Lake James State Park

What a gorgeous park, even in the winter time. Since it's winter when I visited, I can't review all of the incredible summer time water sports but I know this park can get busy then.Winter was in incredible time to visit, easy parking, a chance to chat with the staff at the visitor center, and walk around. The lake is beautiful. I've heard that this area did get some hurricane/ storm damage but everything needed to drive around is up and running! Make a plan to visit next time you're nearby.It's about 1 hour drive from downtown Asheville.

This has the look of one of those parks formed around a dam. Don't get me wrong; I'm all for hydroelectric power, but artificial lakes always feel like they're lacking a certain mystique. This park had an impressive visitor center and restrooms were open even after it closed, though neighboring water fountains were not functioning on a hot summer day.The trail I selected was rugged and had occasional waterside views, most notably on a footbridge that offered a mountain vista. Cell service was not great for me, and while I'd hoped to do a zoom meeting on the run I had to return to more urban areas. But if you actually want to get unplugged, the people on boats here appeared to be having a good time.

What a fun and exciting day at the lake. We paid $3 per child and $6 per adult to go swimming while the lifeguards were on duty. The view are just breathtaking, the water is clean, the beach was not overly crowded, and there were multiple places to rent water equipment such as kayaks, boats, and jet skis. We purchased fresh mangos ($10) and a medium icy($5). We also went into the small gift shop and purchased a mug ($20) and a magnet ($6)

The Fonta Flora Trail Loop is a must AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/fonta-flora-trail-loop

Best State Park by far. Tent Camping with two different campgrounds. Swimming, hiking, boating, and fishing make this place to enjoy. My only thing is that once the gate closes, there is no place to get a soft drink or snack. Other that that, this place is # 1 in my book.

I stayed at one if the walk in camp sites and I was blown away by the beauty of this emerald green lake. My campsite had a view of Grandfather Mtn. Campsites are anywhere from a couple yards walk to about 1/4 mile. Some are more secluded than others. Bathrooms are by the parking lot and are clean (toilet and shower). Blow dryers in the bathrooms. There is a trash can, bear box, grill, and leveled tent spot at every sight. The camp hosts are right up front to offer help if need be. Firewood bundle $7 by cash or credit card. This was a QUIET campground not many people talking or dogs barking. Hiking trails closeby. There is a dock just for the campers.

Finally made my way to this lake and park, one of the many along the Catawba River that flows through western NC. The area and generally anything along the river stays quite muddy, especially if you're downstream of here. I was quite surprised by Lake James though.Deep in the summer, this lake has relatively cool waters when compared to Lake Norman which is further southeast downriver. The water doesn't seem quite as murky and muddy either, though no doubt the mud is hiding in there somewhere. It benefits from its location closer to the mountains. The park is huge with lots of trails for hiking and mountain biking, camping, swimming (for a small fee, but free some days) and boats for rent. There are two access areas plus a peninsula that you can paddle out to and camp on. Alcohol is strictly NOT ALLOWED in NC State Parks by LAW. I've seen a few upset reviews complaining about being asked to get rid of it. It's illegal, plain and simple.Hiking is easy and the park seems to be most popular at the beach/swimming area. The camping also seems to be popular. So the trails are fairly empty and quiet. It's a large park with lots to do. You can easily plan a weekend out of a visit here. And it's convenient to most of western NC. Best spot on the Catawba, frankly.

I haven't been back to Lake James State Park since the early 2000's. I decided to make a drive and it was majestic! What a beautiful lake -- right in the backyard of Morganton, NC! The roads up are curvy and may make you sick but it's totally worth it. I was surprised there weren't much people. The water was blue green with a nice breeze. I honestly remembered Lake James to be twice as big but for the beautiful scenery -- it was larger than life.

We are traveling thru from Raleigh to St. Louis on 40 West and I had packed a picnic lunch to avoid COVID and restaurants as much as possible. What a treat to have this NC State Park located just around 15 minutes off the interstate. We enjoyed a short hike with our dog and used the clean restrooms before our picnic in the wooded area. The area of the park we visited was for picnicking and swimming (not during winter of course). There were restrooms that were open on this beautiful 70 degree December Sunday afternoon. Ample parking and picnic tables available. The space was clean and well maintained. There are trash and recycling bins conveniently located near the picnic area. Socially distancing is totally possible. Visitors wore masks. Another state park off my bucket list. So many to choose from!

Went last week of June. Super hot and none of the campsites have shade. Good pad to set your tent up on but if you have a tent that connects to the back of your van, you can't pull your car up to the pad at all.Facilities are super clean. Campsite bathrooms are well maintained and have showers which is good since We had to give our toddler a shower after playing in the grey dust that is used as the main ground cover in the camp. It gets everywhere.There are NO mosquitoes. We didn't use bug spray or candles or anything and we didn't see any mosquitoes or get any bites.The lake was fun. Cost like $20 for family of 4 to swim and it's a smaller swim area. I really wish we had rented a boat or paddle board because that's how you get the full experience. All in all, cool place but not enough nature for a hike loving family. We won't be back