Lake Wheeler Park

Overview

Visit us at the park office and inquire about the various amenities we have to offer. Rent a boat, pay to launch your personal boat, and ask about our fishing rod and reel loaner program.

Lake Wheeler has a small concession stand to purchase a drink or grab a snack while you are out enjoying the park.

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Park Rules

• Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times with in the park.
• Swimming and/or wading is not allowed.
• No alcohol of any kind.
• Smoking is permitted only in designated parking lots.

Programs

• Lake Wheeler Park offers a variety of programs. Browse and register for programs and classes at Lake Wheeler Park on RecLink.
• Learn more about outdoor recreation.

Amenities

Boat Rentals

Boat Rentals will resume in summer 2023.

Personal Boat Launches

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.

• Boats (trailered and non-trailered) are allowed to launch into Lake Wheeler with the purchase of a daily or annual launch pass.
• Motorized boats are allowed with the exception of personal water crafts (PWC), a term used for “Jet Ski”–type boats.
• Watersport activities such as skiing and tubing are allowed; however, the act of swimming is not.

Launch Fees

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

• City residents: $5/day
• Non-residents: $7/day
• Senior (age 55+): $3/day 
• Annual rates: city residents $125, non-residents $175, senior citizens $75

Boating Policies

• All boats must travel in a counter-clockwise pattern.
• The speed limit is 40 mph on the lake.
• No swimming from personal boats.
• Adhere to all no-wake markers found on the body of Lake Wheeler.
• No-wake hours are in effect for the entire lake on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until 11 a.m.

Fishing

• Fishing is permitted in Lake Wheeler and Simpkins Pond with the purchase of a Lake Wheeler fishing permit and is required only if you are fishing on foot.
• In addition, all visitors fishing must have a current North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) fishing license. Learn more about obtaining a fishing license.
• Fishing is allowed on the two designated piers and on the shoreline of Simpkins Pond only. Bank fishing is not allowed on Lake Wheeler shorelines.
• Stop by the park office to purchase a Lake Wheeler fishing permit and find out about the Rod and Reel Tackle Loaner program.

Fishing Fees

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

• City resident: $4/day | $55/year
• Non-resident: $5/day | $80/year
• Senior (age 55+): $3/day | $30/year
• Children (under 12): no charge

Rentals

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

Sand Volleyball Court

• $20/hour (2 hour minimum)

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

Playgrounds

Ages 2–12

• Woodchip surface
• Swings for ages 5 and above

View other playground locations.