Landsford Canal State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
At Landsford Canal is the river ever too low to paddle?
Yes and No! From the main area at Landsford you actually have two directions to paddle. When the water is low, downstream through the shoals is extremely difficult. There are a lot of rocks and rock shelves that can stop your boat. When the water is low (we recommend around 1500 to 2000 cubic feet per second flow rate for downstream paddles) visitors can paddle upstream easily as it is deep (around 20 feet in front of the main area) and very slow current speed. There are a few areas with scattered rocks but it is slow and deep for almost 5 miles. Then just turn around and paddle back to where you put in!
At Landsford Canal is the river ever too high to paddle?
Yes. We are dam controlled from Lake Wylie 25 miles to our north. The dam can produce water from almost nothing to around 13,000 cfs. Optimum water levels for most paddlers for downstream is 2000 to 3000 cfs, so the dam can produce water levels 6 times what is recommended. Anything over 4000 cfs should be paddled by very experienced paddlers only, and in whitewater boats. Most paddlers here are in canoes and recreational kayaks. These don’t have skirts or covers. Higher water means higher waves in this section which can fill up a boat quickly and cause a capsize. As the water rises, its speed also increases increasing the danger in this section.
How can I find out about river levels?
The USGS website has river gauges for the entire US. There are two gauges on this section of the Catawba that show river flows that can help visitors decide which way to paddle or if it is safe. The uppermost gauge is at the Hwy. 21 bridge crossing
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?format=gif&period=14&site_no=02146000 the second gauge is at the Hwy. 5 bridge
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/sc/nwis/uv?02147020. The key in looking at these is remembering our recommended flows for here are around 1800 cfs to 3000 cfs for most beginners to intermediate level paddlers. When checking these note the times on the charts. Now remember that the upper Hwy.21 gauge is 20 miles to our north. It takes around 6 hours for the water level at Hwy 21 to get down to Landsford. So, you can look at both gauges to see what the level is now (Hwy 5 gauge) and whether it will be coming up or going down.
When do the eagles nest?
Our eagles are a little later than most book predicted nesting period. Our nesting eagles have been here since 1995. Usually, we estimate egg lay around the end of February. This puts hatching around the first of April and fledging (when the young leave the nest) near June 1st. This is based on years of watching these birds raise young here. Once the young have fledged, the adults will be training them out on the river for several months before the young move on to find their own territory!
What is the best time to see the eagles?
While it is impossible to predict the actions of a wild animal, many people come here during the nesting season to try and see the eagles at or around the nest. When the birds are sitting on an egg(s), they are tucked down inside the nest and difficult to spot unless they fly out or in. Once the eggs hatch though, the adults will bring food to the young several times a day so from around the first week of April to the first of June, you may be able to see not only the adults bringing food but the last month or so the young eagles can be very active around the nest.
Where can you fish at Landsford?
You can fish anywhere on the Catawba, but there are some preferred places at the park. Remembering that water levels upstream from the main parking area are deep and areas south or below the main area are shallow/fast water may help you decide where to fish. There are several areas in the picnic area with good access to the open deep water. Most people that fish downstream like to step out on the rocks and fish the shallow pools. *Please use caution around river banks and wading out in the water. Water levels can change rapidly and without warning!
What kind of fish are at Landsford Canal?
Most warm water fish species are well represented here. The main species that are fished for here are: several species of catfish, several species of bream, largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie. There is a pretty good April run with the white bass, and most people fishing for catfish use the deeper north picnic area. Some “records”: 8 pound largemouth right in front of the log house, 22 pound channel catfish at sand bar just above the picnic area. Other species of interest: Carp over 20 pounds and long nosed gar over 4 feet long!
When are recreational boating flows scheduled?
Duke has been doing these as testing flows previous to the issuance of their license. Once they receive their new license it will be mandatory requirements. For Now you can see their recreational flow schedule from this link:
http://www.duke-energy.com/lakes/scheduled-flow-releases.asp . The left hand column here has several other useful links about Duke lakes and water releases.
What poisonous snakes can be found at Landsford?
