Falls Lake Information |
Falls Lake is a large reservoir located in Wake County, North Carolina, primarily serving the city of Raleigh. Here’s some information about Falls Lake:
Overview:
- Purpose: Falls Lake was created for several purposes, including water supply, flood control, and recreation. It is a critical water source for the Raleigh area and surrounding communities.
- Construction: The lake was formed by the construction of the Falls Lake Dam, which was completed in 1981 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Features:
- Size: The reservoir covers approximately 12,000 acres and has a shoreline of over 300 miles.
- Water Supply: Falls Lake serves as a primary drinking water supply for the city of Raleigh and provides water to several neighboring municipalities.
- Recreation: The lake is popular for various recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping. It features multiple parks and areas for public access.
Wildlife and Environment:
- Ecosystem: The area around Falls Lake is home to diverse wildlife, including various fish species, birds, and other animals. The natural surroundings support a range of outdoor activities and biodiversity.
- Conservation: The lake and surrounding lands are essential for environmental conservation efforts in the region. Various regulations help protect the water quality and ecosystem.
Access and Facilities:
- Parks: Some popular parks around Falls Lake include:
- Falls Lake State Recreation Area: Offers camping, hiking trails, picnic areas, and boat ramps.
- Beaverdam Recreation Area: Includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and access to the lake for fishing and boating.
- Boating and Fishing: Anglers can find various fish species, including bass, crappie, and catfish. Boating is allowed, but there are regulations on speed and fishing methods.
Regulations:
- There are specific rules and regulations regarding access, boating, fishing, and other activities to ensure safety and environmental protection. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management for current regulations before visiting.
Safety:
- It’s essential for visitors to be aware of safety guidelines, especially regarding water activities. Life jackets are recommended when boating, and swimming is allowed only in designated areas.
Falls Lake is a vital resource for the Raleigh area, providing water supply, recreational opportunities, and environmental benefits. Whether you're interested in outdoor recreation or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, Falls Lake offers a range of activities and scenic views. |
Can you Swim in Falls Lake? Yes |
Are Boat Docks permitted at Falls Lake? Yes |
Are Power Boats permitted at Falls Lake? Yes |
Falls Lake
Fishing Information |
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Anglers will also find plenty of opportunities at Falls Lake. Artificial structures that attract and concentrate fish are submerged near shore and marked with buoys. Fish stocking efforts are conducted to supplement naturally occurring populations. Fishing is permitted throughout the reservoir with the exception of a restricted area near the dam.
For more information on hunting and fishing licenses and regulations contact:
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC)
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27611,
Licenses (919) 662-4370, Regulations (919) 662-4381
Ninety Eight Sports Mart Inc, 919-598-1549, 5108 Wake Forest Rd, Durham, NC 27703-3703
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Falls Lake
Boating Information |
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Highway 50 Boat Launch is a day-use facility consisting of a boat launch, 1 comfort station, as well as numerous fishing spots and picnic tables. Picnic tables are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Rollingview Marina, 919-596-2194, 3940 Falls Lake Rd, Durham, NC 27703-8866
Rolling View is a family campground consisting of 117 electric and non-electric campsites, 4 group campsites, 3 wash houses, 3 comfort stations, a swimming area, 2 fishing piers, boat beach, boat launch facility, 5 picnic shelters, numerous picnic pads, and a community building. All campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To claim a campsite, you MUST set up a camping unit, such as a tent, camper, or R/V. Coolers, lawn chairs, etc. will not be accepted as claim to a campsite. Visitors and campground guests staying for the day are required to pay the $4 entrance fee. Rolling View Recreation Area also offers group camping. There are 4 group campsites, which are open by reservation only. Each group campsite holds 5-25 people, has a fire pit, grills, and picnic tables.
Sandling Beach is a day-use facility consisting of a large swim beach, 3 comfort stations, boat beach, and picnic shelters. Picnic shelters are first-come, first-serve basis, or you can reserve them for the day, by contacting the Park Office. Sandling Beach also offers a self guided nature trail, located across from Picnic Shelter #1, as well as numerous fishing areas.
Beaverdam is a day-use facility consisting of a large swim beach, 4 comfort stations, boat launch, 2 fishing piers, and picnic shelters. Picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, or you can reserve them for the day, by contacting the Park Office. NO gas powered boats are allowed on Beaverdam Lake. Only canoes, kayaks, electric trolling boats, or other non-gasoline powered boat are admitted.
