Wildcat Lake at Lees-McRae College opens to community for summer season

BANNER ELK — Wildcat Lake is now open to the community for summer 2024. In addition to swimming, visitors will be permitted to utilize the lake for boating and fishing and may rent pavilions and recreational equipment on site.

Standard operating hours for swimming, boating, and restroom facilities are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.−6 p.m., and Sunday 1−6 p.m. Fishing is accessible from dawn to dusk with a North Carolina fishing license. During operating hours visitors can also take advantage of the recreational equipment available for rent. Equipment rental prices are as follows:

Pavilions: $50 for full-day rental

Standup Paddleboards: $15 for half-day rental; $30 for full-day rental

Canoes: $15 for four hours or less; $30 for more than four hours

Kayaks: $15 for four hours or less; $30 for more than four hours

Hammocks: $5 for four hours or less; $15 for more than four hours

In addition to rental equipment, visitors will also have access to volleyball, cornhole, Kan Jam, and spike ball equipment at Wildcat Lake free of charge. Wildcat Lake will close for the summer season on Monday, Sept. 2.