Like many parks, animal and plant species have been studied here for many years. Lists are recorded and new species are added by verified sightings by qualified professionals. While Landsford has quite a few species of snakes documented here, the only poisonous species ever recorded here is the Copperhead. While many people often confuse some of the non-poisonous snakes with poisonous ones, sightings of Copperheads are fairly rare by visitors as they usually prefer to hunt right near dusk which is after we close during the warmer months. All our watersnakes (4 species, banded, brown, red-bellied and queen) are non-poisonous but can be large and heavy and incorrectly identified as “moccasins”. Every plant and animal species here are protected, so if you have questions, please ask a ranger.
When is the Lily Fest?
Our festival always falls on the third Sunday in May. This helps us avoid competition for our musical groups, and falls during the peak time for the lilies. The event is from noon to 5 pm and is free with your general park admission payment.
How do I make a reservation at a state park?
Reservations at state parks may be made up to 11 months in advance. There are three convenient ways to make reservations at South Carolina State Parks:
Call toll free 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
Online at
SouthCarolinaParks.com or
click here to reserve
At the park of your choice, by calling the park directly
Reservations for group camps or primitive camping must still be made through the state parks.
Camping Reservations: Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Campsite reservations require payment in full at the time the reservation is made.
Cabin Reservations & Day Use Facilities: Reservations requested LESS THAN three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Wednesday and you are making a reservation for the upcoming Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.
How far in advance may I make a reservation?
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For example: If you would like to check in on November 1, 2012 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2011.
What is the cancellation policy for park reservations?
Fees assessed to reservation cancellations or changes are based on the amount of notice given in advance of the arrival date. Transaction fees are not refundable. Below is more detailed information:
CANCELLATION POLICY:
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LODGING
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CAMPING
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DAY-USE
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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30+ Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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15+ Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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15+ Days
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No Charge
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15-29 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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0-14 Days
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Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
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Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
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Entire deposit
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TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
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LODGING
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CAMPING
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DAY-USE
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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30+ Days
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No Charge
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15+ Days
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No Charge
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15+ Days
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No Charge
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15-29 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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0-14 Days
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Cancellation Required
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0-3 Days
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Cancellation Required
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0-3 Days
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Cancellation Required
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* Changes that result in additional nights reserved will not incur handling fees or penalties, but will be subject to non-refundable transaction fees for the additional nights.
EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY: Cancellation Policy applies in conjunction with Fee Policy for Emergency Waivers.
Are pets allowed in state parks?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.
Which parks offer free wi-fi internet service?
The following parks offer free wifi in some capacity on the park: Caesars Head State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Dreher Island State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Hunting Island State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Santee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Lake Hartwell State Park. For more detailed information, please contact the park you are interested in visiting, directly.
What is the discount policy for senior citizens, blind and disabled citizens?
South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age, legally blind or disabled, qualify for certain rate reductions. Proof of age or disability is required. These qualifying residents receive 35% off admission fees, camping, picnic shelters, golf greens fees and fishing pier admission. In order to receive the camping discount, qualifying individuals MUST occupy the site reserved. Also these qualifying residents may purchase a Palmetto Passport for $37.50 (50% off) for admission to all state parks for the period of one year. There are NO rate reductions for lodging, building or meeting facility rentals, leased facilities, resale items or equipment rentals.
Do out-of-state senior citizens, blind or disabled citizens receive any discounts?
The same rate reductions as listed in the question above are extended to out-of-state U.S. residents only at the following parks: Baker Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hamilton Branch, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek, EXCEPT for the Palmetto Passport discount.
What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?
What are your geocaching guidlelines for state parks and state park properties?
How can I get printed information on state park camping and lodging?
Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?
What is the minimum age required to reserve/occupy a campsite?
To reserve and/or occupy a campsite, a member of the party must be least 18 years of age and present at the time of check in. They must also be present on the site with the camping equipment.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on park property?
It is unlawful for any person to consume or display in public any beverage of alcoholic content, including beer and wine, except where specifically authorized by the Department.
Are golf carts permitted on state parks?
For information regarding the use of a personal golf cart, please contact the individual park that you plan to visit.