Directions
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
The swim beach is now CLOSED for the season and will re-open May 1, 2018.
The Concession Stand will only be open on Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), from 10 am until 6 pm through the month of October. Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available from 10 am until 4:30 pm when the Concession Stand is open. Boat rental fees are $5.00 per hour.
Posted on: Friday, October 6, 2017 - 7:03pmThe mountain bike trails at Lake James are OPEN today.. The direction of the mountain bike trails was changed on October 2nd. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date trail status.
Posted on: Thursday, October 19, 2017 - 8:24amCome join Lake James State Park staff and members of the Trails Allance to work on the mountain bike trails. We will be work on the Tindo and West Wimba trails. Work will start at 9 am and go to 12 noon. Volunteers will meet at the mountain bike trail parking lot. You will get instructions on what to do and put into a work group. Volunteers should bring snacks, water, gloves and work boots. There will be a group ride after the workday.
Posted on: Thursday, October 19, 2017 - 8:38amLake James State Park is located in Burke and McDowell counties, five miles northeast of Marion on NC 126.
To get to the Paddy's Creek Area of Lake James State Park:
Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 4.8 miles on the right.
Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 mile to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield's Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 0.7 miles on the right.
To get to the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park:
Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 2.3 miles on the left.
Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 mile to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield's Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn left onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 1.7 miles on the right.
Get directions from Google.
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