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.

• Lake Wheeler Park Map
• View Parks Alerts
• Subscribe to Lakes Newsletter
• City of Raleigh Leave No Trace Principles

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

Accessibility

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 919-662-5407. 

Boat Rentals

Boat rentals occur in the summer months.  We are evaluating the best method for providing boat rentals in the future.  Visit our website and subscribe to Lake Newsletter for updates.

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.