05/16/2026
Wildcat Lake opens in one week for summer fun: Saturday, May 23. Located on the South Campus of Lees-McRae College (Hickory Nut Gap Road), the lake and sandy beach will be open for swimming Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 1–6 p.m. through Monday, Sept 7.
Students in the college’s Outdoor Recreation Management program will staff the lake as lifeguards and rental managers through Wildcat Lake Rentals. Guests have access to rental equipment including paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, personal flotation devices, hammocks, and field games.
The use of the lake is free for individuals, families, and small groups, but groups of 25 or more must contact Wildcat Lake a week in advance to ensure adequate staffing and will be subject to a large group fee, starting at $50 for 25 people. Additionally, the lake offers four pavilions that can be rented for $75 a day. Each pavilion features covered tables and a grill. An accessible pavilion and a pavilion with electricity are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about policies, fishing hours, and rental prices, go to www.lmc.edu/community/wildcat-lake.htm
