Lake Johnson Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Johnson Park is a 150-acre park located in Raleigh, North Carolina.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families due to its tranquil setting and many recreational activities. The park's centerpiece is a 75-acre lake, which offers fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, jogging, and biking on the park's many trails, or have a picnic in one of the park's designated areas.

One of the main points of interest at Lake Johnson Park is the nature center, which offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and live animal displays. Other notable attractions include the park's playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and a wildlife observation deck.

Interesting facts about the area include that Lake Johnson was created in 1956 as a result of the construction of a dam on Swift Creek, and was named after Oscar Johnson, a prominent local businessman. The park was established in 1971 and has since become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The best time of year to visit Lake Johnson Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the trees and foliage are at their most vibrant. Summer is also a popular time to visit, as visitors can take advantage of the lake's cooling waters. However, temperatures can be hot and humid during the summer, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Overall, Lake Johnson Park is a scenic and enjoyable destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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