Lake James State Park Tours

Lake James State Park


With its glorious landscapes and native plants and animals, Lake James State Park is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Do some research before you visit to find out what activities are available here.

When you've spent some time at this protected natural landscape in Nebo, why not check out Lake James, and The Outpost? They're not too far from Lake James State Park and also popular with many tourists.

Plan a trip to see Lake James State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Fairway Forest
Hilton Garden Inn Asheville Downtown
Holiday Inn Asheville East-Blue Ridge PKWY by IHG

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Lake James State Park

Springmaid Mountain

Springmaid Mountain

3 out of 5
2171 Henredeon Road, Spruce Pine, NC
Springmaid Mountain
New red cedar log home just off the blue ridge parkway in Little Switzerland, NC

New red cedar log home just off the blue ridge parkway in Little Switzerland, NC

spruce pine
New red cedar log home just off the blue ridge parkway in Little Switzerland, NC
Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat

Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat

2.5 out of 5
430 Otter Rock Rd., Burnsville, NC
Mount Mitchell Eco Retreat
The Pineola

The Pineola

2.5 out of 5
3085 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC
The Pineola
Amazing Whimsical Mtn Cabin! Pet Friendly, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Winery, Skiing

Amazing Whimsical Mtn Cabin! Pet Friendly, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Winery, Skiing

Newland
Amazing Whimsical Mtn Cabin! Pet Friendly, Hot Tub, Fireplace, Winery, Skiing
The Inn at Shady Lawn

The Inn at Shady Lawn

2 out of 5
330 Cranberry St, Newland, NC
The Inn at Shady Lawn
Piney Knob Cabin  15 Min To Lake Lure - 30 Min To Tiec - Hot Tub - Stocked Pond

Piney Knob Cabin 15 Min To Lake Lure - 30 Min To Tiec - Hot Tub - Stocked Pond

Rutherfordton
Piney Knob Cabin 15 Min To Lake Lure - 30 Min To Tiec - Hot Tub - Stocked Pond
Super 8 by Wyndham Black Mountain

Super 8 by Wyndham Black Mountain

2 out of 5
101 Flat Creek Rd, Black Mountain, NC
Super 8 by Wyndham Black Mountain
Bluegreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village an Ascend Resort

Bluegreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village an Ascend Resort

3 out of 5
3781 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC
Bluegreen Vacations Blue Ridge Village an Ascend Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park in Nebo, North Carolina, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, camping areas, and picnic shelters. Visitors can enjoy basketball and ice skating nearby, as well as breathtaking sunrises. For those interested in camping, make sure to check reservation options to secure your spot. This park is perfect for outdoor recreation and provides a serene setting for nature enthusiasts.

Shopping

The Outpost is a charming store located 7 miles from Lake James State Park, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Morganton Heights, 11 miles away, where you'll find a variety of shops and entertainment options for the whole family.

Recreation

Steele Creek Park and Campground offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and wellness activities, surrounded by nature. Enjoy golf at Linville Falls Golf Club and Blue Ridge Country Club, both providing invigorating outdoor experiences and stunning landscapes just a short drive from Lake James State Park.

Adventure

Explore the Marion Greenway Trailhead for a scenic hiking experience, located 10 miles from Lake James State Park. For thrill-seekers, Beanstalk Ziplines offers an exhilarating ziplining adventure, also 10 miles away. Don’t miss the Table Rock Trail, a beautiful hike 13 miles from the park, showcasing stunning views.

Nightlife

At Lake James State Park, enjoy a vibrant nightlife with the Parkway Playhouse offering captivating performances, only 25 miles away. For fun and games, visit Bubba's Fun Park, 30 miles away, where adventure awaits. The Foundation Performing Arts Center, also 30 miles away, showcases delightful cultural events for the whole family.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park in Nebo, North Carolina, offers a fantastic blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque lake, explore the beautiful Lake James shoreline, and take advantage of wonderful campsites for family-friendly adventures. Whether you're interested in camping or simply soaking in the scenic beauty, the park and its surrounding attractions promise an unforgettable getaway.

  • Lake James: Experience the serene beauty of Lake James, located just a mile from the state park. With its stunning scenery, sandy beaches, and romantic atmosphere, it's perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors.
  • Boat Beach: A short two-mile drive leads you to Boat Beach, where the sun meets the water. This picturesque spot is ideal for relaxing beach vibes, sunbathing, and engaging in water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
  • Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: Venture nine miles to the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, where adventure awaits. With breathtaking scenery and numerous trails, it's a haven for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking outdoor thrills.

Best time to go to Lake James State Park

The best time to visit Lake James State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lake James State Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lake James State Park falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly Low
June71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lake James State Park

To save money on your trip to Lake James State Park, plan your visit between March and May for lower accommodation rates. Booking on a Tuesday can also help you snag better deals, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly lodging, filter for eco-certified options, and consider package deals for flights and activities. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the park, such as hiking and picnicking, to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lake James State Park are March to May, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lake James State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lake James State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Lake James State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia