Lake Fayetteville is a favorite outdoor escape on the city’s north side — a roughly 194-acre lake ringed by trails and parkland, with boat and bike rentals, an 18-hole disc golf course, sand volleyball, and the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks right next door. Whether you want to paddle, ride, run, fish, or just find a shady picnic spot, it’s one of the easiest ways to get outside in Fayetteville.
The Trails
There are actually two ways around the water. The paved shared-use loop runs about 5.5 miles, is stroller- and road-bike-friendly, and connects to the region’s 40-mile Razorback Regional Greenway at the Veterans Memorial Park trailhead. Alongside it, a separate natural-surface trail of about 6.9 miles serves hikers and mountain bikers who want dirt and a little more challenge. For off-road maps and conditions, see our sister site NWA Bike Trails.
Boating & Fishing
Lake Fayetteville is a no-wake lake, which keeps the water calm and ideal for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards; there’s a boat ramp and dock at the marina on the north side near the dam. Anglers fish from bank or boat (no swimming or wading is allowed) for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and carp. Note that all water activities require an Arkansas Game & Fish fishing license where applicable and a City Lake Access Fee for anyone 16 and up — about $5 per day or $40 per year, sold at the marina or online. Land and trail access remains free.
Boat & Bike Rentals
Don’t have your own gear? Fayetteville Boat & Bike Rentals at the marina rents kayaks, canoes, aquacycles, pontoon and fishing boats, plus an unusually fun fleet on land — trail and mountain bikes, tandems, trikes, elliptical bikes, and pedal go-karts, along with bike trailers and child seats. The marina is generally open sunrise to sunset seven days a week, with a winter break (roughly late December into mid-January). Rates are posted at the marina and on the city’s GoPlayFay site.
Disc Golf, Parks & More
The lake is wrapped by several parks. North Shore Park has the 18-hole Northshore disc golf course, a playground, pavilion, and restrooms; Veterans Memorial Park on the south shore adds sand volleyball, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the paved-loop trailhead. There’s also a long-running environmental study center on the lake used for youth science programs. And right next door is the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks — easy to fold into the same outing.
Good to Know
- Cost: Park and trails free; a Lake Access Fee (~$5/day or $40/year, ages 16+) applies to fishing and boating.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily.
- No swimming or wading is permitted in the lake.
- Heads up: Like many urban lakes, it can see seasonal algae blooms in hot months — keep pets out of scummy water.
Location & Directions
📍 Get directions on Google Maps
- Main access: 1330 E Lake Fayetteville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72764 (marina)
- Trails: ~5.5-mile paved loop + ~6.9-mile natural-surface trail
- Cost: Free to visit; Lake Access Fee for fishing/boating
- Website: fayetteville-ar.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the trail around Lake Fayetteville?
The paved shared-use loop is about 5.5 miles; a separate natural-surface hiking and mountain-biking trail runs about 6.9 miles.
Do you need a permit to fish or boat?
Yes — water activities require an Arkansas Game & Fish fishing license where applicable plus a City Lake Access Fee (about $5/day or $40/year for ages 16+). Land and trail access is free.
Can you rent kayaks or bikes?
Yes. Fayetteville Boat & Bike Rentals at the marina rents kayaks, canoes, aquacycles, pontoon and fishing boats, and many kinds of bikes, trikes, and pedal go-karts.
Can you swim in Lake Fayetteville?
No — swimming and wading are not permitted. Fishing is allowed from the bank or a boat only.
More: all parks & outdoor recreation in Fayetteville or the full Things to Do in Fayetteville guide.