Lake James State Park
North Carolina State Park
Lake James State Park entrance fee
Free entry — 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.
Lake James State Park hours
January–February: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March–April: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May–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.
The park is open during all other holidays.
Hours as published by NC State Parks. Check the official page before a long drive.
About Lake James State Park
Two accesses onto a picturesque mountain lake, with campsites at both and some reachable only by paddling. Trails include Paddy's Creek's bike network, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, and stretches of the Overmountain Victory and Fonta Flora state trails.
Things to do
- 🥾 Hiking
- 🚲 Biking
- 🛶 Paddling
- 🏊 Swimming
- 🎣 Fishing
- ⛵ Boating
- 🐦 Birding
Amenities & facilities
- 🏕️ Campsites
- 🚿 Showers
- 🚤 Boat Ramp
- 🌿 Nature Center
RV / campsite hookups
- ⛺ Primitive / No Hookups
More North Carolina state parks with swimming
Camping options
- Paddle-in sites
- Tent sites
- Backpacking sites
State Trails
North Carolina’s designated long-distance state trails run through this park.
Contact
Phone828-544-6800
Address2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761
Upcoming events at Lake James State Park
- Snapshots and Shorelines: A guided photograph tour
- PARTF Meeting
- The History Lake James: From Native Lands to Modern Recreation
- An Evening on the Lake
- Snapshots and Shorelines: A guided photograph tour
- Snapshots and Shorelines: A guided photograph tour
Event details and registration are on the NC State Parks calendar.
🎒 Gear up for Lake James State Park
Popular gear for what this park offers:
- Tents
- Kayaks
- Fishing rods
- Binoculars
- Hiking boots
- Bike helmets
- Water shoes
- Life jackets
- Bug spray
- Coolers
- Sleeping bags
- Camp chairs
- Camp stoves
- Lanterns
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