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Recreation Services Notice

Most parks are open with safety guidelines from Buncombe County Public Health. Learn more here.

Lake Julian Park

Public lake and park located in Arden, North Carolina

Lake Julian Park offers fishing, picnic areas, disc golf, outdoor games, a playground, paddleboats, special event venue rentals, and water access along a picturesque 300-acre public lake.

Notice: The park is open year round, seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Day - Christmas Eve - Christmas Day - New Year’s Day

Amenities

  • Fishing
  • Playground
  • Volleyball
  • Horseshoes
  • Paddle Boats
  • Jon Boats
  • Picnic Shelters and Tables
  • Water Trikes
  • Walking Trail
  • Disc Golf Course
  • Boat Launch
  • Outdoor Exercise Equipment
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible Swing

Fishing

Lake Julian is stocked with an abundance of bass, catfish, bream, and crappie by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission.

Anglers may fish from the shore, from privately owned fishing boats (electric motor only) or from Jon boats that are available for rent (those fishing provide their own electric boat motor). A boat launch is also available for private fishing boats. There is a daily or annual fee to use the boat launch. A North Carolina Fishing License and a local lake permit is required.

Boating

Paddle boats can be rented by the hour or half hour.

A pontoon boat offers educational tours at no charge for Buncombe County residents with disabilities, senior citizens, and students. Reservations can be made by calling (828) 684-0376. A Lake Julian Park ranger will be the captain and tour guide.

A boat launch is available for private craft including fishing boats with electric motors, canoes, kayaks, and sailboats. There is a daily or annual fee to use the boat launch.

Outdoor Games

A sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits are available for use on a first-come basis. Volleyballs and horseshoes can be checked out at no charge with proof of a driver’s license.

An 18-basket disc golf course is located throughout the perimeter of the park.

Picnicking

Four large (50-75 people) and two small (25-49 people) picnic shelters can be reserved by calling (828) 684-0376. In addition to the shelters, many tables and grills are available at no charge on a first-come basis.

Park Rules

  • Littering is prohibited
  • Destruction of plants, animals, and wildlife prohibited
  • Swimming prohibited in lakes and ponds
  • Vehicles on grass or foot trails prohibited
  • Maximum speed is 15 mph
  • Parking prohibited in non-designated areas
  • Vending of goods or merchandise prohibited
  • Park signs shall not be removed
  • Persons may not enter any facility from which they may have been prohibited
  • Permit required for certain use of parks
  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Possession of weapons prohibited
  • Alcoholic beverages prohibited
  • No dumping garbage in county parks
  • Violators subject to prosecution pursuant to NCGS Section § 153A-123(B) & § 14-4

Boat Storage & Rental Fees

picnic shelters | jon boats | paddle boats | fishing permits | boat storage fees

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Shelters - (must call ahead for reservations) (828) 684-0376

  • Large - ($100 per day)
  • Small - ($75 per day)

Jon Boats

Jon Boat Rental - (Motors are not furnished; patrons must supply their own electric motor.)

  • $15 - (4 hours)
  • $25 - (all day)

Paddle Boats

  • $8 - (per ½ hour)
  • $12 - (per hour)

Fishing Permits

*Does not include North Carolina Fishing License.

  • $4 - (per day)
  • $25 - (per year)
  • Senior Citizen discounts are available for fishing permits

Launch Fees for Private Boats

  • Fishing Boats - ($8 per day/$50 per year)
  • Canoes, Kayaks and Sailboats - ($8 per day/$50 per year)

Sailboat Storage Fee

  • $400 - per year

Kayak Storage Fee

  • $200 - per year

Hours & Events Calendar

Subscribe to the calendar and stay up-to-date with all Lake Julian Park events


Locate & Contact

Contact

Matt Dixon
Park Supervisor
P: (828) 684-0376

Physical Address:
406 Overlook Extension
Arden, NC 28704

Mailing Address:
37 Lake Julian Road
Arden, NC 28704

Social Outlets

Park Hours

Park hours vary with the season.

November through March
(8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
April and September
(8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
May through August
(10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
October
(8 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

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