Lake James State Park

Star4.45
32 reviews
PO Box 340, Nebo, North Carolina, 28761, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,335 ft

Price

$35 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No precise dates for...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Opens Lake James State Park site

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Lake James State Park
$35.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $35 to $65 based on site type and seasonality.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 32 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities at the park. However, the walk-in nature of the sites and the presence of stairs are noted as challenges by some visitors."

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Campground Map

PO Box 340, Nebo, North Carolina, 28761, United States

Lake James State Park

PO Box 340, Nebo, North Carolina, 28761, United States

Driving directionsTo get to the Paddy's Creek Area of Lake James State Park: Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 4.8 miles on the right. Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 mile to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield’s Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 0.7 miles on the right. To get to the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park: Traveling east on I-40: From I-40, take the Nebo/Lake James exit (exit 90) and head north. After a half mile, turn right onto Harmony Grove Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stoplight. Proceed straight across the intersection and past Nebo Elementary School to a stop sign. Turn right onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 2.3 miles on the left. Traveling west on I-40: From I-40, take the Dysartsville/Lake James exit (exit 94) and head north for 0.5 miles to a stop sign. Turn left onto US 70 and follow it for 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Bridgewater Road and travel 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Benfield’s Landing Road, and follow it for 2 miles to a stop sign. Turn left onto NC 126, and follow the signs to the park entrance 1.7 miles on the right. To get to the Long Arm Boat-in Campground at Lake James State Park: The Long Arm Boat-in Campground is only accessible by boats, not vehicles. By power boat: Launch from the Canal Bridge Public Boat Ramp located 1.7 miles southwest of the Paddy's Creek Area entrance on NC 126. Overnight parking is free and does not require a permit. (Overnight parking is not permitted at the Hidden Cove Public Boat Ramp.) By canoe or kayak: Launch from the Paddy's Creek Day-use Area, located at the end of Lake James State Park Road. Obtain a free overnight parking pass for the vehicle's dashboard, park in the top tier of the lot, and paddle to the campsite. Campers can also launch from the Canal Bridge Public Boat Ramp located 1.7 miles southwest of the Paddy's Creek Area entrance on NC 126.
The park entrance is accessible via major roads including I-40, US 70, and NC 126. However, the Long Arm Boat-in Campground requires boat access and cannot be reached by vehicles. Stairs, rocks, and uneven terrain may present challenges for walk-in sites as noted in user reviews.
Nearby places
Nebo (5 miles, approximate travel time not specified)
Marion (approximate distance and travel time unavailable)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies include Lake James Marina General Store (open until 5 or 6 PM, supplies include firewood). Additional details about grocery stores, camping supplies, or fuel stations are unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Lake James State Park

Experience the park's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for hiking, with occasional dustings of snow transforming the landscape into a serene wonderland. As summer arrives, warm temperatures invite you to dive into the refreshing lake waters, though the muggy afternoons make those cool mountain breezes all the more welcome. Savvy campers know the secret: spring and fall offer the holy grail of camping conditions with crystal-clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and nature putting on its most spectacular shows.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm months highlight the swim beach and boating; reviews note popularity in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Appalachian foothills likely offer strong fall color and scenic hikes.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower carpets and pleasant hiking conditions highlighted in overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Park accessible year-round; crisp winter hikes possible but limited services/activities noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Dates for peak season pricing periods are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No precise dates for opening and closing seasons are mentioned, although reservations are noted to be seasonal.
  • Current Alerts: COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and ongoing construction projects may affect visitor access and park status.

About Lake James State Park

Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Linville Gorge, Lake James State Park beckons adventurers with its crystalline 6,812-acre reservoir and an astounding 150 miles of pristine shoreline. This outdoor paradise seamlessly blends the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with the tranquil allure of rolling hills, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your next camping adventure. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping water sports or peaceful lakeside contemplation, this diverse landscape delivers experiences that will leave you planning your return before you've even left.
The park offers various camping options including primitive, walk-in, and boat-in sites. Visitors can choose based on their preferences for accessibility and proximity to the lake.
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Check-in
No specific check-in time mentioned.
Check-out
No specific check-out time mentioned.
Stay Limit
No explicit maximum stay limit mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Lake James State Park provides a range of recreational opportunities. Campers can enjoy swimming at the 700-foot swim beach, hiking and mountain biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The park is family-friendly and offers activities for visitors of all ages.
HikingHiking trails are available and are described as scenic, with opportunities to view wildflowers and abundant wildlife. Overlooks are accessible from the campground, according to user reviews.
FishingFishing is permitted at Lake James, with designated piers available. However, no specific details about fish species or fishing quality were provided.
SwimmingSwimming facilities include a 700-foot beach, which is a notable feature of the park.
BikingMountain biking trails are part of the park's offerings, though no specific details about trail difficulty or length are provided.
BoatingBoating is a significant activity at the park. The Long Arm Boat-in Campground is only accessible by boat, and users frequently mention using boats to transport camping gear.
Wildlife viewingWildlife observation is encouraged along hiking trails, where visitors can see forest wildflowers and fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWalk-in sites have uneven terrain, stairs, and rocks that can be challenging, especially for families with children or those carrying heavy loads. "The wheelbarrows are still no help because of all the stairs and rocks," mentioned one reviewer.
Active AlertsCOVID-19 pandemic restrictions and ongoing construction projects may affect visitor access and park status.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers mentioned among available amenities, but size and location details are missing.

Weather at Lake James State Park

Reviews

4.5
32 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Lake James State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, cleanliness, and recreational opportunities at the park. However, the walk-in nature of the sites and the presence of stairs are noted as challenges by some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive highlights include 'beautiful views,' clean facilities (especially the showers and bathrooms), and the variety of recreational activities. Many users appreciated the lake views and...
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Based on 32 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints center around the walk-in nature of the campsites, with stairs and rocky terrain making it difficult to transport gear. Some visitors felt this detracted from the overall relaxation...
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Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend packing light due to the walk-in setup and using boats to transport gear, if possible. Carrying headlamps is advised as bathroom facilities are located back at the parking lot.
Based on 32 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In warm months, the swim beach and boating are particularly popular. Some users mentioned challenges in colder weather, but the park remains accessible year-round.
Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Very beautiful views!!! However, it is a hike to most of their sites. This hike includes a lot of stairs.' 2. 'The bathrooms were some of the best I’ve used at a campsite.' 3. 'Great spot for...
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Based on 32 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 19 and 20 are identified as being closest to the parking lot and easiest to access. Other sites may require longer walks and navigating stairs.
Based on 32 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight that sites 19 and 20 are more accessible due to their proximity to the parking lot and fewer stairs. Other sites may be challenging for individuals with limited mobility.
Based on 32 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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