York County Council Eliminates Park Entrance Fees for Residents Starting July 1

YORK COUNTY, SC — Beginning July 1, 2025, York County residents will no longer be required to pay daily entrance fees at county-operated parks, following a decision made by York County Council as part of the approved 2025-2026 fiscal year budget.

The change applies to all York County citizens and is aimed at improving access to outdoor recreation for local families and individuals. To offset the revenue loss from eliminating local entry fees, the county will increase entrance fees for non-residents visiting the parks.

The initiative affects several popular park destinations, including:

• Ebenezer Park in Rock Hill, a lakeside facility with boat ramps, camping, and fishing.

• Allison Creek Park near Lake Wylie, offering hiking trails and water access.

• Bethel Lake Wylie Preservation Park, a nature-focused park along Crowders Creek.

• Nanny’s Mountain Historical Park, known for its natural trails and historical iron ore mining site.

• Field Day Park at Lake Wylie, a multipurpose facility with sports fields, event space, and a playground.

• Catawba Bend Preserve, an ongoing conservation and recreation project along the Catawba River.

• Veterans Park in Clover, featuring memorials, walking paths, and open space.

• Worth Mountain Wilderness Area, a natural retreat for hiking and wildlife observation.

County leaders say the policy change is designed to encourage more in-county usage of public recreational spaces and to recognize the contributions of local taxpayers.

The updated fee structure for out-of-county visitors will be published on the York County Parks website closer to the July 1 implementation date. County residents may be asked to show proof of residency to access parks without charge.

More details and updates can be found at York County Parks.