Lake James State Park

Category: State park

Address: 7321 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Phone: +18285847728

Opening hours

Sunday: 7AM–10PM

Monday: 7AM–10PM

Tuesday: 7AM–10PM

Wednesday: 7AM–10PM

Thursday: 7AM–10PM

Friday: 7AM–10PM

Saturday: 7AM–10PM

Reviews

Lambros Balatsias

Oct 20, 2022

Great place to hike, kayak and just relax. Public beaches in summer, Amazing during the fall season!

Ramita Chitrakar

Oct 18, 2022

Beautiful place with beach area, fishing pier etc.. they also have electric vehicle charging stations.. beach area was closed in Oct but should be super fun when it is open.

David Arnold

Oct 15, 2022

Nature's best of everything found here. Mountains, Foothills, Lake, River and activities. Five star views.

Terry McClellan

Oct 8, 2022

Beautiful beach. Checking out the camping spots. I bought a coffee cup .

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Questions & Answers

Is it pet friendly? Is there parking fee? Is there grill area? Thanks

Carmen Barrios | Oct 22, 2020
CARL EPLEY | Oct 22, 2020

Pet friendly yes and no parking fees.

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Do they start renting kayaks/canoes when the park opens or at 10:00?

Jess Teren | Oct 23, 2019
Nyia Moua | Oct 23, 2019

yes

How is the weather around there? Why do I want to go to know it is recommended today

Veronica Garcia Garcia | Oct 23, 2018
Javier Rodriguez-Mireles | Oct 23, 2018

Today it will be cloudy all day

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How much is the entrance fee to the Park?

Estrada Salgado | Jun 24, 2022
Daniel Diaz | Jun 24, 2022

No sé paga, es gratis!

Are there restrooms and showers in the walk in tent sites

Melaine Ciotti | Oct 22, 2021
Kate Satterfield | Oct 22, 2021

Yes, one central building at the top of the hill

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Do you pay for swimming or parking?

Dawn Morrison | Oct 22, 2021
Craig Kibbe | Oct 22, 2021

No, as others have said, no charge. Swim at own risk. Take care of keeping it up.

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can you bring pool floats in the swimming area?

Lena Conway | Oct 22, 2021
Antonio “Paris” Barco | Oct 22, 2021

Yes you can bring your own kayak and floaties.

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Are pets allowed?

Dwayne Chapmon | Oct 23, 2019
R. Artez Rose | Oct 23, 2019

They are allowed on most of the trails and in the camping areas

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Is the swimming area open for swimming this Saturday the 25th?

Kristina Richmond | Oct 23, 2019
Cynthia Bowden | Oct 23, 2019

Yes , enjoy

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Is it possible to kayak camp on the islands?

Abram Koehn | Oct 23, 2019
Travis West | Oct 23, 2019

They have boat-in camping, Yes. The details are on the facility's websight.

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Do u have to have reservations to go swim and cookout??. Was wanting to have a family day.

Tammy Robinette | Oct 23, 2018
mike reitzel | Oct 23, 2018

Plenty of grills and table down by lake. Go early, first come for these areas. Swimming only cost when life guard on duty. Usually this is on weekends, but can be during week. Have fun here because this is a beautiful park. You can fish and rent canoes or take your own.

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Do they take a card or is it cash only

Mamie Barnes | Oct 23, 2018
mike reitzel | Oct 23, 2018

Cards at office for purchasing good, gifts, camping, rentals, beach.

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What are the main types of trees at Lake James?

John Carbonaro | Oct 23, 2018
j beach | Oct 23, 2018

Oak and Pine

Does lake James have a playground? Swings/slides, etc?

William Casey | Oct 23, 2017
William Casey | Oct 23, 2017

We found Martha's Park in Morganton. Excellent and large park for the kids. It was about 15 miles away, but the drive was pleasant.

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Is there a place that my dogs can swim, the love to swim?

Julie Rios | Sep 22, 2022
Apollo623 | Sep 22, 2022

Julie, When entering Patty's creek, you'll go over a very nice bridge. There's a pull off right past it, on the right. Park there walk to the bridge on the same side. There's a small trail going down to a swimming/fishing hole. You can go to either side of the bridge, but the water is a bit calmer on the right side.

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Is the swimming area open

Shelly Reitzel | Aug 23, 2022
Richard Moss | Aug 23, 2022

Swimming area was open when I was there in June

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Is the beach reopened yet

Shelly Reitzel | Aug 23, 2022
C B | Aug 23, 2022

Yes. Been open since May 1st.

