I came here with a friend of mine. It was her first and last camping trip. There's no easy or particularly safe way to get to your camp site.
The new Lake James State Park is very nice . I don't think they should charge a fee to get in to swim if you live in the state of North Carolina. It's a beautiful place for the family to come an enjoy . I had a great time there with my family.
Had a great weekend camping here. Be aware that almost all the camp grounds are 100-150 yards from the parking lot. They provide wheelbarrows but the path winds down and involves steps. The lake is lovely and there are plenty of great activities within a 30 minute drive.
Hidden gem. Camped overnight with only one other group camping. Not sure why it wasn't more popular. Offered well planned tent camping with easy access to water. Each campsite was well defined with surprising space and privacy. You could smell you neighbors cooking but didn't have to see them eat. Some sites had steps but many did not. The shower facilities were newer an about as clean as a camping facility can be. Close to hiking and biking trails. Not to far from lake and swimming beach. Helpful host.
We camped here during the solar eclipse because of its close proximity to the path of totality. I didn't expect much based on the price and past experiences with camping on park property; however, when we arrived I was pleasantly surprised. There was new, nice bathrooms and showers, and you could tell that the camping spots were new and well maintained.
However, my disappointment and two star rating came for this park during our second night stay, as we didn't even get to sleep on the camping spot we paid for!
The traffic from the solar eclipse was out of control (as many of you probably already know), and we didn't get back into the park till close to midnight. To our shock and surprise, the front entrance and exit was closed! You couldn't get in or out, and to reach the campsite from the entrance/exit is about a 2-3 mile walk. While I understand that the park may close, who in their right mind made the decision to literally BLOCK both the exit and entrance? Never mind those coming late, like we did, but god forbid someone were to hurt themselves chopping wood or falling into the fire. They literally wouldn't be able to get out of the park and to a hospital!
We ended up not being able to reach our belongings and had to find a hotel for the night, adding to our expenses. And while the camping spot may have only been $15.00, I would like my money back for the second night as we didn't even get to camp and ended at a motel.
The camping and the park was nice, but fair warning, don't arrive late or have an emergency, because you won't get in or out until the morning.
The swimming area was great! Sandy beaches all the way down under the water. There was only one spot that really needed to be repaired, with red clay turning the water red. There were 4 lifeguards, a nice little concession stand, bathrooms, and showers. It was $5 for adults, $4 for kids. Bring some chairs because the sand is not quite as nice as the real beach. No alcohol is allowed although apparently you're allowed to smoke. There was a lot of that going on, even with lots of children around. That was my only real complaint.
This is a great swimming place. The beach is almost 1000 feet long with nice sand to lay on. It's a very deep sandy beach as well, so plenty of room. No shady areas though so bring an umbrella or some of shade structure. At one end of the beach, is a wooded area with lots of picnic tables along a path. They have outdoor shower and very clean restroom facilities as well as a small refreshment station to buy sodas, snacks, etc..
Kayak and canoe rentals are available on location at very reasonable rates. Kayak's are $5/hour. Very nice destination and very easy to get to. Lifeguards on duty. I highly recommend.
The only con: the marked of swimming area only goes out to about 5 feet deep. It would be nice if they had a section for adults to s I'm further out.
Highly recommend camping on the peninsulas (only accessible by canoe). Ample distance between campsites and most have good views of the lake.
Wonderful place to take your family to hike, swim, boat, etc. The staff there are WONDERFUL and always willing to answer questions, etc. By far my favorite state park.
The park was very pristine and well managed. Paved roads, great trails, well marked areas of interest and new, clean facilities (bathroom/shower houses, shelters) make the camping experience very enjoyable. Potable water located frequently throughout the camping area and bear-proof lockers. Rangers are very kind and informative. The park beach was well-manned with appx +4 lifeguards on duty each time we went to the beach on the lake. They were alert, responsive and helpful. Plenty of canoes and kayaks for rentals and life vests are supplied on a first-come, first-serve basis. Concessions are available at the beach facility as well as bathrooms, showers, and more. All in all, I would say it's a wonderful place to take your family be it for a camping trip or a day trip to the lake.
Nice place to take the family. Picnic, and swim. I went canoeing, but would love to go back to hike, or camp!
I enjoy the beach area. It's very clean and I love the multi restrooms. The price is very affordable compared to other places. Plenty to do and see.