18 Fort Bragg’s Smith Lake Beach's opening weekend is scheduled Friday, May 27, until Monday, May 30.

The fun-filled weekend will feature themed days, giveaways, games and plenty of activities for the whole family.

On FREEdom Friday, the first 500 guests can enjoy free entry and a meal. SUPER Saturday will feature water slides, bouncers and games.

Those visiting on Sunday Fun Day can check out local food trucks and participate in family-fun games.
Giveaways and more fun activities will conclude the weekend on Memorial Day.

New to the lake this year is an inflatable aqua park with over 40 elements and a 1/4 mile long Ski Rixen, which pulls wakeboarders, water skiers and knee boarders.

While family fun is undoubtedly high up on the list for an epic Memorial Day weekend, safety takes the top spot.

“The beach is, well — a beach,” said James Day, chief of outdoor recreation, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

“It has very little shade, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and you just might want to bring a sun hat.”

Though Smith Lake Beach does have lifeguards on duty, parents are responsible for their children.

Any ID card holder under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian 18 years of age or older. Patrons 7 and under must be within arm’s reach of an adult guardian 18 years of age or older at all times. Children are allowed to wear Coast Guard-approved life vests in the water.
After destruction from Hurricane Matthew, Smith Lake was closed from 2016 until 2020. The park is now open seven days a week to the public. Although Smith Lake is on Fort Bragg, only certain areas are restricted to DoD ID cardholders.

“Because of its location, tucked away in the pine trees of Fort Bragg, you can enjoy the outdoors without having to travel too far,” said Sharilyn Wells, Fort Bragg spokesperson. “Smith Lake Recreation Area really has everything.”

Smith Lake Recreation Area is a popular location for military and civilian families alike. The 200-acre park features picnic areas, grills, playgrounds, camping, fishing and trails for hiking or biking.

“As the garrison, it is our job to provide our community with holistic ways to improve and maintain mental and physical health,” said Col. Scott Pence, Fort Bragg garrison commander. “Smith Lake is just one of the many facilities that offer service members and their families options for an overall better quality of life.”

The fun kicks off at 11 a.m. and those coordinating the event are excited to get the party started.

“When visitors leave, I hope they say, ‘What a great day! I cannot wait to come back again,’” Day told Up & Coming Weekly. “We hope the time they spend at Smith Lake is enjoyable, and we’d also like them to spread the word. Smith Lake will be a great place to cool off from the summer heat and enjoy time together.”

Smith Lake Beach is open only to DoD Id cardholders and their guests.

Current access fees for swimming are $5 for guests aged 12 and older and $3 for those 11 and younger.

For more information, visit https://bragg.armymwr.com/programs/smith-lake-recreation-area.