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When swimming, do you have to stay inside the ropes? I'm looking for a good place to swim for teens/young adults where they can do more than wade while trying to avoid little kids. Thanks!

Christine Crise | Jul 24, 2022
Steve Wilson Jr | Aug 23, 2022

Along the trails there are plenty of spots to just jump in. I hiked the Paddy's Creek trail and there were at least 3 places to go down to the shore.

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Do they have grills to cook outare do you have to bring your own

Jack Crain | Jul 24, 2022
Richard Moss | Jul 24, 2022

There's a grill at all campsites there are grills around the swimming area other than that I don't know of any other grills

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Where are they shooting off fireworks 2022

Terry Clark | Jul 24, 2022
Donna Hardin | Jul 24, 2022

Moose Lodge

Are there cabins to rent?

Sylvia Territo | Jun 24, 2022
Matthew Garrett | Jun 24, 2022

No. Just tent camping

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Can a Big rig 40ft fit in campsites with slides ?

Art Rumney | Jun 24, 2022
Josh Higgins | Jun 24, 2022

I'm pretty positive this Park is only tent camping... As Well as no electrical hookups

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Have the pink ladyslippers started blooming and what trail/location is best?

Ron Wedlund | May 25, 2022
Sally Poteet | May 25, 2022

Yes they have. Although im not sure which trail you can find them on. I live close by and they are definitely blooming.

Are the beaches in the park open now

Jophie Alexander | May 25, 2022
The Ox | May 25, 2022

Yes

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Which campsites are best for views of the lake?

Bill Heard | Mar 26, 2022
Tim Rayworth | Mar 26, 2022

For the absolute best views, you need to try the boat-in campsites. Long Arm Camping Area 1 is the shortest paddle, and canoes are available for rent at the swim area. Second best for lake views is the camping area at Catawba River Access. There is a short walk to get to those sites. At the Paddy’s Creek area, you’ll catch glimpses of the lake from the easternmost sites. There are good maps to help you choose at Reserve America.

Can you do a child's birthday party here? Is there any seating or tables

Katelin Davis | Feb 24, 2022
Chris Brown | Feb 24, 2022

There are a couple of large covered pavilions with several picnic tables under each one. I would assume you can reserve these in advance.

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Do they have pet friendly cabins?

Nc Rott | Nov 26, 2021
Kate Stutz | Nov 26, 2021

Dogs must be on a leash, but it's very pet friendly! Camp sites are spaces for tents with shower and bathroom houses.

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Is overnight parking allowed in lake James state park

Robert Barth | Oct 22, 2021
Curley Q | Oct 22, 2021

There are camping spots, can't just leave your car.

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Do you have to pay for parking or swimming?

Dawn Morrison | Oct 22, 2021
Dawn Morrison | Oct 22, 2021

Thank you. All was our family's first time there we ate from upstate ny near cananda. It was a great place to swim. Grandbabies loved it

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Is the beach open now,and can you swim?

Steve Smith | Oct 22, 2021
Kenley Peele & Sharon Maag | Oct 22, 2021

Yes. No lifeguards

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Is Having a wedding here something that I could look in to

lyssa Williams | Oct 22, 2021
Ronnie Esquivel | Oct 22, 2021

You could do something small but not sure about a large reserved venue. I'd check with the visitor center. Nearby option is brown mountain beach campground. They do traditional weddings. Beautiful place too.

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Does it cost anything to swim

Kendra Hawley | Oct 22, 2021
maria Herrera | Oct 22, 2021

$3.00 a person most of the time

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Can you bring your own kayaks? If so where can you put in at? Thanks

Shelby Brooks | Oct 22, 2021
Glenn McLeroy | Oct 22, 2021

There is a ramp put in at the far end of the public parking at the big beach area. Stay in the cove areas to avoid motorboats, jet skis. Ditto to previous comments . Even if car camping, you'll probably need to drive to put ins.

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Do they offer air tours?

Sharon Bailey | Oct 22, 2021
Fred Mahon | Oct 22, 2021

No

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Is the swimming area open for swimming?

Anderson Bautista | Oct 22, 2020
Anderson Bautista | Oct 22, 2020

Ok thank you very kind

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Does the State offer cabin rentals at Lake James ?

Joe Skinner | Oct 22, 2020
CARL EPLEY | Oct 22, 2020

No cabins but they have nice camp sites.

