Fee: Day use is free except boat rentals and swim passes. Fees apply for camping, event permits and facility reservations.
About this park
Lake James State Park is in Burke and McDowell counties, about 50 miles northeast of Asheville. Two access areas serve boating, swimming and fishing on the lake. Campsites at the Catawba River and Paddy's Creek accesses let visitors spend the night by the water, some reachable only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy's Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail and the historic Overmountain Victory Trail.
Lake James State Park FAQ
Where is Lake James State Park located?
Lake James State Park is in Nebo, North Carolina, at 2229 Lake James State Park Road. GPS coordinates: 35.7503, -81.892. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at Lake James State Park?
Day use is free except boat rentals and swim passes. Fees apply for camping, event permits and facility reservations. Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact Lake James State Park?
You can call (828) 544-6800 or email lake.james@ncparks.gov. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near Lake James State Park?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:
- Curtis Creek Campground (Nc) (18.0 mi, reservable)
- Black Mountain Campground (18.5 mi, reservable)
- Rock Creek Recreation Area (Cherokee National Forest, TN) (37.0 mi, reservable)
How current is this information about Lake James State Park?
This listing was last updated on October 6, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.