Topics Related to Lake James State Park

Join us for a Clean-Up and Stewardship Day! Volunteers will help pick up trash in high-use areas, and several conservation nonprofits will have tables set up for guests to explore during the event. This clean up is being held in celebration of National Public Lands Day. Registration is encouraged! 

Become a water engineer! Learn why wetlands are important and what organisms live there. Practice engineering skills by constructing watershed models with our hands-on stream tables. Search for aquatic critters in water samples from Lake James waterways.A sensory-friendly toolkit will be available for participants to use during the program as needed. This event is part of the 2025 NC Science Festival. Meet the Program Lead at the back patio of the Visitors Center in the Paddy's Creek Area. 

What make bobcats such good hunters? Why are coyotes hard to spot? How do beavers keep warm in cold water? Join us at the Catawba River Area to learn about the amazing adaptations of the animals that call Lake James home. Then, take a hike to see what wildlife you can find!This event is part of the 2025 NC Science Festival. 

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation announced a new partnership with Waypoint Adventure, based in Black Mountain, N.C., to provide adaptive recreation programs for visitors with disabilities.

All North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31.

Crowders Mountain, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain and Lake Norman state parks, as well as Rendezvous Mountain, will reopen at least partially on Nov. 1.

Elk Knob, Lake James, New River, and Stone Mountain state parks will reopen at least partially on Nov. 15; three parks will remain closed until further notice and face long-term closures: Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, and South Mountains.

State Parks Director Brian Strong provides additional information on post-Helene rescue and recovery efforts and the status of western state parks.

Veterans with service-related disabilities are now eligible to apply to receive a free Annual Pass to North Carolina State Parks.

Current closures due to winter weather. Last updated January 28, 2026.