Falls Lake State Recreation Area
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- See fee details
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed6-ft leash
- Camping
- Yes
- Official site
- ncparks.gov(984) 867-8000
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 5,035 acres, Falls Lake State Recreation Area lies in Wake County, about 8 miles south of Creedmoor.
The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, biking, and fishing. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Camping is available: 3 camping areas, including RV sites, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and group camping.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other — January | Daily | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | — |
| Other — March | Daily | 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. | — |
| Other — May | Daily | 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. | — |
| Day use | Not all day-use areas are open year-round. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates. The park is closed on Christmas Day. The park is open during all other holidays. | ||
| Campground | Hours for Campgrounds: All campground gates have 24-hour access when the campground is operating. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates. Campgrounds are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Campgrounds open during all other holidays. | ||
| Visitor center | Mon–Fri | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Operating Season Schedule 2026
Area: Opens On: Closes On: Day-use area: swim beach, boat ramp (non-gas only) and picnic shelters #21-24: Open year-round Day-use area: picnic shelters #25-29: Shelters #25 - #29 closed for 2026
Season: Opens On: Closes On: Spring season: March 14, 2026: May 1, 2026 (For Construction) Fall season: August 29, 2026: December 1, 2026 Highway 50 Access
Area/Loop/Facility: Opens On: Closes On: Day-use area: boat ramp: Open year-round
Loop: Opens On: Closes On: Loop 1: Closed for Construction Loop 2: November 16, 2026: December 1, 2026 Loop 3: November 16, 2026 Loop 4: November 16, 2026: December 1, 2026 Loop 5: Closed for Construction
Area/Loop: Opens On: Closes On: Day-use area: swim beach, boat ramp, and picnic shelters #12-15: Open year-round Campground Loop A: Open year-round Campground Loop B: June 1, 2026: December 1, 2026 Campground Loop C: June 1, 2026: December 1, 2026 Group camp: Open year-round
Area/Loop/Facility: Opens On: Closes On: Day-use area: swim beach and picnic shelters #1-7: April 1, 2026: October 1, 2026
Area/Loop/Facility: Opens On: Closes On: Hike-in campground: Open year-round Group campground: Open year-round All park facilities are closed on Christmas Day. The park is open during all other holidays.
January: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
February: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
March: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
October: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
December: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Not all day-use areas are open year-round. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates. The park is closed on Christmas Day. The park is open during all other holidays.
Hours for Campgrounds: All campground gates have 24-hour access when the campground is operating. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates. Campgrounds are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Campgrounds open during all other holidays.
Hours for Visitor Center: Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The visitor center is closed on all state holidays. The full list of state holidays is available on the N.C. Office of State Human Resources website.
Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The visitor center is closed on all state holidays. The full list of state holidays is available on the N.C. Office of State Human Resources website.
All campground gates have 24-hour access when the campground is operating. Please check the park's operating season schedule for dates. Campgrounds are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Campgrounds open during all other holidays.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| The park is | Free · day |
Official wording
Entrance fees are charged per vehicle on weekends and holidays in April, May, and September, and daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The park is free to access for day use during the rest of the year. Fees are also charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.
North Carolina park passes
- Annual Pass for Reservoirs — $70 Details
- Annual Pass — $100 Details
- Annual Pass with 4WD Beach Access — $200. Annual Pass benefits plus four-wheel-drive beach access Details
From the North Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-722-6762
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed · leash up to 6 feet
Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tent, Trailer and RV Camping With more than 300 campsites, pitch your tent or park your RV at Falls Lake.
Many sites offer water and electric hookups. Bathhouses are centrally located in each camping loop. All campsites include a picnic table, outdoor grill, and a lantern hook on the tent pad. Each site accommodates up to 6 people.
Holly Point offers 158 campsites total, 89 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups.
Rolling View offers 115 campsites total, 80 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups.
Both Holly Point and Rolling View have a dump station. | — | — | |
| Backpack Camping For people who desire a more primitive camping experience, Shinleaf offers tent camping in 46 hike-in sites.
Each site includes a picnic table, outdoor grill, and a lantern hook on the tent pad. Each site accommodates up to 6 people.
A bathhouse is available for hike-in campers. | — | — | |
| Group Camping Larger sites are available for group camping at Rolling View, Shinleaf, and B.W Wells. Group camping is available by advance reservation only and is for tents only — no RVs or trailers allowed. Each site accommodates up to 35 people.
Rolling View has four group campsites that are hike-in only, and water is available on each site.
B.W. Wells has 11 group campsites that are hike-in only, and water is available on each site.
Shinleaf has nine group campsites that are drive-up, and water is located nearby.
