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12/03/2019 12:00 pm

kayaker on lake johnson near the waterfront center

Lake Johnson Park

Updated: Nov 19, 2019

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Park Rules Waterfront Amenities Waterfront Conference Room Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center Lake Johnson Pool Trails

Year 1952 | Acres 300+ (Lake is 150+)

Lake Johnson has 3 miles of paved greenway trails and 2 miles of unpaved trails, fishing, boat, kayak rentals, and a swimming pool. 

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Contact

 

Main | 919-233-2121

Park Manager| Mark Elmore

Rentals

Address

4601 Avent Ferry Road
Raleigh, NC 27606

Park Rules

  • Swimming/wading is not allowed
  • All dogs must be under control and on a leash
  • Pet owners must clean up after their pet
  • Alcohol is only permitted at special events that have applied for a City of Raleigh Alcohol permit
  • Smoking is only permitted in the parking lot
  • Biking is allowed only on the paved greenway and the woodchip trail leading to the boardwalk at the headwaters of the lake
  • Hammocking is not allowed in the park
  • Drones are not allowed without permit from the Special Events office 919-996–2200
  • Shelters and grills are to be used on a “first come, first served” basis unless previously rented
  • All shelters and grills are closed at sunset, and should be vacated at that time

Waterfront Amenities

Come by the Waterfront Center to rent a boat, pay for a private launch, sign up for a class, check out a free rod and reel, or grab a snack before you hit the trail. Open daily from 8 am to dusk (closed Mondays from October - April)

Note: Classes, programs, and special events may lengthen hours.

Boat Rentals

  • Rentals are 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday, August 23.
  • Beginning Friday, August 23, rental hours will be Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (All rental boats are off the water by 4 p.m.)
  • Boat rentals may be stopped or postponed at any point during the day for weather, programs, or safety reasons. If you hear 3 horn blasts, return to the Waterfront Program Center immediately and exit the water.
  • Rain checks/refunds are not given.
  • For current site conditions, call 919-233-2121
  • A Boat Rental Waiver is required per rental group and may be filled out before arriving.
  • All people in rental crafts are required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times.
  • You must be over 18 years old to rent a boat and over 16 years old to operate a boat independently.
  • The following are prohibited: swimming/wading, pets, and beaching boats on the shore.
  • BOAT RENTAL PRICES:
  • Kayaks (Single and Tandem): $5/hour
  • SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard): $10/hour
  • Jon Boats (no motor): $4/hour or $20/day (limited to rental hours
  • Pedal Boats: $6/30 minutes

Boat Launches

  • Lake Johnson allows privately owned, car-top boats to be launched with a small fee during the Waterfront Program Center's operating hours.
  • Gas-powered motors are not allowed. Paddles or electric trolling motors only.
  • Boats may be launched at the designated launching site.
  • All privately owned boats must be off the water 30 minutes prior to sunset.
  • All boats must be off the water 30 minutes prior to sunset.
  • Launch fees are to be paid before accessing the lake.
  • LAUNCHING FEES: City Resident - $4 day, Non Resident - $6 day, and Senior (62+) - $2 day

Fishing

  • Bank fishing is prohibited
  • Fishing is permitted from our boardwalk, rental boats, or personal boats
  • A current NC fishing license is required to fish at Lake Johnson.
  • Rod and Reel Loaner Program - with an ID you can borrow a rod and reel from us for free.
  • We do NOT sell bait.

QR Fit Trail

  • Six stations, found on the west side of the park, covering approximately a one-mile loop where patrons can stop and use their smartphones' QR reader app to access short videos that lead one through specific types of exercises.
  • Patrons can now easily combine upper body, core, flexibility and lower body exercises with walking or running.

Waterfront Conference Room

  • 919-233-2121 | email
  • Waterfront Site Rentals Brochure
  • For a special event that’s truly overlooking the water, nothing beats the gorgeous views of this lakeside facility. Wi-fi provided. Kitchenette includes refrigerator/freezer, sink, and microwave.
  • Max capacity: 76
  • Conference Room (25' x 35'): $75/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Conference Room with covered Verandah (20' x 20'): $105/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • Conference Room with Verandah and full Deck (25’x30’): $135/hour (2-hour minimum)
  • To begin the rental process, complete the Rental Inquiry Form and submit it to the park office in person or via email to LakeJohnsonRentals@raleighnc.gov
  • Submission does not guarantee reservation. All complete inquiry forms are processed in the order received to the park office. Incomplete forms will not be processed.

Permits and Fees

  • $15 Non-refundable application fee
  • $100 Refundable Damage Deposit fee
  • After Hours Fee: $40/hour in addition to the regular rental rate. Indoor rental facilities may extend after regular hours of operation, as late as 10:00 pm; the fee is applied to all time extending past regular hours.
  • Alcohol permit (Optional): $100 Alcohol Permit Fee; Alcohol permits must be submitted three weeks prior to event. Permits only allow for consumption of beer, wine, and champagne in rented spaces. No spirits or liquors are permitted.
  • Photography permit (Optional)
  • Catering permit (Optional)

Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center

919-996-3141 | email | 5611 Jaguar Park Dr | Assistant Park Manager Julia Babuin

Come by the Woodland Center to learn about the park, take a class or access the greenway trail.

Visit the Woodland Center web page

Lake Johnson Pool

919-233-2111 | 5623 Jaguar Park Dr

Trails

  • Along a section of Walnut Creek Greenway Trail
  • East side is 2.8 miles of paved trail
  • West side is 1.5 miles of unpaved trail
  • Biking is allowed only on the paved greenway and the woodchip trail leading to the boardwalk at the headwaters of the lake
  • View trail map

 

To rent a shelter please contact the Park Office View other shelter locations

Picnic Shelter #1

  • Capacity: 15-20
  • 3 tables
  • 1 grills
  • $10/ hour (2 hour minimum)
  • No electricity

Picnic Shelter #2

  • Capacity: 15-20
  • 2 tables
  • 1 grills
  • $10/ hour(2 hour minimum)
  • No electricity

Picnic Shelter #4

  • Capacity: 30-35
  • 4 tables
  • 2 grills
  • $12/ hour (2 hour minimum)
  • No electricity