Fees/FAQs/Rules
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
The boat dock for the Catawba River Campground has been flooded by recent rains. The trail between the dock and the campground is impassable. Please be prepared to take a different route until the lake's water level drops down.
The Lake Channel Overlook trail is closed from the campground bathhouse out to the overlook during renovations. Work should be complete and the overlook opened by the end of the month.
Please call the park office at 828-584-7728 with any questions.
Posted on: Sunday, October 21, 2018Starting October 1, the swim beach and weekday boat rental concession are closed for the summer season. Canoes and kayaks will be available to rent on the weekends only through the end of October. Paddleboards are out of commission. The hours for boat rentals are subject to change, though, so please call ahead before traveling to the park. If you have questions, please call the park office at 828-584-7728.
Posted on: Sunday, October 21, 2018
The mountain bike trails are OPEN today. Be advised that the direction changed at the end of September so pay attention to directional arrows. Call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up-to-date information or to report downed trees.
Posted on: Sunday, October 21, 2018There are no entrance fees to enjoy the park. In addition to park-specific rules, please read the systemwide Park Rules for all North Carolina State Parks.
Swimming Area
Restrooms, picnic tables and shelters and a concession stand are nearby.
Adults (age 13 and over): $5/day
Children (3-12): $4/day
The swimming area is available May 1 through September 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day.
Canoes and Kayaks
Canoes and kayaks are available for rental near the concession stand in the Paddy's Creek area. Canoes accommodate 2-3 people and kayaks accommodate 1. Minimum age to rent is 16.
They are available Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Dates are subject to change; call park office for current information.
Fees are $5 per hour.
Permits
Event permits. Some events—such as weddings, athletic contests, company parties, etc.—may require a Special Activity Permit. If you're unsure whether such a permit is necessary for your event, call the park office beforehand. You can download a Special Activity permit application or obtain one from the park office.
Research and collection permits. A permit is required for any project involving the collection, removal or disturbance of any natural or cultural resource of any state park unit and for projects that require placing monitoring equipment in any state park unit. Learn more about research and collection permits or fill out a permit application online.
A $25 fee will be charged for all returned checks.
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