Boating & Fishing
Lake Crabtree is ideal for water sports such as fishing, sailing, rowing and paddling. The park has a boat rental facility open from late April until late September. The park also has a year-round public boat launch area, which includes a two-lane boat ramp and a car-top canoe/kayak launching area. All lake users are cautioned that shallow waters less than three feet deep exist in some areas.
Only human, wind and electric-powered watercraft are to be operated on Lake Crabtree; no gas-powered motors allowed. Please be off the lake 30 minutes before closing.
Boat Launch Fees
Please deposit daily launch fees in yellow honor boxes. To purchase an annual pass, please call 919-460-3390. Your fees help to maintain the park facilities.
| Type of Boat |
Daily |
Annual |
| Boats on a trailer |
$3 |
$45 |
| Car-top boats |
$2 |
$30 |
Download Paddling Trail Map & Guide (.pdf)
Sailing Classes: The 2011 season is over. The 2012 schedule will be posted in March.
Boat Rentals
Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats are available for rent on the park's waterfront from April 28 through September 30 . All rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis and by the hour. A $20 cash deposit is required as well as a valid photo identification. A customer must be at least 18 years of age to rent a boat. A customer must be at least 16 years of age to take a boat out, but must have a parent or guardian sign the release form.
Sorry, no credit cards accepted.
NOTE: Boat Rental 2011Season is over. The 2012 season begins April 28 at 11 a.m. and continues until September 30.
The 2012 Boating Rules and Information sheet will be posted in March.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime at Lake Crabtree County Park. A fishing pier and platform provide handicap accessibility. The park offers a Tackle Loaner Program through the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Fishing is permitted in designated areas only.
As of January 1, 2007, any person 16 and older fishing in public waters MUST have a fishing license. Additionally, anglers fishing with natural bait (i.e., worms, crickets, etc.) are no longer able to fish in public, inland water in their county of residence without a license.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Rules and Regulations
PCB Information and Fishing Advisory
In mid-May 2004, Lake Crabtree County Park was notified of elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the fish. Since this time, a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) fish consumption advisory has been in effect. The following documents contain information on the state's advisory:
Wake County adopted a catch-and-release-only policy at Lake Crabtree and Crabtree Creek. The following documents contain information on Wake County's policy: