Camping
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
The mountain bike trails at Lake James State Park are OPEN. Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails have changed. Tindo trail is going in a counter clockwise direction and Wimba trail is going in a clockwise direction. The direction of these trails will stay like this until the beginning of July. If the time stamp on this alert is more than 24 hours old, please feel free to call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up to date information.
Posted on: Friday, April 20, 2018 - 8:50amIMPORTANT: Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to preview photos of campsites; check availability and fees; and find out whether a specific site is handicap accessible; has access to water, showers, or restrooms; has electric hookup; and other important information.
Twenty walk-in campsites are located along or near the shoreline at the Catawba River Area. After parking in the centrally located lot, campers must hike 150 to 300 yards to their campsite. The trail to the campground includes an elevation change of about 100 feet. Campers are encouraged to pack lightly. Two sites are designed for disabled campers and can be driven to if needed. Each reservable campsite has a fire pit, picnic table and space for a modest, six-person tent. Potable water faucets are located throughout the campground and a washhouse with toilets and hot showers is open 24/7 near the parking area. Bundles of firewood are available for sale.
The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-in sites that are perfect for families with lots of camping gear. Each reservable site has parking for two vehicles adjacent to the camping pad. Other amenities are identical to those found in the Catawba River Area campground.
Boat-in camping is available on the Long Arm Peninsula. These 30 campsites are accessible by boat only; you cannot hike or drive to these sites. Each site has a fire pit, picnic table and space for a modest, six-person tent. There is no running water at the boat-in camping area. Campers must bring their own water for drinking and washing dishes etc. There are toilet facilities strategically located throughout the camping area. Lake James State Park may have canoes and kayaks available to rent to access the boat-in campsites – call the park office before you arrive for availability. You must have a reservation to occupy a campsite on the Long Arm Peninsula.
To make a reservation (required for boat-in sites, recommended for all other sites) call 1-877-722-6762 or reserve online.
Lake James State Park
Day-use areas at Paddy's Creek and Catawba River:
December - February: 7am - 7pm
March, April & October: 7am - 9pm
May - September: 7am - 10pm
November: 7am - 8pm
Hidden Cove Boat Access Hours:
December - February: closed
March, April, & October: 7am - 8pm
May - September: 7am - 9pm
November: 7am - 7pm
All areas closed Christmas Day
Swim Area
10am - 6pm
May 1 through September 30