Policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 - 4:22pm |
Home
Near or above capacity crowds are expected Memorial Day weekend. This may mean long lines for facilities and boat rentals and unavailability of campsites and picnic tables.
Visitors are recommended to arrive before noon or after 4:00 pm to avoid the busiest times. Otherwise parking may not be available.
Last updated on: Wednesday, May 18, 2022
The mountain bike trails and the State Park sections of the Fonta Flora State Trail are OPEN today, May 18.
Be advised that the direction of Tindo and Wimba trails has changed as of April 8, 2022. The Tindo Trail is going in a counterclockwise direction. West Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction. East Wimba will be going in a counterclockwise direction. Ignoring closures will cause permanent damage to the trail system and could lead to a citation and fine. Your cooperation ensures we can keep the trail system healthy and functioning for YOUR benefit and safety.
For information about Burke County portions of the Fonta Flora State Trail, please visit their website at https://www.burkenc.org/1258/Fonta-Flora-State-Trail.
If the time stamp on this alert is more than 24 hours old, please feel free to call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the most up-to-date information.
The Paddy’s Creek Swim Area has opened for the season. The concession stand and boat rentals are closed for now but will open sometime in May 2022.
Unless otherwise indicated, all campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing piers, and restrooms are open. Please maintain a social distance of six feet, regardless of the behavior of others.
Picnic shelters are available for reservations or casual use on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the park office for information on how to make reservations.
The Catawba River park office and gift shop is open daily, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Paddy's Creek park office and gift shop is open Wednesday through Sunday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Hours are subject to change on short notice.
Groups larger than 200 people are not permitted. When park rangers feel that the park has reached a safe capacity, the entrance gates may be closed. Entry and/or re-entry to the park is not guaranteed, except for campground reservation holders.
**The information on this alert is the current status of the park. This alert is updated only when the status changes.**
Last updated on: Monday, May 2, 2022
Contact the park
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Paddy's Creek access
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7503, -81.8920
Catawba River access
and park office
2785 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7287, -81.9011
Mailing address
P.O Box 340
Nebo, NC 28761
Hidden Cove boat ramp
3381 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7301, -81.8908
Canal Bridge boat ramp
9182 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
GPS: 35.7394, -81.8863
Hours
►
- December to February:
7:00am to 7:00pm
- March to April:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- May to September:
7:00am to 10:00pm
- October:
7:00am to 9:00pm
- November:
7:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- open year-round
- 24-hour access
►
►
- May 1 to September 30:
10:00am to 6:00pm
►
Catawba River office
- Monday to Friday:
8:00am to 4:30pm
Paddy's Creek office
- Wednesday to Sunday:
9:00am to 5:30pm
Lake James State Park
Lake James State Park offers a full menu of activities. Along with boating, swimming and fishing in the beautiful, clear waters of the 6,812-acre lake, there are 25 miles of trails, 15 of which are open to mountain biking. Trails vary from the short, educational Holly Discovery Trail with child-friendly activities, to the more adventurous, historic section of the Overmountain Victory Trail. There are three campgrounds. The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many of which offer lake views. The Paddy’s Creek Area has 33 drive-to, family-friendly campsites. The remote boat-in campground on the Long Arm Peninsula offers a true outdoor adventure for those willing to paddle or steer their canoes, kayaks or powerboats to their own slice of heaven. Boat ramps at Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge on NC 126 are located between the park’s two day-use areas. And, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the Paddy’s Creek Area concession stand from May through September.
Reservations
Find and book a campsite or picnic shelter online
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
Notices and alerts
Now hiring
Lake James State Park is currently accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:
Current weather
Park Maps and Brochures:
