Kayaking the Cape Fear River in Fayetteville, NC: Launches & Tips

The Cape Fear River runs along Fayetteville's east side, and paddlers can launch at a state boating access area south of downtown or at Campbellton Landing on Person Street. Through the city the river is wide flatwater with a steady current, but it rises quickly after heavy rain upstream, and there are few places to get off once you are on it. Many locals start on Lake Rim Park or Hope Mills Lake, or drive north to Lillington for guided trips on the livelier upper river.

This guide covers where to launch, how to check conditions, rentals and outfitters, and the safety points that matter most on this river.

Where to Launch in Fayetteville

Launch	Location	What to know
Fayetteville Boating Access Area (NC Wildlife Resources Commission)	Off U.S. 301 near Old N.C. 87, south of downtown	Free public concrete ramp with canoe and kayak access. The state closes it during high water, sometimes for long periods, so check the NCWRC closures page before you go.
Campbellton Landing	1130 Person St, east bank	Privately run landing; the county tourism bureau lists a $5 launch fee.

Both launches put you on the same stretch of river. The paved Cape Fear River Trail is the best way to scout that stretch from land; our Cape Fear River Trail and parks guide covers the trailheads.

Use the NCWRC's Boating Access Area locator to confirm exact directions, parking and accessibility for any state ramp.

Planning a one-way trip

Most paddlers on this stretch either paddle upstream from a launch and float back, or leave a second car at a downstream launch. Plan your take-out before you launch, and give yourself extra daylight; current speed changes a lot with the water level.

Check the River Before You Go

• USGS gage 02104000, Cape Fear River at Fayetteville, near the N.C. 24 bridge, reports real-time water level and flow. The National Weather Service forecast point is FAYN7.
• Compare with recent days. A sharp rise means fast water, floating debris and muddy banks. Do not paddle in flood conditions.
• Low water exposes sandbars and snags; you may have to drag your boat in places.
• Check the NCWRC closures list for the state ramp, especially after storms.

Dams and Other Hazards

• William O. Huske Lock and Dam (Lock and Dam No. 3) sits at Tolars Landing in Bladen County, about 17 miles south-southeast of Fayetteville. Water going over a dam like this can form a recirculating current that traps boats and swimmers. Never approach the dam from upstream; plan your take-out well before it.
• Strainers: fallen trees along the outside of bends can pin a boat. Stay toward the inside of curves.
• Motorboats use the river too. Stay visible and keep to the side.
• Heat and storms: summer afternoons bring thunderstorms. Get off the water at the first sign of lightning.
• Fish: check the North Carolina fish consumption advisories before eating anything you catch from the river.

Calmer Water Close By

If you are new to paddling or have kids along, start on flatwater.

Lake Rim Park

Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Dr, has a boat ramp on its lake and runs ranger-led kayak programs, with kayaks, paddles and life vests provided. In October 2026 the park listed a $5 senior kayak tour and $15 van trips to paddle Falls Lake and the Haw River. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from March to October and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November to February. Call (910) 433-1018 to ask about current programs and bringing your own boat.

Hope Mills Lake

Hope Mills Lake is a no-wake lake with a boat ramp and canoe access. The town requires a permit for every vessel, including kayaks and canoes, but the permit is free for non-motorized boats. Get one at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, 5770 Rockfish Rd, and stay more than 50 feet from the dam.

Smith Lake on Fort Bragg

Smith Lake Recreation Area rents paddle boats and canoes during its seasonal lakefront operations. Personal non-motorized boats are allowed but cannot cross the buoy lines around the swim area. The park area is open to the public from dawn to dusk; the campground is for DoD ID cardholders.

Rhodes Pond

Rhodes Pond, in northern Cumberland County, also has a public boat ramp. It is a good, quiet option for fishing from a kayak; see our fishing spots guide.

Rentals and Guided Trips

• Cape Fear River Adventures, 100 S Main St, Lillington, (919) 495-5555. Runs kayak, canoe, paddleboard and tubing trips on the upper Cape Fear, from one-hour rentals to overnight trips covering up to 25 river miles, including flat and whitewater sections. As of October 27, 2026, low water limited it to hourly rentals only. Weekday trips in spring and fall need a reservation 24 hours ahead.
• Yakalacky Outfitters NC, (910) 221-6077, a local kayak rental business serving the Cape Fear River area. Call for current pickup or delivery arrangements.

Upriver, Raven Rock State Park near Lillington has six paddle-in campsites on the Cape Fear River Canoe Trail. That section includes rapids at Lanier Falls and the Fish Traps, so it suits paddlers with moving-water experience. Check the water level with the park before launching. It makes a good overnight from Fayetteville; our weekend getaways guide has more nearby trips.

What to Bring

• A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every paddler, worn, not stowed. North Carolina requires children under 13 to wear one on a moving recreational vessel.
• A dry bag with a phone, a whistle and a printed or offline map.
• More water than you think you need, sunscreen and a hat.
• A plan shared with someone on shore: where you are launching, where you are taking out and when you expect to finish.

When you are back on land, the Clark Park Nature Center is a good stop for kids who want to learn about the river's wildlife, and the biking trails guide covers riding the paved trail along the water.

Sources

• NCWRC: Boating Access Areas
• NCWRC: Boating access area closings
• USGS 02104000: Cape Fear River at Fayetteville
• City of Fayetteville: Lake Rim Park
• Town of Hope Mills: Hope Mills Lake
• Fort Bragg MWR: Smith Lake Recreation Area
• Cape Fear River Adventures
• Distinctly Fayetteville: Boat ramps and fishing

Details checked October 2026.