Lincoln County resident): Free

  • Children over 6 (Lincoln County resident): $2

  • Adults (Lincoln County resident): $3

  • Children (non-Lincoln County resident): $3

  • Adults (non-Lincoln County resident): $6

Beachgoers can follow the Lincoln County Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates about closings, weather and safety issues.

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Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
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