Reservable Facilities
Park Maps and Brochures:
Upcoming Events:
Starting 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.
***NO CANOE/KAYAK RENTALS ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13TH DUE TO THE DRAGON BOAT RACE.
Posted on: Sunday, October 14, 2018The 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. Please call the park office at 828-584-7728 with any questions.
Posted on: Sunday, October 14, 2018The mountain bike trails are closed today. Be advised that the direction has changed 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 14, 2018Check the reservations website for availability and prices.
In addition to campsites, you can reserve the following facilities at this park:
Picnic Shelters
Unreserved picnic shelters are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the shelters are very popular, so reservations are strongly suggested.
Two picnic shelters in the Paddy's Creek area each accommodate up to 100 people. East Picnic Shelter and West Picnic Shelter. They are accessible, have access to restrooms and are near a concession stand. The Catawba River Picnic Shelter is reservable by phone and also accomodates up to 100 people. Call 828-584-7728 to reserve.
Catawba River Picnic Shelter and Beach Rental
Are you planning a family reunion, class reunion, baptism, wedding, birthday extravaganza, church gathering or any other type of event that you want to make memorable? You may want to consider renting the Lake James State Park Catawba River Picnic Shelter and swim beach area. For $300 your group, up to one hundred people, would have full access to the picnic shelter and exclusive access to the swim beach at the Catawba River Area for an entire day. (Depending on the impact to park operations additional fees may be added.)
The process to renting these areas is simple. First, you would need to fill out a Special Activity Permit, which you can also obtain at either of our park offices. Please allow at least 3 weeks prior to the event for the approval process. Once you complete the form you would mail it directly to the attention of Park Superintendent Nora Coffey, Lake James State Park, P.O. Box 340, Nebo, NC 28761. Upon approval, you would then make full payment to complete the reservation at our park office. It is as simple as that.
We recommend that your group carpool as much as possible due to the limited parking (87 spaces). Your event cannot interfere with the general public’s usage of the park. You and your group would need to follow all park regulations. No alcoholic beverages are allowed at any time. You would be responsible for cleaning up after your group prior to leaving the park.
For more information please call 828-584-7728.
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