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Roast like 4. Week I went to this lake and it is still not allowed to swim in the beach it will be already opened

Karolina Najera | Oct 22, 2020
Reina Siciliano | Oct 22, 2020

No is it closed yet can you swim when you pay to camp

You can swim ?

Sam Raudales | Oct 22, 2020
Cristian A Aguilar E | Oct 22, 2020

Yes but they still don't open

Can arrangements be made to visit the park after closing for a bigfoot sighting expedition if all other park rules are followed?

Vincent Allen | Oct 22, 2020
Rayne Vandergriff III | Oct 22, 2020

Only if Bigfoot wears a mask.

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Is the swimming area open?

Paola Vidal | Oct 22, 2020
Lake James State Park | Oct 22, 2020

The swim area is still closed until further notice. I would strongly advise against Swimming in an undesignated area. Not only is it prohibited by the park, it is extremely dangerous and damaging to natural resources.

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Is the swimming beach open?

Paola Vidal | Oct 22, 2020
Rayne Vandergriff III | Oct 22, 2020

No

Is it open now?

Lisseth Rodríguez | Oct 22, 2020
Lake James State Park | Oct 22, 2020

Not for swimming. Yes, for hiking, camping and picnicking.

Swimming is open today??

vivian marcela rada moreno | Oct 22, 2020
Andrea Martinez | Oct 22, 2020

No it close right now

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Were are the man made barrier's located

Chester Wheeler | Oct 23, 2019
Jennifer Duncan | Oct 23, 2019

Over the mnt trail. When you enter at paddy's creek you park in the first parking lot, walk back across the bridge and take the trail to the right... the barriers are about 1/4mile in

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Can I stay here overnight?

Anna Ulanovsky | Oct 23, 2019
kenneth mcgee | Oct 23, 2019

People are getting the paddys creek tent camping at the park confused with paddy creek campground. Paddy creek campground is on private property and has permanent rv sites and two tent sites with four cabin rentals.

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Can rent boats

Mahala hall godsma | Oct 23, 2019
Luke “蘇, 覽萪” Cunningham | Oct 23, 2019

Only paddle boards and kayaks, as Edgar said.

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I want to bring my own paddleboard. Do they charge a fee and where is the best place to park and launch with close access to the water?

Paul Delahanty | Oct 23, 2019
Skeetle | Oct 23, 2019

A small beach fee is asked of seekers using the beach but many did bring their own toys.

Are generators allowed at tent camping spots

Acapella 12 | Oct 23, 2019
Michelle Gibbs | Oct 23, 2019

Not sure because quiet time is from 10pm to 7am. There's info about campsites on the website and at the information board at the entrance

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Will there be a free swim this week and what day

kelly moralesv | Oct 23, 2019
Kristin | Oct 23, 2019

We had to pay $6 to swim. All day.

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Is Metal detecting allowed?

CHARLES JEUNE | Oct 23, 2019
PatJess Cole | Oct 23, 2019

Yes

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How much is the cost , is for person or for car ?

Jesus Palmeros | Oct 23, 2019
Patrick Highland | Oct 23, 2019

Free at times pay at others

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How much does it cost to swim?

Amanda Burleson | Oct 23, 2019
Christina Reisser | Oct 23, 2019

If there are lifeguards on duty its 10 for adults and 6 for kids. If no lifeguards it's free. I went

What part of the park do I go to to swim?

Tracie Hunsinger | Oct 23, 2019
Becky Brickman | Oct 23, 2019

The Paddy's Creek area.

Does it cost money to swim here?

Megan Smart | Oct 23, 2019
Tamarah Hill | Oct 23, 2019

They also have free swim days. It's decided the morning of if it will be free swim or require a fee. Call the Lake James State Park line in the morning to find out.

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At what time would it open on Memorial Day?

Ramirito Cruz | Oct 23, 2019
Lawerence Cleveland | Oct 23, 2019

Their web site says May- September it opens at 0700 and closes at 2200 hrs, or 10pm...

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How much is a tent camp site with access to restrooms & showers ?

Peggy Constantine | Oct 23, 2019
lora gantt | Oct 23, 2019

I would check the website or call

Are there any public showers?

Lisa I | Oct 23, 2019
lora gantt | Oct 23, 2019

Yes

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Since I can't get anyone on the phone... Do they have any drive up spots on the lake shore for you to kayak from your campsite? I wanna get use to my new kayak b4 I do a paddle in spot.

Lillian Coston | Oct 23, 2019
Larry Manuel | Oct 23, 2019

Yes, there are boat ramps in two places, one ramp is large and mostly for boats with trailers. But at the picnic area, there are also places for boats and docks where you could easily put a kayak in the water.