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Falls Lake
Camping Information |
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Falls Lake State Recreation, 919-676-1027, 13304 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587-8505
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North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation:
ils.unc.edu/parkproject/ncparks.html
B. W. Wells is reserved for group camping only, and is only open by reservation. There are 14 group campsites, all equipped with picnic tables, 3 large grills, benches, water spigot, and a fire pit. Campsites are for groups of 5-35 people. There is a loop trail (1.3 miles), a boat ramp (for camper's use only), and 2 wash houses, each with hot running water. Recycling centers are conveniently located at the wash houses for cans, glass, and plastic containers. Reservations for group sites can be made at any time.
All campsites at B. W. Wells are pack in/pack out sites. NO vehicles will be permitted out of the designated parking areas. If you have an excessive amount of camping gear, we would suggest you bring a hand truck or wheelbarrow or cart of some type. This would be especially applicable if you have a site that is a great distance from the parking areas. A ranger will check you in at the campsite prior to closing the gate. At that point, the ranger will provide you with instructions to follow in the event of an emergency. If you have access to a cell phone, we encourage you to bring it with you, as there are no phones in the park. For your groups safety, we do not permit swimming, firearms or alcoholic beverages. Fires can be in designated fire rings and grills only. Hunting is NOT permitted in the park, but with adjoining game lands, we suggest that people hiking in the woods wear brightly colored clothing during hunting season.
Holly Point is designed for camper's use only. There is no day use in this campground. Holly Point is a family campground consisting of 162 electric and non-electric campsites, 5 wash houses, 2 swim beaches, and a boat launch facility. Handicapped sites are available on sites 19, 51, 91, 132, and 137.
All campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To claim a campsite, you MUST set up a camping unit, such as a tent, camper, or R/V. Coolers, lawn chairs, etc. will not be accepted as claim to a campsite. If you would like to reserve a campsite, you will need to do so at least 2 weeks in advance, and for a minimum stay of 7 nights. Holly Point is the only campground at Falls Lake that has lake front campsites. Most of these do not have electric and water hook-ups. Campers using these sites are allowed to pull their boat to the site, but at the sole risk of the owner. The Division of Parks and Recreation, Falls Lake State Recreation Area or any of its staff will not be held liable for any damage of theft of items that may occur. Campground Features - Large Campsites, 20/30 amp GFI Service, Hot Showers, Centralized Dumping Station, Playgrounds, Swim Beaches, Boat Ramp, Fishing Access, 2 week Max. stay / 30 day period, Interpretive programs.
Shinleaf State Recreation Area is a primitive hike-in campground consisting of 89 non-electric campsites, 1 wash house, and 5 mulch toilets. If you have an excessive amount of gear, we suggest you bring a wheelbarrow or cart of some type. This would be especially applicable if you have a site that is a great distance from the parking area. Campsites 1-42 are closed to the public due to low attendance.
All campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To claim a campsite, you MUST set up a tent on the site. Coolers, lawn chairs, etc. will not be accepted as claim to a campsite. Shinleaf Recreation Area has a Self-Registration Center, located at the wash house at the end of the parking lot. Just fill out the envelope and put it in the registration box. A park ranger will check you in at the campsite prior to closing the gate. At that point, the park ranger will provide you with instructions to follow in the event of an emergency, as well as reimburse you if you do not have exact change. If you have access to a cell phone, we encourage you to bring it with you, as there are no phones in the park. For your safety, we do not permit swimming, firearms or alcoholic beverages. Fires are allowed in designated fire rings and grills only. Hunting is NOT permitted in the park, but with adjoining game lands, we suggest that people hiking in the woods wear brightly colored clothing during hunting season. Shinleaf is designed for camper's use only...there is no day use in this campground.
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Falls Lake
Local Area Businesses |
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In addition to the federal and state agencies present at Falls Lake, the Wake County Parks system operates Blue Jay Point County Park. This park places an emphasis on providing environmental education in a natural setting for school children and group leaders, and encourages visitors to enjoy hiking trails, playground and picnic areas.
The Crossings At Grove Park, 919-598-8686, 4023 Old Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703
(Golf Club)
Caryle At Falls Lake Rec Center, 919-845-7077, 6004 Carlyle Dr, Raleigh, NC 27614-8944
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