Falls Lake State Recreation Area

06/01/2026

We are still working through the construction phase of our project to upgrade our wastewater systems. During this construction, some bathrooms, facilities, and camping areas will be closed. Currently construction is progressing in Beaverdam, Rolling View, Holly Point, Shinleaf, and Highway 50, and BW Wells Recreation Areas.
Holly Point and Shinleaf are currently closed, all other areas are operating under their normal schedule but some bathrooms or facilities may be closed due to construction; portable toilets are available if bathrooms are closed. Closed facilities will be reopened once construction is completed in that area.
More information, including our 2026 operating schedule, updates on this project, maps, and more can be found on our website:
https://www.ncparks.gov/.../falls-lake-state-recreation-area

05/16/2026

It’s ! Our staff were wearing their life jackets today, we challenge you to wear yours out on the water. Life jackets save lives when they’re worn. There are so many styles and colors - the best life jacket is the one you will wear!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to our newest Rangers! Earlier this week, Rangers Davis and Atashi from Falls Lake and Ranger Davidson from Jordan Lake (he's new, we won't hold that against him) graduated from the Durham County Sheriff's Office 49th Basic Law Enforcement Academy. This training is over 1000 hours of classroom and practical exercises over the last six months. We are proud of them, and excited to have them back in the parks with us!

05/05/2026

Last week we had the honor of wishing our longest tenured employee, Brian Grimes, farewell as he retired after almost 36 (!!!) years of service with the state. Mr. Grimes has been a fixture at Falls Lake long before construction was completed on many of our recreation areas. Throughout his time with North Carolina State Parks and Recreation, Mr. Grimes been a foundation in helping to maintain the places that allow our visitors to relax, renew, recreate, and recognize the importance of our natural spaces. At his retirement luncheon, Mr. Grimes reminded us all that while we don’t get into this profession to get rich, coming to work every day to work with like-minded people that want to make a difference makes the hard days worthwhile.

🫡Congratulations on your career! See the comments below ⬇⬇⬇ for some career stats!

04/29/2026

Have you ever thought about improving your Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) skills? Never been in a kayak or on a SUP? No problem, this is a great event to try it out!

Please join us on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Falls Lake Beaverdam Access.
14600 Creedmoor Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

For more information you can email us at: [email protected]
Online registration at: https://events.dncr.nc.gov/event/paddling-101

Be sure to select the Falls Lake State Recreation Area event.

04/18/2026

Join us this coming Saturday, April 25th for our 9th annual Falls Lake Youth Fishing Tournament! There's still time to sign up kids ages 5-13. Email us at [email protected] or call our park office at 984-867-8000 to sign up.

https://events.dncr.nc.gov/event/2026-falls-lake-youth-fishing-tournament

02/10/2026

With assistance from the N.C. Forest Service, State Park staff was able to complete a prescribed burn today at Shinleaf of approximately 180 acres.

Prescribed fires are planned good fires that help improve wildlife habitat, promote healthier forests, and reduce risks from wildfire. Studies show that prescribed fire also reduces tick populations!

Learn more about how prescribed burns protect our parks and wildlife at
https://www.ncparks.gov/conservation/prescribed-fire

02/09/2026

There will be a prescribed burn in Shinleaf Access of Falls Lake SRA on Tuesday, February 10.

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, Shinleaf will be closed Tuesday. Please be aware that there will be smoke in the area during and after the burn.

01/25/2026

Campgrounds are still open for registered campers only, but all other areas at Falls Lake are closed due to unsafe road conditions. Park staff will reopen areas as soon as it is safe to do so. For your safety, please don't enter closed areas.

Please visit www.NCParks.gov/closures for up-to-date information on NC State Park closures due to Winter Storm Fern.

Please do not attempt to access parks, either by vehicle or by foot, for your safety and the safety of our staff.

01/07/2026

Are you familiar with the Beaverdam Mountain Bike Trails and comfortable riding at night? Come join TORC at the bi-weekly night ride tomorrow January 8th! This is approximately 1.5 hour unsupported ride and you will need at least 2 front lights (helmet light recommended) that are fully charged. Meet at the Beaverdam Mountain Bike Trailhead at 5:30pm. See more information and sign-up through the TORC meet-up page:
https://www.meetup.com/torc-nc/events/312222382/

TORC is a great volunteer-run nonprofit partner that helps us keep our mountain bike trails maintained. If you ride our trails regularly, consider joining them on a trail maintenance workday!
https://www.torc-nc.org/