Camping
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Serve as “live-in” host at park campground. Register campers, provide information and explain rules and regulations. Perform light maintenance work around the campground such as picking up litter, cleaning and stocking toilet facilities, cleaning campsites and selling firewood. This position requires working weekends, holidays and evening hours. Your campsite, with full RV hook-ups, provided free of charge while you volunteer. For more information contact Ranger Jamie Cameron at 828-584-7728.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 7:44amThe swim beach is open for the season from 10 am until 6 pm. There will be a fee when lifeguards are on duty $5 for ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 3-12.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day the Concession Stand will be open 7 days a week from 10 am until 6 pm. Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available from 10 am until 4:30 pm. Boat rental fees are $5.00 per hour.
Posted on: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 - 7:45amThe mountain bike trails at Lake James are CLOSED today due to wet conditions. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date trail status.
Posted on: Saturday, June 24, 2017 - 8:12am
IMPORTANT: 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