Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina (NC State Parks), with public launches run by Duke Energy, Mecklenburg County and Lake Norman State Park. Paddlers looking for calm water can try Park Lake inside the state park. In drought, Duke Energy may close some ramps for safety (reported May 2026), so check lake levels before you go.
10 verified from official source0 not confirmed yetHow we verify
Long Island Access Area (Duke Energy)
✓ Verified from official source
Lake Norman · Last checked
City / County
Catawba / Not confirmed, NC
Fee
Not confirmed
Parking
Not confirmed
Ramp type
Boat ramp (Not confirmed: lanes/surface)
Restrooms
Not confirmed
Hours
Not confirmed
Nearby rentals
Not confirmed
Nearby camping
Not confirmed
Notes
Address: 8400 Long Island Road, Catawba, NC 28609 (per Carolina Thread Trail). Northernmost put-in of the Catawba River Blueway Lake Norman section; managed by Duke Energy (800-829-5253). OSM tags the ramp fee=no, not confirmed by Duke.
Address: State Rd 1301, Mooresville, NC 28117 (per Carolina Thread Trail). Duke lists new picnic facilities, fishing pier, trail and more parking. Coordinates are the OSM park centroid, not the exact ramp.
Address: 788 State Road 1115, Mooresville, NC 28117 (per Carolina Thread Trail). Duke lists picnic facilities, fishing pier, bank fishing stations, trails and more parking.
Address: 8335 Seipel Dr, Denver, NC 28037 (per Carolina Thread Trail). Duke lists a fishing pier, swim beach and extra parking (complete) and a playground. Busy with powerboats on weekends.
Boat launch fees apply (season passes available); per-car park entry fees during beach season (source)
Parking
On-site lot; no entry once full, no parking on Nantz Rd or nearby streets
Ramp type
Four boat ramps
Restrooms
Not confirmed
Hours
7am-sunset daily (Mecklenburg County)
Nearby rentals
Not confirmed
Nearby camping
Not confirmed
Notes
Address: 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius, NC 28031. Phone 980-314-1001. Also playground, picnic shelters, ADA fishing pier, trails, dog park. County says the swim beach is closed for the 2026 season. Only county-approved rental companies may launch here.
Lake Norman Community Sailing (on site) offers memberships for sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, 704-947-7245
Nearby camping
Not confirmed
Notes
Address: 15901 NC Highway 73, Huntersville, NC 28078. Phone 980-314-1000. Playground and picnic areas. Coordinates are the OSM park centroid. Very busy powerboat area on weekends.
