History
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, 2018Located at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, between the towns of Marion and Morganton, Lake James is 1,200 feet above sea level. The lake was created between 1916 and 1923 with the construction of dams across the Catawba River and two tributaries, Paddy Creek and Linville River. These impoundments were connected by a broad canal to form a 6,812-acre body of water. Named for James B. Duke, founder of Duke Power Company, Lake James has been a hydroelectric unit for the power company since the early 1900s.
Lake James is one of the most recent additions to the North Carolina State Parks system. A result of strong local support and the efforts of area legislative delegations, the park was established in 1987 by the North Carolina General Assembly. Funds were appropriated for the purchase of 565 acres of land and for the initial phase of facility development. Lake James was the first park in the state's history to receive funds for development and operation upon its acquisition.
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