Lake James State Park
Mostly Open
A footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail.
Open
Direction Change 4/16/24: The West Wimba Trail's direction is clockwise, and the East Wimba Trail's direction is counterclockwise. The Tindo trails are going in a counterclockwise direction.
Closed
The Paddy's Creek swim beach will reopen to the public on May 1, 2024.
Closed
Rentals for Long Arm campers available on weekends only through May 10th. Concessionaire REI will begin boat rental operations on Saturday, May 11th.
About the Park
Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail.
Camping
- Tent sites (including backpacking and paddle-in sites)
- Showers (not at paddle-in sites)
- Firewood
Activities
- Hiking (22 miles at Paddy's Creek, 4.5 miles at Catawba River)
- Biking (14 miles, at Paddy's Creek only)
- Paddling
- Swimming (at Paddy's Creek only)
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Amenities
- Boat ramps
- Boat rentals (seasonal)
- Concession stand (seasonal)
- Amphitheater
- Picnic shelters
- Visitor center and exhibits
- Beach access (lake, seasonal)
- Bathhouse (seasonal)
Plan Your Visit
Park Hours
|
Month |
Hours |
|---|---|
| January | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| February | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| March | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| April | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| May | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| June | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| July | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| August | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| September | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| October | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| November | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| December | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Open year-round, with 24-hour gate access
|
Month |
Hours |
|---|---|
| January | closed |
| February | closed |
| March | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| April | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| May | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| June | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| July | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| August | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| September | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| October | 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| November | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| December | closed |
Open from May 1 to September 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo Gallery
Top: Lake James and the Blue Ridge mountains, C. Marimpietri
Gallery: Foggy lake and pier in autumn, staff photo | Paddy's Creek bridge, K. Bischof | View of lake from Long Arm paddle-in campsites, C. Peek | Bicyclists on the bike trails, C. Peek | Early morning at the swim beach at Paddy's Creek access, K. Bischof