Notable Campgrounds
- Best for views: The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views.
- Best for families: The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-in, family-friendly campsites.
- Best for adventurous campers: The remote Long Arm boat-in campground offers a true outdoor adventure accessible only by boat, kayak or canoe.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Booking in advance is recommended and can be easily done online or by phone up to 11 months in advance.
- Reservations for the Long Arm boat-in campground must be made in advance.
- If you cannot arrive by park closing hours on the scheduled arrival date, you must contact the park by 3pm the next day to reschedule your arrival.
When to Go
Lake James State Park is open year-round, but closed on Christmas Day. Summer is the best time to visit to take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer. The beach at Paddy’s Creek is open for swimming from May through September while April through October is the best period for fishing for largemouth bass. If visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends.
Know Before You Go
- Paddy’s Creek Area is the only part of the lake you can swim in, and an admission fee is required.
- Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Paddy’s Creek Area concession stand from May through September.
- Pets are allowed except in park buildings and swim areas, but must be on a leash no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Lake James State Park
Swim in crystal-clear waters and soak up mountain views at this NC state park.
Surrounded by the steep, forested Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James State Park is a prime destination for outdoor adventurers. As well as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing in the 6,812-acre lake for which it’s named, the park also offers a 25-mile trail system, 15 of which are multi-use and welcoming of cyclists of all levels. Trails range from the flat and easy Holly Discovery Trail to the more adventurous section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The landscape houses an abundance of wildlife, including deer, flying squirrel, red and gray fox, muskrat, and mink.
Surrounded by the steep, forested Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake James State Park is a prime destination for outdoor adventurers. As well as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing in the 6,812-acre lake for which it’s named, the park also offers a 25-mile trail system, 15 of which are multi-use and welcoming of cyclists of all levels. Trails range from the flat and easy Holly Discovery Trail to the more adventurous section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The landscape houses an abundance of wildlife, including deer, flying squirrel, red and gray fox, muskrat, and mink.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Lake James State Park
Visit the hill country of North Carolina for some lakeside camping on 150 miles of shoreline surrounded by the Appalachian Mountain range. Lake James State Park is one of N. C. ’s park favorites, and rightfully so. Gorgeous is an understatement, and who doesn’t love a good lake swim? Campsites are walk-in only (150-300 yards), but are far from pri Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
- Best for views: The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views.
- Best for families: The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-in, family-friendly campsites.
- Best for adventurous campers: The remote Long Arm boat-in campground offers a true outdoor adventure accessible only by boat, kayak or canoe.
Read more...Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Lake James State Park is open year-round, but closed on Christmas Day. Summer is the best time to visit to take advantage of the outdoor activities on offer. The beach at Paddy’s Creek is open for swimming from May through September while April through October is the best period for fishing for largemouth bass. If visiting in summer, it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance, especially on weekends.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —