It probably could be completed faster, but we stopped several times along the way to take pictures. Lake James State Park is found on the lower end of the Linville Gorge. The facilities are top notch, clean restrooms, sandy beach, picnic area. Our 39 parks have thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, more than 500 miles of trails and convenient access to Virginia's major waterways. This now represents North Carolina's largest waterfront State Park. Great spot. I have never been to this part of NC and this lake was a gem. There are shelters to reserve. The trail head was located near the visitor center / beach area. It's a large park with lots to do. Find Lake James State Park camping, campsites, cabins, and other lodging options. I LOVE this state park! Drive or boat in for a picnic & short to medium hike or mountain bike ride. Both sites, Hotels near (AVL) Asheville Regional Airport, McDowell Arts Council Association Gallery Gift Shop, South Creek Vineyards & Winery: Tickets & Tours, Lake James Antique Mall: Tickets & Tours. Bathrooms and showers are a short hike from the campsite. With boat ramps, as well as rentals for paddleboads, canoes and kayaks, Lake James really does offer a variety of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Lake James State Park is located on the lake's southern shore. The Catawba River section has a fishing pier. Not isolated at all and there are no woods around that make it anything like camping should be like. Canoes accommodate 2-3 people and kayaks accommodate 1. Restrooms were clean and well kept. Lake James State Park, Nebo: Address, Phone Number, Lake James State Park Reviews: 4.5/5 I was quite surprised by Lake James though. About Lake James State Park Catawba River. Whether its the start of summer, the dog days of summer, or the tail end of the summer season, North Carolina’s Lake James is an ideal spot to hunker down for a day, a weekend – or even longer – to enjoy a day by or on the water. The lake is great during the summer months, and the perfect respite from the summer sun! Very well taken care of. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! We would be back. See all photos from Jonathan U. for Lake James State Park. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. Fishing is permitted with a license. But you don't necessarily need a motorized boat to fully enjoy the spoils of this wonderful hideaway. Rangers forcibly made us poor out beers. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Find more Parks near Lake James State Park. Easily accessible fire wood for 3 dollars. Lake James State Park is clearly a park that gets most of its identity from its namesake lake, but it still manages to offer some decent hiking and camping (at least from the looks of things for the latter). Lake James State Park; Search. Kayak Tour of Lake James. $125.00 per adult. It's illegal, plain and simple.Hiking is easy and the park seems to be most popular at the beach/swimming area. 14 reviews of Lake James State Park "Awesome camp site! The land was purchased for $1.74 million through the N.C. Easily accessible fire wood for 3 dollars." On January 11, 2016, Governor Pat McCrory announced the addition of 129 acres with 8900 feet of shoreline. Box 1327 Nebo, NC 28761. We did see rangers at the beach/swimming area and they didn't care one bit that everyone had dogs even though it said no dogs on the beach which was fine as people were renting boats and putting their dog in them so, it worked out well. Most of the trail follows the lake and there are many good spots to take photos where the lake is accessible from the trail. Contact the park office for additional information. Check out Camp Lake James for great amenities! Lake James State Park is a North Carolina state park in Burke and McDowell Counties, North Carolina in the United States. Familydaysout.com - Fun things to do with kids and best places to visit in the US © Family Days Out 2017, Lake James State Park For those families who want to stay on dry land, there is plenty for you too! General questions and media tours: Thank you! .css-1o5pw2t{width:24px;height:24px;display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle;position:relative;overflow:hidden;top:-0.1em;fill:rgba(187,186,192,1);}.css-1o5pw2t::before{position:absolute;display:block;left:0;}.css-1o5pw2t::after{content:'';display:block;position:absolute;left:0;right:0;top:0;bottom:0;}.css-1o5pw2t svg{position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;fill:inherit;display:block;left:0;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;}.css-1o5pw2t:hover,.css-1o5pw2t:focus{fill:rgba(117,114,128,1);}. Discover the lake's diverse shoreline that clocks in at 150 miles in length. More info. Additionally, it is a loop so you start and end at the parking lot. If you've never seen Lake James, it's quite a sight. Without the contributions by people just like you Friends of Lake James State Park would not exist. Swim Beaches are open seasonally. The sites are a short hike and lining the water. Lake James State Park is found on the lower end of the Linville Gorge. Though the campsites were all easily accessible from the main entrance, they somehow managed to have the feel of being deep in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Quick View. Quick View. The trails vary from short, such as the Holly Discovery Trail with child-friendly activities, to the adventurous Overmountain Victory Trail teeming with historic sections. Adults: Free to enter the park.