Getting Out On Lake Lure

Lake Lure from a Boat

As the name implies, Lake Lure does indeed 'lure' many people to enjoy its unique beauty.  And because it is both a home to our residents as well as a popular destination for visitors, it is necessary to establish regulations aimed at a balanced use of the lake.

Lake Lure is a small man-made lake with less than 27 miles of shoreline. It is not an inexhaustible resource, and it is not easily compared to other lakes in the region in terms of their regulations for use or the unique challenges that all lakes have.

As stewards of the lake, the Town of Lake Lure must carefully and consistently manage its challenges and limitations. This is done in consideration of the ecosystem, wildlife, marine life, and certainly in consideration of all who wish to enjoy it. With that in mind, we want your use of the lake to be enjoyable and safe for you, your guests, and our visitors.

In an effort to meet the diverse needs, schedules, budgets, and preferences of a wide array of residents and visitors, several types of permits are available.  All motorized watercraft must obtain and display a permit issued by the town in order to be on the lake. In 2024, The Town of Lake Lure changed the Lake Use Regulations such that permits are no longer required for non-motorized boats to include any kind of stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes.

Please read all of this information below and be sure to review the lake fee schedule to see the complete list of types of permits available. 

You may download the non-commercial boat permit application and please see the list below of frequently asked questions with answers. You may also download the Lake Lure Boaters Guide and Map.

  • Any pontoon boat, canoe, kayak, rowing shell, rowboat, or any motorized craft that is longer than 28 feet
  • Any other type of boat that is longer than 21 feet, such as a runabout, ski boat, deck boat, or sailboat
  • Any type of boat, other than a pontoon boat, weighing more than 4,000 pounds (per manufacturer specs)
  • Personal watercraft (jet skis) are prohibited.
Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure

As noted above, there are a set number of permits available in each permit category. Therefore, as long as the permits are available the number available is as follows:

  • Owners and spouses of an improved property parcel (with dwelling) within the Town of Lake Lure may have up to three motorized boats permitted at the resident rates.
  • An unimproved parcel may have one motorized boat permitted. Additional boats must be permitted at the non-resident rates.
  • No more than three boats may be moored per 100 feet of shoreline. The exception: approved marinas and cluster moorings.
Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure

To be considered a resident of Lake Lure you must own property within the town limits, paying Lake Lure town taxes.  Otherwise, you are a non-resident or a visitor. 

Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure
  • All motorized watercrafts must obtain and display a permit issued by the town in order to be on the lake.
  • Non-motorized boats no longer require a boat permit as of 2024.
  • Check out the Boaters Guide.
  • Permits are non-refundable and must be renewed on an annual basis.
  • The lake is patrolled and surveillance cameras are in use around the lake
  • While boating is allowed outside of our peak season, there are several permits where restrictions apply during peak boating season. The Town of Lake Lure considers peak season as: the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
  • No more than two people may be pulled from a boat (skiing, tubing, etc.) at any given time while on the lake.
  • In addition to our other types of boat permits, you can also purchase daily permits.
  • You must complete the Lake Lure Boater Safety Course and pass the Boater Safety Test before driving a motorized boat.
  • It is recommended that anyone using the lake take the Boater Safety Course and Test.
  • Review the Boater Safety Course and Test and note the locations for obtaining your Boaters License and purchasing various boat permits.  
  • Daily motorized permits are limited to weekday only use during the peak season.  These permits are good Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and weekends. During non-peak season these permits are good seven days a week.
  • Outboard boat motors are limited to a single unit and must be 300 hp or less (trolling motors are excluded.)
  • The length restrictions are as follows:
    • Pontoon boats and non-motorized vessels may be no longer than 28 feet.
    • All other boats, such as ski boats, fishing boats, deck boats, etc., may be no longer than 21 feet. 
Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure

We have a new permitting system in place, so everyone will be asked to complete an application in 2023. After that, you will only need to submit a new application if you are purchasing a permit for the first time, if your information has changed, or you have a different boat than in the previous year. You may download the application here.

