Reservable Facilities
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
828-584-7728
lake.james@ncparks.gov
GPS: 35.750378, -81.892075
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
All areas closed Christmas Day
Canal Bridge Boat Access Hours:
January - December: open 24 hours per day
Hidden Cove Boat Access Hours:
December - February: closed
March, April, & October: 7am - 8pm
May - September: 7am - 9pm
November: 7am - 7pm
Swim Area
May 1 - September 30: 10am - 6pm
Mountain bike trails, including the Linville River Fonta Flora access, are closed today, January 25. Please note that the directions have changed. The Wimba Trail is now counterclockwise, and the Tindo Trail is now clockwise.
If the date is more than 24 hours old, please call the park office at 828-584-7728 for the latest information.
The Hidden Cove Access Area closed for the season on December 1 and will reopen on March 1, 2020. The Canal Bridge Access remains open with 24 hours daily, throughout the year. Please contact the park at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
New gate hours are now in effect for December 1 through February 29. The park opens at 7 am, and gates close at 7 pm. The park will be closed on Christmas Day.
Please contact the park office at 828-584-7728 or lake.james@ncparks.gov with any questions.
Last updated on: Tuesday, December 3, 2019Facilities for rent
Check 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 $328, your group, up to 100 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.
Park Maps and Brochures:
