Lake James State Park

Hiking Trails

Partially Open

Closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene: Mill’s Creek Trail, East Wimba Trail, and West Wimba Trail. Also, a footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail.

Biking Trails

Partially Open

The East and West Wimba trails are on long-term closure due to devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Swim Beach

Closed for the Season

Boat Rentals

Closed for the Season

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Lake James State Park

Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. 

Camping

  • Tent sites (including backpacking and paddle-in sites)
  • Showers (not at paddle-in sites)
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (22 miles at Paddy's Creek, 4.5 miles at Catawba River)
  • Biking (14 miles, at Paddy's Creek only)
  • Paddling
  • Swimming (at Paddy's Creek only)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Boat ramps
  • Boat rentals (seasonal)
  • Concession stand (seasonal)
  • Amphitheater
  • Picnic shelters
  • Visitor center and exhibits
  • Beach access (lake, seasonal)
  • Bathhouse (seasonal)

Plan Your Visit

Tab/Accordion Items

Address

2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761

GPS: 35.7503, -81.8920

Current Weather

28761 Nebo, NC 

Address

2785 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761

GPS: 35.7287, -81.9011

Current Weather

28761 Nebo, NC

Address

3381 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761

GPS: 35.7301, -81.8908

Current Weather

28761 Nebo, NC

Address

9182 N.C. 126, Nebo, NC 28761

GPS: 35.7394, -81.8863

Current Weather

28761 Nebo, NC

Maps

Fees

There are no fees required to access Lake James State Park for day use, except for boat rentals and swim passes. Fees are also charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Open year-round, with 24-hour gate access

Month

Hours
January closed
February closed
March 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
December closed

 

Open from May 1 to September 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Lake James State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of Lake James State Park

Join, volunteer, or donate! The Friends of Lake James State Park promotes, supports, and advocates for Lake James State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery

Top: Lake James and the Blue Ridge mountains, C. Marimpietri

Gallery: Foggy lake and pier in autumn, staff photo  |  Paddy's Creek bridge, K. Bischof  |  View of lake from Long Arm paddle-in campsites, C. Peek  |  Bicyclists on the bike trails, C. Peek  |  Early morning at the swim beach at Paddy's Creek access, K. Bischof