Lake Fayetteville
Welcome to Lake Fayetteville!
Lake Fayetteville comprises 458 acres of land and 194 acres of water. The lake is a fisherman's dream and offers an abundance of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are several components of Lake Fayetteville, including the North Shore Park and disc golf course, Veterans Memorial Park, a boat dock and marina, Lake Fayetteville Softball Complex, boat and bike rentals, and The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. There is also a 5.5-mile nature trail around the lake, as well as 4.3 miles of hard-surface multi-use trail that also circles the lake.
Lake History
Bonds were issued to construct the lake in 1948 as a source of drinking water, and the project was completed in 1949. The lake was named Lake Fayetteville in 1950. In 1959, the Beaver Water District was established to provide area cities with treated water from Beaver Lake. Since then, Lake Fayetteville has been utilized for recreational purposes.
Lake Regulations
Fishing and boating permits are required for Lake Fayetteville and should be purchased at the Boat House/Lake Office prior to accessing the lake. There is no permit requirement for Lake Sequoyah, Lake Wilson or other Park areas containing fishable waters. Lake Fayetteville, like all City lakes, is a "No Wake Lake," meaning that boats are not allowed to go above idle speed. This makes it a safe atmosphere to paddle around and relax on the water.
Boating
A boating permit for each boat must be purchased before its use on Lake Fayetteville. All state laws governing boats apply.
Fishing
All fishing shall be done only from the bank or boat. No wading, swimming, or belly boats shall be permitted in all City Lakes. All AG&F regulations apply and licenses are required.
View a complete list of fees for Annual or Daily Lake Recreation Permits.
Boat and Bike Rentals
Lake Fayetteville Boat and Bike Rentals, located on the north side of the lake at the dam site, offers everyone a way to get out on the trails and water. If you're looking to hit the trails, check out our selection of trail bikes, mountain bikes and ElliptiGo bikes. We also have "Wee Hoo" trailers for the kiddos to be active and pedal while being pulled along by an adult. All non-motorized boats & bikes are rented on a first come first serve basis. Learn more about bike rental options.
If you want to get on the water, you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, small fishing boats, and pontoon boats. Fishing poles and equipment are also available for rent or sale. Learn more about boat rental options.
On March 2, 2021, the Fayetteville City Council approved resolution 82-21 indicating a desire that the City work with environmental partners to clean up and protect the Lake Fayetteville watershed with the goal of maintaining water quality in the lake that would support primary contact. The resolution also requested that the City contract with an experienced firm to help analyze the lake and produce a watershed strategy and implementation plan.
As a result, Olsson, Inc was engaged by the city to complete the plan, which included environmental/engineering analysis as well as stakeholder engagement in order to develop potential solutions for the water quality challenges within the lake. View the Lake Fayetteville Water Quality Study (July 2023).
For more information on efforts to preserve Fayetteville's water resources, visit the Stormwater Quality page.