Lake Johnson Waterfront Center building exterior

Lake Johnson Waterfront Center


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Amenities Boating Personal Boat Launches Programs Facility Rentals Shelters Center Hours

Year: 2000

The focus of the Waterfront Center is water-based outdoor recreation. The center offers a variety of seasonal paddling and fishing programs.

If you have a question or concern about something at Lake Johnson call 919-996-3141 during business hours to speak with someone. If you have an emergency call 911. 

Contact

 

919-996-3141
ljwoodlandctr@raleighnc.gov

Assistant Park Manager, Chris Hill

Lake Johnson Park

Address

Lake Johnson Waterfront Center
4601 Avent Ferry Road
Raleigh, NC 27606

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Amenities

Trail at Lake Johnson curving into green wooded area with sun peeking through

Access to Greenway and Park Trails

Fishing Pole Loaner

  • Check out cane (bamboo) poles and/or kids' tackle boxes for free.

    Please note that cane poles do not use reels.
  • You must provide your own bait.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Sit on our deck and observe the wildlife on and around the lake.

Boating

View of kayaks on lake shore

There are multiple ways to get on the water this summer at Lake Johnson. Personal launches and paddling programs.

Register on RecLink for Paddling Programs. 

Personal launches are for those with their own equipment, and programs are for those who are looking to learn more and have their equipment provided.

Personal Boat Launches

Personal paddle craft may be launched from Lake Johnson's Waterfront Center. Launches are not available when the Waterfront Program Center closed. Car-top boats only. No gas-powered motors.

Launch Hours: 8 a.m. to 30 minutes before closing

Daily Launch Fee
Resident: $5
Non-Resident: $7
Active Adult (62+): $3

New Annual Pass (Jan.–Dec.)
Resident: $125
Non-resident: $175
Active Adult (62+): $75

Programs

People in life vests on lake shore holding paddles during lesson

Join us for one of our many programs offered at Lake Johnson Waterfront Center! The facility offers seasonal paddling, outdoor recreation, nature, and fitness programs.

Facility Rentals

919-996-3141 | Email

Rental Information

Request your rental online using RecLink

  • All complete permit requests are processed in the order in which they are received. Please allow 7 business days for forms to be processed.
  • All permits must be submitted 6 weeks to 6 months in advance of the event date.
  • For more information about renting our venues, please see our Facility Rentals Brochure.
  • Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

It is recommended to review the Lake Johnson Indoor Facility Rules and the Lake Johnson Park Picnic Shelter Rules prior to submitting a rental request for either the Waterfront Center or booking a shelter rental.

Room with tables set up for wedding with large windows showing beautiful lake

Waterfront Center Conference Room

  • This spacious room features a beautiful vaulted ceiling with a panoramic view of the lake.
  • $75/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Max Capacity: 50 people
  • Dimensions: 23' × 35'

Conference Room/Veranda Combo

  • Add the covered deck area to your rental and bring an outdoor component that is protected from the elements.
  • $105/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Max Capacity: 50 people
Wedding guests seated on the deck on lake johnson parks

Conference Room/Veranda/Deck Combo

  • Expand your conference room/veranda rental to include most of the deck ideal for outdoor games like cornhole.
  • $135/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Max Capacity: 50 people

Waterfront Center Rental Fees

Fee Information
Application Fee
  • $15
  • Non-refundable
Setup/Clean-up Fee
  • $40
  • Service includes tables & chairs set up prior to the event based on the number of attendants and cleanup of tables, chairs, and/or room after the event.
  • Personal layouts and decorations are the responsibility of the rental party and must take place during paid rental time.

     
Damage Deposit
  • $100
  • Portions of the deposit may be kept for excessive cleaning, damage, and/or failure to adhere to the rental contract.
Supervision Fee
  • $60/hour
  • Fee applies to all hours outside of normal operational hours.
Alcohol Permit Fee
  • $100
  • Alcohol allowed only with an approved permit. Permit allows for consumption of only beer, wine, and champagne. No spirits or liquors.
  • Consumption of alcohol permitted only in rented spaces.
  • Alcohol permit must be submitted and paid a minimum of 21 business days in advance of the event date for approval. Submission does not guarantee approval of the permit.
  • Fee non-refundable after the permit is submitted.

Request your rental online using RecLink or by reaching out to the facility. 

Take note: Requests will be subject to staff approval. Upon approval, payment will be required to confirm the reservation. Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Shelters

Wooden Shelter on the edge of trail and lake

Rent a shelter online using RecLink

Take note: Your reservation is not finalized until you receive confirmation of your payment.

Small Shelters

  • $10/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Max. capacity: 15 people
  • Spruce Shelter: Adjacent to bathrooms, ADA accessible
  • Hemlock Shelter: Approximately .2 miles from bathrooms, not ADA accessible

Medium Shelter

  • $12/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Max capacity: 30 people
  • Longleaf Shelter: Approximately .3 miles from the bathrooms, not ADA accessible

Shelter Rules

  • Alcohol is not permitted at any shelter.
  • Shelters and grills are to be used on a first-come, first-served basis unless rented.
  • All shelters and grills are closed at sunset and should be vacated at that time.

View other shelter locations

Center Hours

October

 
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.

November–February

 
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–6 p.m.

March

 
Monday:
Closed
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Friday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday:
8 a.m.–7 p.m.

April–September

 
Monday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Tuesday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Wednesday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Thursday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday:
7 a.m.–8 p.m.

Upcoming Events

 

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