When it comes to water activities, Greensboro’s lakes offer an impressive variety that’s perfect for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing the open water, powering across the lake in a motorboat, paddling a quiet canoe, or casting a fishing line in peaceful surroundings, Greensboro has a lake for you. In this guide, we’ll highlight each lake’s unique offerings — including which ones are the only places to sail or motorboat — so you can find your perfect watery escape!
Lake Brandt is one of only two Greensboro lakes that allow motorboating, alongside kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. Its well-equipped marina offers seasonal rentals, making it easy to get out on the water. Anglers love fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish here. What makes Lake Brandt unique is its combination of motorboat access and a marina for rentals — making it perfect for both powerboaters and paddlers alike.
Lake Higgins is a quieter gem where you can kayak, canoe, fish, and also enjoy motorboating — making it the second of only two Greensboro lakes permitting motorboats. It’s smaller and less crowded, ideal for peaceful paddling and fishing. This lake’s unique appeal is its serene, low-traffic atmosphere that’s perfect for anglers and paddlers looking for calm waters.
As Greensboro’s largest municipal lake, Lake Townsend is the only lake in Greensboro that offers sailing. It’s a water lover’s paradise with motorboating, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing all available. The lake’s yacht club supports a vibrant sailing community, making it the prime spot for anyone wanting to tack the sails or cruise on a motorboat. Anglers also enjoy bass, catfish, and crappie fishing here.
Hagan-Stone Park offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in its calm lakes — but does not allow motorboating, making it a serene spot for paddling and fishing. What sets Hagan-Stone Park apart is its full complement of land activities, including an aquatic center, hiking trails, picnic areas, and event spaces, giving you a whole day of outdoor fun beyond just water sports.