Lake James State Park
Partially Open
These trails are closed: the Mill’s Creek Trail and the Wimba loops. Also, a footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail. The Fonta Flora State Trail, Tindo Loops, and South Wimba Trail are open for biking and hiking.
Partially Open
The Fonta Flora State Trail, Tindo Loops, and South Wimba Trail are open. The East and West Wimba trails are closed due to devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Closed for the Season
Closed for the Season
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