Lake James State Park
Mostly Open
A footbridge is closed for repairs on the southern leg of the Overmountain Victory Trail.
Open
The Tindo and East Wimba trails are going in a counterclockwise direction, and the West Wimba Trail is going in a clockwise direction.
Closed
The Paddy's Creek swim beach will reopen to the public on May 1, 2024.
Closed
Overnight boat rentals for Long Arm campers end 10/31/2023 and resume 4/1/2024
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