Information needed from you every year - please note that these items must be hard copies. They cannot be photos or be sent to us by email.

Address of Lake Lure property (if applying for a resident permit).
Name, address, and contact information of the boat owner. The name must match property tax records for resident permits.
Boat information: make, model, year, length, color, and mooring location. If motorized: motor make, year, and horsepower.

For motorized boats: Proof of state registration and proof of liability insurance (marine policy, homeowners policy, or a certificate of insurance). A boat specification sheet is required for motorized boats, but this only has to be provided once. The specification sheet should show the length, width, and weight of the boat.

Insurance Requirements for Private Boats: 

  1. Lake Lure requires that all private boat owners must maintain marine liability insurance with at least $300,000 in coverage for each motorized boat permitted.
  2. The Town does not have to be listed as co-insured. Proof of insurance must be shown in order to receive a permit (either an agency letter or a copy of the policy.
Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure
  • Daily Motorized permits are $30 during non-peak season and $60 during peak season. During peak season these permits may only be used Monday-Friday, excluding weekends and holidays. During non-peak season, there are no restrictions.
Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure

All residents of the Town of Lake Lure must purchase their boat permit from one of the following locations: 

1) Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department Office:

   Phone: 828-625-9983 extension 505

   Address: 658 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746

   Boat Permits Available: All Boat Permits are available for purchase, including Commercial Boat Permits.  

   Note: If you are purchasing a Residential Boat Permit, please bring in proof of residency, a deed, or bill with your name and address. 

   Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm (closed 12 -1 pm for lunch)

2) Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure Cabana (Rumbling Bald Residents and Visitors only)

     Phone: 828-694-3000 (dial 9 for the Cabana) 

    Address: 112 Mountain Blvd., Lake Lure, NC 28746         

    Boat Permits Available: Only Non-motorized Daily Boat Permits are available for purchase. All other permits issued at Rumbling Bald are handled through member services.

    Note: If you are purchasing a Residential Boat Permit, please bring in proof of residency, a deed, or bill with your name and address. 

    Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 5 pm 

By mail: If you would like to purchase your boat permits by mail, you may print and complete the boat permit application and mail it to the address listed below, along with the required information. Please note: Permits are sent by certified mail. There is an additional $10.00 charge per permit to purchase by mail. Please allow plenty of time for us to receive and mail out your permits.  

Mailing Address: Town of Lake Lure Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department, P.O. Box 5, Lake Lure, NC 28746

All non- residents of the Town of Lake Lure may purchase their boat permit from either of the location listed below: 

1) Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department Office:

   Phone: 828-625-9983 extension 505

   Address: 658 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746

   Boat Permits Available: All Boat Permits are available for purchase, including Commercial Boat Permits.  

   Note: If you are purchasing a Residential Boat Permit, please bring in proof of residency, a deed, or bill with your name and address. 

   Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8 am to 12 pm, 1 pm to 5 pm (closed 12 -1 pm for lunch)

2) Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure Cabana (Rumbling Bald Residents and Visitors only)

     Phone: 828-694-3000 (dial 9 for the Cabana) 

    Address: 112 Mountain Blvd., Lake Lure, NC 28746         

    Boat Permits Available: Only Non-motorized Daily Boat Permits are available for purchase. All other permits issued at Rumbling Bald are handled through member services.

    Note: If you are purchasing a Residential Boat Permit, please bring in proof of residency, a deed, or bill with your name and address. 

    Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 5 pm

3) Lake Lure Tours 

    Phone: 828-625-1373

    Address: 2930 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746         

    Boat Permits Available: Boat Permits are available for purchase, Non-resident Boat Permits

    Hours of Operation: Hours vary with the season. Please call 828-625-1373 to check current hours of operation.

 

 

 

Category: Getting Out On Lake Lure
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