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Lake Wheeler Park | Raleighnc.gov

Published 5/24/2024 at 10 a.m. Updated 5/24/2024 at 11 a.m.

Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov) https://raleighnc.gov/parks-and-recreation/places/lake-wheeler-park 05/24/2024 12:01 am boat listing

Year 1956 | Acres 800 (650 acres of lake and 150 acres of park and land buffer)

Constructed in 1956 with the aid of the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Wheeler once served as Raleigh's secondary auxiliary water-supply lake.

Beginning in 2010, Lake Wheeler was reinstated as a primary water supply for Raleigh and surrounding Wake County communities and feeds water to the Dempsey Benton Water Treatment Plant.

Park Manager Chris Murray Assistant Park Manager Ben Coats

Get directions Know Before You Go

Accessibility Lake Wheeler has an assortment of accessible amenities in the park.  See our park map for general wayfinding and facility locations. 

Parking Lake Wheeler has 4 accessible parking spaces located in the parking lot above the waterfront center. 2 are near the Magnolia Shelter and 2 are near the sidewalk to the Accessible Fishing Dock.  There are an additional 2 accessible parking spaces located just off the road leading down to the boat ramps and launch area. 

Access to the Waterfront Center The accessible entrance to the Waterfront Center is located on the road leading down to the boat ramps and launch area.  A ramp leads patrons directly to the park office. 

Restroom Facilities and Lake Overlook Restrooms with accessible features are located at the Waterfront Center.  The deck and veranda provide a covered area to enjoy the view of Lake Wheeler. 

Accessible Fishing Dock The accessible fishing dock is located on the east side of the parking lot above the waterfront center.  A sidewalk leads you down to the water’s edge where the dock is located. 

For More information about access at the park please call 919-996-6740. 

Boat Rentals are now available through a third party vender Wake Rack. Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are located near the Waterfront Center in lockers. Reserve Equipment Online

Want to know more about the process and how to reserve boats? Visit Wake Rack's website and learn everything there is to know about the process.  And don't forget to check the Lake Johnson location as well.  

Lake Wheeler Park will also have programmatic opportunities this summer to get you on the water. Program offerings will provide boating equipment to patrons for each activity. Boat offerings include basic lessons and tours of the lake.  Please visit raleighnc.gov/reclink to view and register for paddling programs.

Hours: Permissible during park hours with purchase of launch fee. Boats must be off the water 30 minutes prior to sunset or park closing time.

As of July 1, 2022 new fee rates will be in place. 

Marked by designated buoys, the trail consists of 11 sites: 3 for summer and winter fishing 4 for pre- and post-spawn fishing, and 4 for year-round fishing.  See the poster for details.

Lake Wheeler has a large conference room, kitchenette, deck, verandah, and several picnic shelters that are available for rent. 

Find out more about rentals.

Courts are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis. View other court locations.

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