Lake James State Park

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available online and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.

About

Tucked into the rolling hill country at the base of Linville Gorge, Lake James State Park centers on a sprawling 6,812-acre reservoir with over 150 miles of shoreline. The park offers three distinct camping experiences: walk-in tent sites at Catawba River, boat-in primitive sites along the Long Arm Peninsula, and sites at Paddy's Creek. The walk-in sites require a short hike from parking and line the water with picnic tables, fire pits, and lantern posts. The 30 boat-in primitive sites can be reached by paddling from Paddy's Creek or launching from Canal Bridge Public Boat Ramp, providing remote waterfront camping. Located in Burke and McDowell counties northeast of Marion and Asheville, the park features a 700-foot swim beach with bathhouse, hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing piers, and picnic areas. The cool mountain waters are ideal for boating, water skiing, and fishing, while forested trails showcase wildflowers and wildlife. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for both active recreation and relaxation along the lakeshore.

Directions

From I-40 eastbound, take exit 90 (Nebo/Lake James) and head north. After 0.5 miles, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road for 2 miles to a stoplight. Continue straight past Nebo Elementary to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126. Catawba River entrance is 2.3 miles on the left; Paddy's Creek entrance is 4.8 miles on the right. From I-40 westbound, take exit 94 (Dysartsville/Lake James) north 0.5 miles to stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road for 1.2 miles, then left onto Benfield's Landing Road for 2 miles to stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126 for Catawba River (1.7 miles on right) or left for Paddy's Creek (0.7 miles on right).

Nearby Campgrounds