green trees beside body of water during daytime
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPKayak FishingBeginner

Conditions

LakeCalmSheltered

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Jim Rampey Recreation Area

Lowndesville, SC · Boat Ramp · Public

Jim Rampey Recreation Area is a public boat ramp on Rocky River - Lake Richard B. Russell near Lowndesville, South Carolina. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall.

At a Glance

Water Body

Lake

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP, Kayak Fishing

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Boat Ramp accessing Rocky River - Lake Richard B. Russell near Lowndesville, South Carolina. calm and sheltered conditions.

Jim Rampey Recreation Area provides shoreline access to Rocky River - Lake Richard B. Russell in South Carolina, making it a solid choice for a day on the water.

Kayakers will find the waters here well-suited to touring and exploration. The waters here are approachable for canoes, making it a good option for family outings.

Water conditions are generally calm and sheltered. March through November is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Getting here from Lowndesville takes about 5 min, putting Jim Rampey Recreation Area within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm lake waters make Jim Rampey Recreation Area ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Paddling Tips

  • Keep an eye on the weather — afternoon winds can pick up quickly on open water.
  • Hug the shoreline for the most interesting scenery and easier paddling.
  • Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and spot submerged obstacles.
  • If fishing, try the coves and points where fish tend to congregate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Jim Rampey Recreation Area?
Jim Rampey Recreation Area is a public boat ramp in South Carolina. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Jim Rampey Recreation Area?
Jim Rampey Recreation Area supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, kayak fishing. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Jim Rampey Recreation Area?
On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Jim Rampey Recreation Area?
The best time to paddle at Jim Rampey Recreation Area is during spring and summer and fall. March through November
What are the water conditions at Jim Rampey Recreation Area?
Water conditions at Jim Rampey Recreation Area include calm, sheltered.
Is Jim Rampey Recreation Area good for beginners?
Yes, Jim Rampey Recreation Area is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, flat water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 34.2099, -82.6318

Quick Facts

Region
Southeast
Getting There
~5 min from Lowndesville
Get Directions

34.2099, -82.6318

Best Paddling in South Carolina

Read our complete guide →

Paddler Reviews

Write a Review

0/5,000 characters

Sign in to add photos to your review.

Trip Reports

Share a trip report

Sign in to write a detailed trip report for Jim Rampey Recreation Area

Sign In

Paddle Routes from Here

No paddle routes from this location yet.

Be the first to create one!