Wild Swim Atlas

    Paddy's Creek swimming area

    Lake James State Park, Marion, North CarolinaRiver on Catawba RiverSeasonal public swimming

    Directions
    Getting there

    Lake James State Park provides a seasonal public swim beach at Paddy’s Creek.

    Water
    River, Catawba River
    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
    700-foot 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

    Use the Paddy’s Creek entrance at 2229 Lake James State Park Road, Nebo. The park also has a separate Catawba River access at 2785 NC 126.

    35.7675, -81.8698

    Get directions

    Rules to 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
    Seasonal public swimming2 mi

    Lake James

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    Moravian Falls

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    Lake Norman

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    Lake Norman State Park, Lake Norman of Catawba
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    Hooker Falls

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    Questions about Paddy's Creek swimming area

    Can you swim at Paddy's Creek swimming area?

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

    Does it cost anything to swim at Paddy's Creek swimming area?

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

    Are dogs allowed at Paddy's Creek swimming area?

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

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