Wild Swim Atlas

    Lake James

    Lake James State Park, Glen Alpine, North CarolinaLakeSeasonal public swimming

    Directions
    Getting there

    Lake James State Park offers public swimming at its seasonal Paddy’s Creek swim beach.

    Water
    Lake
    Entry
    No day-use access fee; swim passes are required for the swim area.
    Swim hours
    Day-use hours vary by month; the swim area is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 1 through September 30.
    Facilities
    Swim beach, bathhouse, picnic areas, camping areas
    Dogs
    Dogs are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings.
    Managed by
    North Carolina State Parks

    When you can swim

    Open to swimmersClosed to swimmers

    Getting there

    Lake James State Park has access areas at Paddy’s Creek and Catawba River on NC 126 near Nebo.

    35.7551, -81.8409

    Get directions

    Know before you go

    • Dogs are not permitted on the swim beach.
    • Dogs are not permitted inside buildings.

    Swimming spots nearby

    All of North Carolina
    Swimming permitted15 mi

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    Moravian Falls

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    Public swim beach52 mi

    Lake Norman

    Lake
    Lake Norman State Park, Lake Norman of Catawba
    Swimming allowed58 mi

    Hooker Falls

    Waterfall pool
    DuPont State Recreational Forest, Brevard

    Questions about Lake James

    Can you swim at Lake James?

    Yes. Public swimming is available at the Paddy’s Creek swim beach from May 1 through September 30.

    Does it cost anything to swim at Lake James?

    No day-use access fee; swim passes are required for the swim area.

    Are dogs allowed at Lake James?

    Dogs are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings.

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