Lake James sits in Burke and McDowell counties about 50 miles northeast of Asheville (NC State Parks). Public launches are run by Lake James State Park and, at Black Bear and Linville, by Duke Energy with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The state park has paddle-in campsites, including the Long Arm paddle-in campground. Hidden Cove ramp is closed December through February; Canal Bridge is open year-round.
7 verified from official source0 not confirmed yetHow we verify
Paddy's Creek Access (Lake James State Park)
✓ Verified from official source
Lake James · Last checked
City / County
Nebo / Burke, NC
Fee
No day-use fee (fees for boat rentals, swim passes, camping) (source)
Parking
Not confirmed
Ramp type
Not confirmed (park lists boat ramps among amenities; exact ramp at this access not confirmed)
Park lists boat rentals as 'Unavailable' (checked Oct 2026)
Nearby camping
In park: tent sites incl. paddle-in sites (Paddy's Creek campground)
Notes
Address: 2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo, NC 28761. Visitor center (828) 544-6800. Swim beach is here (closed as of Oct 2026). NCWRC lists a universally accessible fishing pier at Paddy's Creek. Coordinates are the NC Parks GPS for the access.
Black Bear Boating Access Area (NCWRC / Duke Energy)
✓ Verified from official source
Lake James · Last checked
City / County
Marion / McDowell, NC
Fee
Free (NCWRC boating access areas are free) (source)
Parking
Not confirmed
Ramp type
Boat ramp and canoe access (NCWRC); universally accessible
Restrooms
Restrooms added (Duke Energy, listed complete)
Hours
Not confirmed
Nearby rentals
Not confirmed
Nearby camping
Duke Energy lists camping sites at this access area (complete)
Notes
Address: 6114 Lake James Rd, Marion, NC 28752 (NCWRC). Also has a fishing pier, picnic facilities and trails per Duke Energy. Managed cooperatively by Duke Energy and NCWRC (Burke County Tourism).
Linville River Boating Access Area (NCWRC / Duke Energy)
✓ Verified from official source
Lake James · Last checked
City / County
Nebo / Burke, NC
Fee
Free (NCWRC boating access areas are free) (source)
Parking
Not confirmed
Ramp type
Boat ramp and canoe access (NCWRC); universally accessible
Restrooms
Not confirmed (Duke Energy says restrooms are being added, in progress)
Hours
Not confirmed
Nearby rentals
Not confirmed
Nearby camping
Not confirmed
Notes
Address: 5469 NC Hwy 126, Nebo, NC 28761 (NCWRC). Duke Energy lists this site as being converted to canoe/kayak access with picnic and restroom facilities (in progress), so expect possible construction or changes.
Bridgewater Public Fishing Area (below Lake James dam)
✓ Verified from official source
Lake James · Last checked
City / County
Glen Alpine / Burke, NC
Fee
Not confirmed
Parking
Not confirmed
Ramp type
Not confirmed (NCWRC lists fishing pier and bank access; Burke County Tourism calls it a fishing and canoe access area)
Restrooms
Not confirmed
Hours
Not confirmed
Nearby rentals
Not confirmed
Nearby camping
Not confirmed
Notes
Address: Powerhouse Rd, Glen Alpine, NC 28655 (NCWRC). This is on the Catawba River tailrace below the dam, not the lake itself. Duke Energy lists a completed canoe/kayak portage trail upgrade and planned boat ramp, restrooms and parking (in progress). Check water release schedules before paddling below the dam.
