Boating and fishing are allowed at Lyman Lake and Lake Cooley, with an appropriate permit and license. For your convenience and enjoyment, SJWD maintains boating ramps and fishing docks at each lake.
Hours of operation are posted at the individual sites and may vary seasonally. Please note that park gates close at each location at official sunset and all boats must be off the lake 30 minutes prior to that time. Jet skis are NOT permitted at either lake. Water skiing is allowed only on Lyman Lake.
The horsepower restrictions for each lake are as follows:
Lyman Lake: Motors shall not exceed 90 hp (outboard) or 135 hp (inboard)
Lake Cooley: Motors shall not exceed 15 hp (Except for Pontoons which shall not exceed 30 hp)
BOAT PERMITS: All boats (including non-motorized watercraft) must display an annually issued SJWD boating permit sticker.
To apply online: Complete the permit application and submit payment via the links shown below. Once the application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Please bring this confirmation email and boat/watercraft to the SJWD Wardens Office for an inspection and to receive your boat permit sticker.
Kayak/Other Non-Motorized Permit Application
To apply in-person: You may also complete the permit application and make payment onsite at the SJWD Wardens office. Please note, NO CASH payments are accepted onsite. Payment onsite must be made by check or card only.
SJWD Wardens Office
200 Lyman Lodge Road, Lyman SC 29365
For hours and other information, please call 864-949-2830
To learn more about SJWD’s lake policies, click here.
