Lake James State Park Superintendent Nora Coffey will be co-hosting with the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club for a night of star gazing. Learn some basic star gazing tips and take home your own star chart. There will be telescopes and binoculars set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs and bug spray are also recommended. We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Paddy’s Creek Area at 8 p.m. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Campground Hosts needed
Campground Hosts
Lake James State Park is looking for individuals or couples to 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.
Swim Beach OPEN/Concession Stand Hours Adjusted
The swim beach is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm, now through September 30. There will be a fee when lifeguards are on duty $5 for ages 13 and up; $4 for ages 3-12.
Starting in August the Concession Stand will only be open Friday through Tuesday from 10 am until 6 pm (closed on Wednesday and Thursday). 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: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 - 7:41am Bike Trails are OPEN today.
The mountain bike trails at Lake James are OPEN today. The direction of the mountain bike trails was changed on July 1st. The Wimba trails are going in a counter clockwise direction and Tindo trails are going in a clockwise direction. Please contact the park for the most up-to-date trail status.
Posted on: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 - 9:17amEvents and Programs
Lake James State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Date of Event:
Sat, 08/26/2017 - 8:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Upper Parking Lot
Too early to be thinking about fall migration? Think again. Many species have already started their southward journey and others are starting to flock up to begin theirs. The Paddy’s Creek Area is a great place to look for birds and Ranger Jamie Cameron knows just where to find them. We’ll get an early start to beat the heat and take advantage of the peak hours of bird activity. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area bathhouse breezeway at 8 a.m.
Date of Event:
Thu, 08/31/2017 - 8:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Concession Breezeway
It’s National Grandparent’s Day and what better way to honor them than taking a hike at Lake James State Park? With all of their life experience and accumulated knowledge, grandparents have so much to offer future generations; let them strut their stuff on this trek along one of the park trails. A park ranger will lead this easy walk along Paddy’s Creek. We’ll be looking for wildlife, plants, trees and anything else of interest. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring snacks and water. The adventure begins at 10 a.m. at the Paddy's Creek Area of the park.
Date of Event:
Mon, 09/11/2017 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Holly Discovery Trail
Take a Child Outside Week, or TACO Week has been a staple at Lake James for several years. This national event strives to bring kids outside through educational programing. The park will be hosting numerous ranger led activities focused around kids and getting them into the woods. Please keep an eye out for an updated program calendar as TACO Week draws closer. We hope to see you and your kids at the park.
Date of Event:
Sun, 09/24/2017 - 8:00am to Sat, 09/30/2017 - 5:00pm
Start Location:
Contact:
Lake James State Park
7321 NC Hwy 126
Nebo, NC 28761Phone828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 35.750378
Longitude: -81.892075
Park Hours:
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