Lake James State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing in the clear waters of its 6,812-acre lake. The park features 25 miles of trails, 15 of which are open to mountain biking, ranging from the family-friendly Holly Discovery Trail to the historic Overmountain Victory Trail. Three campgrounds provide different experiences. The Catawba River Area has 20 walk-in campsites, many with lake views. The Paddy’s Creek Area offers 33 drive-to, family-friendly campsites. For a more remote experience, the boat-in campground on the Long Arm Peninsula is accessible only by canoe, kayak, or powerboat. Boat ramps at Hidden Cove and Canal Bridge on NC 126 provide easy lake access, and canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals are available at the Paddy’s Creek Area concession stand from May through September.
