Lake Wheeler Park

Overview

• 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.
• Bird Watcher Walks - Intro to Birding for All Ages
• Playground Pop-Ups -Free Nature-Inspired Crafts for Kids
• Learn to Fish Programs  for Kids & Teens
• 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 919-996-6740.

Trails

Lake Wheeler Park has trails to help you explore the woods and access water features throughout the park. 

Natural surface trails may close because of adverse weather and environmental conditions, typically after rain events. Traveling natural surface trails, one should expect to encounter, rocks, roots, and changes in trail surface that require stepping. Natural features are inherent in these trails.  Please traverse carefully.  Please view the trail status or contact the park office for trail conditions.

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

Please pay this fee at the Park Office.

• 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.

Lake Wheeler Fishing Trail

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.

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.