Fees/FAQs/Rules
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
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.
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 - 7:41amThe 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 - 9:17amThere 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 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,
10am - 6pm, 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. 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