All campsites have picnic tables, benches, grills, and a campfire ring. Bathhouses are… | — | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping • Tent sites (including backpacking sites) • Trailer and RV sites (some with electric and water hookups) • Group campsites (including backpacking sites) • Dump stations • Showers • Firewood Tent, Trailer and RV Camping With more than 300 campsites, pitch your tent or park your RV at Falls Lake. Many sites offer water and electric hookups. Bathhouses are centrally located in each camping loop. All campsites include a picnic table, outdoor grill, and a lantern hook on the tent pad. Each site accommodates up to 6 people. Holly Point offers 158 campsites total, 89 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups. Rolling View offers 115 campsites total, 80 with water and 50/30-amp electric hookups. Both Holly Point and Rolling View have a dump station. Book now Backpack Camping For people who desire a more primitive camping experience, Shinleaf offers tent camping in 46 hike-in sites. Each site includes a picnic table, outdoor grill, and a lantern hook on the tent pad. Each site accommodates up to 6 people. A bathhouse is available for hike-in campers. Book now Group Camping Larger sites are available for group camping at Rolling View, Shinleaf, and B.W Wells. Group camping is available by advance reservation only and is for tents only — no RVs or trailers allowed. Each site accommodates up to 35 people. Rolling View has four group campsites that are hike-in only, and water is available on each site. B.W. Wells has 11 group campsites that are hike-in only, and water is available on each site. Shinleaf has nine group campsites that are drive-up, and water is located nearby. All campsites have picnic tables, benches, grills, and a campfire ring. Bathhouses are centrally located. Cancellation Policy for Group Campsites Please note that group camping reservations must be cancelled at least 14 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. No refunds are issued after the 14-day mark, but campers may reschedule to another date and will be charged only the cancellation fees. Book now
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
HikingBikingCanoeing and kayakingSwimmingFishingPicnickingBoatingCamping
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Cove / Beaverdam K.I.P. Track Trail | 0.6 mi | Easy | 0.6-mile one way; Blaze: orange circlesHiking only |
| Fox Trot Trail | 1.5 mi | Easy | 1.5-mile loop; Blaze: yellow diamondsHiking only |
| Rolling View K.I.P. Track Trail | 0.75 mi | Easy | 0.75-mile loop; Blaze: blue circlesHiking only |
| Rolling View Trail | 2 mi | Easy | 2-mile one way; Blaze: blue, orange, or red diamondsHiking only |
| Woodland Nature Trail | 0.75 mi | Moderate | 0.75-mile loop; Blaze: orange circlesHiking only |
| Sandling Beach Lake Trail | 1.5 mi | Easy | 1.5-mile one way; Blaze: blue diamondsHiking only |
| Shinleaf Point Trail | 1 mi | Moderate | 1-mile one way; Blaze: noneHiking only |
| B.W. Wells Long Loop Trail (campers only) | 1.4 mi | Moderate | 1.4-mile loop; Blaze: red diamondsHiking only |
| B.W. Wells Short Loop Trail (campers only) | 0.8 mi | Moderate | 0.8-mile loop; Blaze: blue diamondsHiking only |
| Holly Point Trail (campers only) | 1.1 mi | Moderate | 1.1-mile one way; Blaze: red circlesHiking only |
| Drop Zone Mountain Bike Trail | 0.9 mi | Advanced biking | 0.9-mile one way; Blaze: orange circlesBikingHiking |
| Inner Loop Mountain Bike Trail | 1.1 mi | Intermediate biking | 1.1-mile loop; Blaze: yellow circlesBikingHiking |
| Outer Loop Mountain Bike Trail | 2.2 mi | Intermediate biking | 2.2-mile loop; Blaze: green circlesBikingHiking |
| South Loop Mountain Bike Trail | 7.3 mi | Advanced biking | 7.3-mile loop; Blaze: blue circlesBikingHiking |
| West Loop Mountain Bike Trail | 2.3 mi | Intermediate biking | 2.3-mile loop; Blaze: red circlesBikingHiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
Hiking Trails: Open Bike Trails: Open Duck Cove / Beaverdam K.I.P. Track Trail (0.6-mile one way; Blaze: orange circles), Easy, Hiking only Fox Trot Trail (1.5-mile loop; Blaze: yellow diamonds), Easy, Hiking only Rolling View K.I.P. Track Trail (0.75-mile loop; Blaze: blue circles), Easy, Hiking only Rolling View Trail (2-mile one way; Blaze: blue, orange, or red diamonds), Easy, Hiking only Woodland Nature Trail (0.75-mile loop; Blaze: orange circles), Moderate, Hiking only Sandling Beach Lake Trail (1.5-mile one way; Blaze: blue diamonds), Easy, Hiking only Shinleaf Point Trail (1-mile one way; Blaze: none), Moderate, Hiking only B.W. Wells Long Loop Trail (campers only) (1.4-mile loop; Blaze: red diamonds), Moderate, Hiking only B.W. Wells Short Loop Trail (campers only) (0.8-mile loop; Blaze: blue diamonds), Moderate, Hiking only Holly Point Trail (campers only) (1.1-mile one way; Blaze: red circles), Moderate, Hiking only Drop Zone Mountain Bike Trail (0.9-mile one way; Blaze: orange circles), Advanced biking, Biking/Hiking Inner Loop Mountain Bike Trail (1.1-mile loop; Blaze: yellow circles), Intermediate biking, Biking/Hiking Outer Loop Mountain Bike Trail (2.2-mile loop; Blaze: green circles), Intermediate biking, Biking/Hiking South Loop Mountain Bike Trail (7.3-mile loop; Blaze: blue circles), Advanced biking, Biking/Hiking West Loop Mountain Bike Trail (2.3-mile loop; Blaze: red circles), Intermediate biking, Biking/Hiking
Swimming
Swimming
Boating and paddling
Paddling
Fishing
Fishing
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Amphitheater
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Primitive or backcountry camping
- Group camping
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 1630 Bent Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587 - Nearest town
- Creedmoor — about 8 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 36.0116, -78.6888
- Phone
- (984) 867-8000
- falls.lake@ncparks.gov
Entrances
- Visitor Center — 13304 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Beaverdam Access — 14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Highway 50 Access — 13900 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Rolling View Access — 4201 Baptist Road, Durham, NC 27703
- Sandling Access — 14601 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Shinleaf Access — 13708 New Light Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- B.W. Wells Campground — 1630 Bent Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Holly Point Campground — 14424 New Light Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- North Carolina State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- NC State Parks 'Catalog: Find a State Park Access' (paged Drupal view, ?page=0..6)
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology