Camping
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.750378, -81.892075
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
Mountain bike trails, including the Linville River Fonta Flora access, are open today, January 22. Please note that the directions have changed. The Wimba Trail is now counterclockwise, and the Tindo Trail is now clockwise.
If the date is more than 24 hours old, please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the latest information.
The Hidden Cove Access Area closed for the season on December 1 and will reopen on March 1, 2020. The Canal Bridge Access remains open with 24 hours daily, throughout the year. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
New gate hours are now in effect for December 1 through February 29. The park opens at 7 am, and gates close at 7 pm. The park will be closed on Christmas Day.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Tuesday, December 3, 2019Camping
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT AMENITIES:
Not all campsites have identical amenities. Read the campsite information on the reservations website to see photos of campsites; check availability and fees; find out whether a specific site is wheelchair accessible, has access to water, bathouses or pit toilets, or has electric hookup; and learn other important information.
Tent camping
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 wheelchair accessible 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.
Paddle-in camping
Paddle-in camping is available on the Long Arm Peninsula. These 30 campsites are accessible only by boat; 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.
NOTE – Gate access for campers:
Park gates are closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gates after the closing time. All visitors who are not spending the night need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. Check with the park office during office hours for the after-hours emergency phone number. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.
Park Maps and Brochures:
