Boating and Fishing
Information

From sunrise casts to sunset cruises — enjoy our lakes the responsible way. Boating and fishing are permitted at Lyman Lake and Lake Cooley, provided you have the appropriate permit and license. For your convenience and enjoyment, SJWD maintains boating ramps and fishing docks at both lakes. Operating hours are posted at each site and may vary seasonally. Please note that park gates close at sunset, and all boats must be off the lake 30 minutes prior to this time. Jet skis are not allowed at either lake. Water skiing is permitted only on Lyman Lake. For additional details regarding boat permits, dock and slip specifications, and horsepower restrictions for each lake, please refer to the information provided below.

Boat Permit and Fee Schedule

Boat Permits for Lyman Lake Only

Lyman Lake (only)

Spartanburg County Residents:  $60

South Carolina Residents: $120

Out of State:  $240

You must bring your boat/vessel registration card and a valid ID to the Warden office located at 200 Lyman Lodge Road during the office hours of 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday-Sunday.  Please note we only accept card payments, NO CASH or CHECK payments are accepted.

All boats (including non-motorized watercraft) must display an annually issued SJWD boating permit sticker.

Disabled Veterans presenting a Certificate of Discharge (DD-214)  are eligible to receive a free boat permit.

Boat Permits for Lyman Lake and Lake Cooley

Lyman Lake and Lake Cooley

Spartanburg County Residents:  $40

South Carolina Residents: $80

Out of State:  $120

You must bring your boat/vessel registration card and a valid ID to the Warden office located at 200 Lyman Lodge Road during the office hours of 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday-Sunday.  Please note we only accept card payments, NO CASH or CHECK payments are accepted.

All boats (including non-motorized watercraft) must display an annually issued SJWD boating permit sticker.

Disabled Veterans presenting a Certificate of Discharge (DD-214)  are eligible to receive a free boat permit.

Boat Permits for Non-Motorized Watercraft

All non-motorized watercraft permit fee: $5.00

(Includes access on Lyman Lake, Lake Cooley, and Berry’s Pond)

You must bring your boat/vessel registration card and a valid ID to the Warden office located at 200 Lyman Lodge Road during the office hours of 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday-Sunday.  Please note we only accept card payments, NO CASH or CHECK payments are accepted.

All boats (including non-motorized watercraft) must display an annually issued SJWD boating permit sticker.

Disabled Veterans presenting a Certificate of Discharge (DD-214)  are eligible to receive a free boat permit.

Boat Dock and Slip Specifications

Dock Specifications

SJWD Dock Specifications 

Slip Specifications

SJWD Slip Specifications 

Horsepower Restrictions

Lyman Lake

Lyman Lake:  Motors shall not exceed 90 hp (outboard) or 135 hp (inboard)

Lake Cooley

Lake Cooley: Motors shall not exceed 15 hp (Except for Pontoons which shall not exceed 30 hp)

Lake Policies and Procedures To better protect the reservoirs as a source of drinking water, SJWD’s Board of Commissioners has adopted certain Policies and Procedures. These Policies and Procedures are also intended to better protect the buffer zone that the District owns around the lakes. In addition, they are guidelines for providing safe recreation for all who use the lakes. Your compliance with these Policies and Procedures is vital for the safeguarding of this essential water resource. SJWD is committed to protecting these water resources and will enforce these policies. Click Here to Learn More

SJWD Wardens Office

200 Lyman Lodge Road, Lyman SC 29365

For hours and other information, please call 864-949-2830