Visitors packed the area throughout Sunday, taking advantage of time on the water to escape the heat. Park officials have already seen several busy weekends for boat rentals, and with an intense stretch of heat on the way, demand is expected to remain high.
At Lake Crabtree boat rentals, kayaks, canoes and other equipment are available on a first-come, first-served basis, adding to long lines and wait times as people look for relief from rising temperatures.
While many are heading outdoors, others are staying inside and relying on air conditioning to stay cool -- something that can put added strain on the power grid.
ABC11 caught up with Duke Energy spokesperson Jeff Brooks, who said energy use typically rises when temperatures climb and more people turn up their air conditioning, especially during extended periods of heat.
"The crews are ready," Brooks said. "They've been working hard to make sure the power plants and the poles and wires are ready, so that we can serve our customers when they count on us most."
Brooks also noted there's no single "perfect" thermostat setting to save energy, but keeping it at the highest comfortable level can help manage usage.
A heat wave is expected to begin Wednesday and last through the Fourth of July weekend. High temperatures will climb to around 100 degrees or higher, with heat index values reaching 105 to 110.