Friends of Lake James State Park

06/11/2026

Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Do you want to wake up each morning and look forward to being out on the lake while also helping campers enjoy our naturally wonderful North Carolina State Parks? Good news! Lake James State Park is in need of campground hosts for both 2026 and 2027! We have full hook-up host sites available for the following openings:

2026

Paddy's Creek Campground: July, September, November, December

Catawba River Campground: August

2027

Paddy's Creek Campground: May and Decmeber

Catawba River Campground: July and August

For more information or to fill out an interest form, please visit our website: https://www.ncparks.gov/about-us/volunteer

You are also welcome to email us at: [email protected]

06/06/2026

Come check out our Ranger table at Old Fort’s Trains and Trails festival today from 10am-4pm!! They have an A250 table, with historic games set up to play 🦅

05/30/2026

05/18/2026

A huge thank‑you to Owen Kim and BSA Troop 99 of Weddington, NC for completing Owen’s Eagle Scout project this past Saturday!
Owen and his troop put in fantastic work preparing a vital section of trail that will eventually connect the park visitor center to the Paddy’s Creek beach area. He even used his 3D‑printing skills to create specialized blazes for the new connector trail.
We’re incredibly grateful to Owen and Troop 99 for choosing Lake James State Park for this important Eagle Scout project. Your hard work will benefit park visitors for years to come!

05/08/2026

Big news for accessibility at Lake James State Park! All thanks to the Friends of State Parks and Friends of Lake James State Park!

New wheelchair-accessible beach mats have been installed at the swim beach at Paddy’s Creek, helping make it easier for everyone to enjoy the shoreline, sand, and beautiful waters of Lake James. These mats provide improved access for wheelchairs, strollers, wagons, and anyone who may need a smoother path to the beach.

At Lake James State Park, we believe the outdoors should be welcoming and accessible for all visitors, and we’re excited to continue improving opportunities for everyone to experience the park.

Come enjoy the beach, soak up the sunshine, and see the new accessibility improvements for yourself this season! ☀️🌊♿

04/28/2026

We would like to congratulate Ranger Michael Greene on being commissioned as a Special Peace Officer today.

Michael has worked diligently to become a certified law enforcement officer as is required of all North Carolina State Park Rangers. After graduating Western Piedmont Community College’s 18-week Basic Law Enforcement Training and passing the state exam, Ranger Greene is now a Special Peace Officer for NC State Parks.
We are delighted to have Ranger Greene as a Ranger here at Lake James State Parks. His dedication and commitment to our beloved park has already made a difference for our guests and staff. Congratulations 🎉

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day! Come help keep our park clean TODAY 3:30-4:30pm at Paddy’s Creek Beach! We’ll pick up trash and/or do some light gardening then play a game of OH Deer! All ages welcome 🤗

04/17/2026

Earth Day Clean Up!

Come celebrate Earth Day with the Rangers at Lake James State Park!

Where: Paddy’s Creek Beach area
When: April 22nd, 3:30-4:30pm
What: a meaningful afternoon of service and fun as we work together to care for our park.

After our cleanup, stick around for a round of “Oh, Deer,” an engaging and interactive game that explores wildlife survival.

All tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided. All ages are welcome to join.

04/17/2026

🎣 Reminder: Fishing Program at Lake James State Park!
Join us for a relaxing morning of fishing at Lake James State Park this Saturday!
📍 Where: Catawba River Access (meet at the Catawba picnic shelter)
🕗 When: Saturday, April 18 | 8:00–10:00 AM
Bring your kids, your favorite fishing rod, and any tackle you have. We’ll also have a limited number of rods and tackle available to borrow. From the shelter, we’ll head to the jetty where there’s plenty of space to spread out and fish.
All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary! 🎣
Please remember that all North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission fishing regulations apply, including having a valid NC fishing license if required.
We hope to see you there! 🌞

04/14/2026

The burn ban in NC continues here is the official ban for NC State Parks.