The tranquility of paddling a canoe on a quiet morning is one of life's simple pleasures. Discover the beauty of Lake James State Park from the water with Park Ranger Kevin Bischof. Whether you're an expert paddler or you don't know the difference between starboard and port, we'll provide the equipment and instruction to make it a memorable morning. Six park canoes are set aside for this free program and each is capable of carrying two adults and one child. The program starts at 9 a.m. and meets at the Paddy’s Creek swim beach. You must pre-register with a head-count of how many people will be in each boat (sorry, no singles). Please call 828-584-7728 and sign-up today.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Volunteer Campground Hosts needed
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 - 7:44am Swim beach OPEN
The 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 - 7:45am Bike Trails are CLOSED today.
The 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: Sunday, June 25, 2017 - 7:30am
Events 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:
Thu, 06/29/2017 - 9:00am
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Bathhouse 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
6883 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