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Is there a playground for kids to play?

Nick and kayla Lucas | Oct 23, 2019
Cameron Cook | Oct 23, 2019

No. Just picnic areas, trails, and swimming.

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How much do you pay?

Aikoあいこ | Oct 23, 2018
Larry Benner | Oct 23, 2018

For swimming $5 adults, $4 children. Renting canoes, kayaks, or boards $5 an hour.

how deep is the lake swimming area

Edgar Santiago | Oct 23, 2018
mike reitzel | Oct 23, 2018

Little over 5 ft. At barrier.

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Any privacy at the walk up or drive up camp sites or are the sites very close together? On the maps they dont look very spread out.

Nic B | Oct 23, 2018
John Simonetti | Oct 23, 2018

They are private

How deep is the swimming area

Brittney Maynard | Oct 23, 2018
John Simonetti | Oct 23, 2018

Its about 6 feet in the deepest part

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How much does it cost total to set up a tent at the state park ?

Christopher Haught | Oct 23, 2018
Victor A Varela | Oct 23, 2018

It depends on which campground (there are three) and when you go. Prices vary from $13 to $26 (more for holiday weekends). Price structure is on their website.

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Is there RV camping?

Sandy Bradford | Oct 23, 2018
Melvin Abernathy | Oct 23, 2018

Yes

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How much is it to rent a kayak

emma rubylyn | Oct 23, 2018
Joshua Gleim | Oct 23, 2018

Or $30 a day (include that night).

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Anonymous | Oct 22, 2022
Anonymous | Oct 22, 2022

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Is the lake safe to boat in after the flooding and is it safe to swim in after the waste spillage that occured in Catawba River Basin from Old Fort during the floods?

Michael | Oct 23, 2018
Leigh Anne Edney | Oct 23, 2018

I would say as far as boating to be aware that trees may have fallen and are submerged. As far as the sewage spill you may want look on the Lake James website

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Lake James State Park is open year round? How bad are the winters?

Gayle Godwin | Oct 23, 2018
steve s | Oct 23, 2018

Varies from 50's to teens. Cold rain, possible snow.

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What is the water temperature?

Abelardo Ramos | Oct 23, 2018
Shelly Warren | Oct 23, 2018

Warm very nice and about 70 if not warmer

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can you bring a boat for the lake \

Braden Spade | Oct 23, 2018
Leigh Anne Edney | Oct 23, 2018

Yes they have several boat ramps

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Do they have pedal boats for rent or is there a place on the lake to rent pedal boats from? Is there any other lake nearby with pedal boats?

Amber | Oct 23, 2018
Jody Poovey | Oct 23, 2018

No paddle boats. Beautiful lake all the same.

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Do they allow jetskies?

Jason Rpw | Oct 23, 2018
Allison Greene | Oct 23, 2018

Yea they allow jetskies

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Any camping cabins ?

Sherri Seay | Oct 23, 2018
Toby Brown | Oct 23, 2018

No cabins

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do u have rv sites?

Mary O'Dwyer | Oct 23, 2018
Marshall Mapes | Oct 23, 2018

I m not sure you can call them

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Wanting to make a day trip to hike and fish. Is it open in February? If so, can you fish off any of the trails that are on water?

Brandi Summers | Oct 23, 2018
Vicki Walker | Oct 23, 2018

You can fish as long as you have fishing licenses.

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Is this park opened on February? Thanks, Paul G.

Paulo Guimaraes | Oct 23, 2018
Joel Keating | Oct 23, 2018

Yes. 7-10 every day its open. Of course, things like the lake are not open, but that is just a matter of course. The hiking and biking trails are open as long as the ground is dry.

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How much is kayak rental

Jamie Parker | Oct 23, 2017
DanjA “Jingaling” zonE | Oct 23, 2017

5$ per person 1/2 hr . which is super expensive. Canoe for 3 would be 30 bux an hour?!!! Thats pontoon prices. Nope. Cant pay that.

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What's it cost a night

Autumn | Oct 23, 2017
Brandon Beeson | Oct 23, 2017

I believe the camp grounds rates will change dependent upon when you go, i.e. holiday, fourthnof July, etc. I've seen the rates start at about $15 a day on any regular day, not sure on the holiday rates. Hope this helps!! Enjoy, it's so beautiful up there.

Does Lake James have Travel trailer site?

Bill Showman | Oct 23, 2017
Sara Jones | Oct 23, 2017

Yes

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