
Lake James fishing places to stay
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake James
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Lake houses in Lake James

LAKE-FRONT! Hot tub, walk 2 town, chrgr sleeps 17
Wow, one of the best stays. Our group of 10 had the best experience. The location is close to town. Very clean in every room. They truly had everything you could need.

The Cove at Lake Houser
if you need time away from chaos, this is the place to go! Private, very peaceful, and we felt right at home.

Stone Mountain Lodge w Mountain Views Fireplace
We loved this house! The lake setting was beautiful and the house was so cozy! They even had everything you could need to “move right in”… shampoo/body wash, every kitchen item you need, stocked fridge, serving bowls, games, blankets, so many EXTRAS!

Lakefront Oasis~$375 Free Activities Daily
we enjoyed our stay here it was very private ,clean and peaceful ! lots of cool lizards too!

Perfect Getaway at Lake Lure | 3 Bedroom, Sleeps 8
This was our second year for family vacation! The house is very roomy and enough sleeping quarters for our family of 6 adults and an almost 2 year old and a dog!! We loved just getting in the lake water and float all day!! We probably be back next year!! Thanks for a wonderful vacation and family time!!

Lake Therapy - Lake Lure Lakefront, Mtn. Views!
We had a wonderful time in Lake Lure and at Valerie's place. We wish the weather cooperated (cloudy and rainy) so that we could have rented a pontoon boat however the house had a paddle boat and canoe and we were able to use them. We enjoyed jumping off the boat house into the lake - it was absolutely one of the highlights. The house was beautiful and clean. We felt right at home. We had an amazing family vacation.

Lake Adger Lakefront Home- 11 miles to TIEC
Absolutely fantastic place to stay, right on the water in NC. My group loved the dock and patio, which felt both private and open to the beautiful nature surrounding it. Access to paddle boards and kayaks made for a great activity for everyone and the house itself was spacious enough for everyone in our group to relax comfortably. Would highly recommend!

Lake Escape
Kirk allowed me to use the property for my bridesmaids for my wedding so they'd be close to the venue, he was responsive and flexible allowing an early check-in before rehearsal which allowed my girls to relax a little before the big day. The house was clean and cozy, offering a beautiful view and relaxing atmosphere. I wish I could have spent more time there myself, but my girls loved this little cabin. If you're visiting the area this is a great spot close to everything, but still giving privacy and pace. Thanks again Kirk!
Lake James fishing houses

Lake James N.C. Waterfront home, Private dock/bunk
Such a beautiful home and a wonderful place for a family weekend retreat to Lake Jackson State Park and participate in the Fonta Flora 50K. The home is so cozy, and enjoyable. Space to gather together and also retreat away to relax and read a book or nap. The deck and dock space are amazing!!! Hosts were so friendly and welcoming. We are already planning our next visit to their home.

The Pond House, near Hickory
Very peaceful place! Clean and comfortable! Joey was responsive and communicative! Nice neighborhood. We took a trip to the Aviation Museum in Hickory, great experience! Walked some local falls. Granite falls is a cute little town and Hickory was wonderful to explore! We had JD’s Smokehouse, great BBQ! Nice get away! Great set up!

Idle Speed- The Ultimate Lake Lure Escape!
Beautiful place, relaxing and quite. It is a great place to stay and plenty of stuff for kids to enjoy. We had a great time with our family.

Lake James Waterfront with Dock, Pool, and Kayaks!
First time on lake James and it blew us away! Andrew’s home was a perfect fit for us to be able to enjoy the surroundings!

Historic Lake Front Cottage- FirePit, Large Boatho
Great location. Immaculate and as described. Enjoyed the lake.

Sunset Gateway 1200 Sq Ft Apt w/ Community Dock!
This was our second time staying and we loved it just as much as the first time! We even got to see two deer right outside the deck in the morning. Definitely a great place to stay to support WNC.

Peaceful Lake House Retreat: Swim, Kayaks, SUPs
What a great place. Brought the family for Thanksgiving. Plenty of room for everyone. Saw 4 bucks the day we arrived. We had fires, fished, played games and relaxed. Kitchen is very well stocked. Love the “second” kitchen. It sure helped with Thanksgiving. The whole house is. Thomas is a great host. Don’t hesitate to book. I bet it’s great in the summer.

Quiet Cove Lakefront Relaxation
The property was super clean, cozy and in a great location. Beautiful views of the lake and a private backyard. Interior had all the essentials one might need. Linens were abundant and clean. Bathrooms and kitchen were all upgraded and very nice. Quick drive to the market and a walk across the street for coffee, drinks and food. Also a quick drive to Chinmey Rock. Patrick, the host, was very responsive and always friendly. Definitely recommend. We will be staying here again!
Other great vacation rentals in Lake James

Charming Mountain View Condo
Great location on Sugar! Space was perfect for our short weekend trip. Marcy was very responsive and checking in was easy. A really great trip.

Steps to Downtown BE Dining, Park & Playground
Our family of 6 went on our first ski trip at Sugar Mountain and Appalachian Mountain and stayed in Faith's condo. We loved the location. Walkable to many restaurants. We walked to get ice cream at night. Short drive to Sugar Mountain. Condo was very clean and spacious. Faith was very responsive with questions and concerns. We had a little mishap where the bed frame broke the first night upon sitting on the bed (he is 190 pounds). We had to make do and share 2 bedrooms between the 6 of us. Faith had the bed fixed by the next day and refunded us a small portion for the inconvenience. We were grateful for her responsiveness. I can see other Airbnb owners blaming the renters and charging them extra instead. Overall a great experience and great memories for our first ski trip. Would definitely stay here again if we come back to the area.

The Rondavel
We are so lucky to have found this home for our weekend in the mountains to attend a family wedding! The location was perfect and our stay was cozy and just what was needed. Everything was abundant—from towels and linens to fresh air and white squirrels! This is truly a special home with great hosts.

Little Red Cottage
Marisa’s house is a beautiful cabin that was worth every penny. It is convenient to Brevard and the Pisgah Forest for the fishing and outdoor enthusiast. Marisa was very accommodating to my group and was prompt to responding to messages. The house was clean and lacked no amenities. The kitchen was well furnished with pots, pans, etc. and linens were plentiful. I would recommend Marisa’s place for anyone hoping to get away and stay in a beautiful part of North Carolina.

Spring Specials@Boone! 4.5 Beds+Tub+EV+Pool+Pickle
This is by far the best Airbnb host I’ve ever encountered! They were incredibly warm and welcoming. The guidebook they provided was detailed, thoughtful, and extremely helpful — from local restaurants and activities to sightseeing recommendations, everything was spot-on. Communication was always prompt and responsive. Overall, an outstanding experience — I highly recommend staying here and we will come back!

New,LUX,Mountain Views, HotTub,FirePit,Secluded
Like the previous reviewers, I can't praise this place enough. The secluded location is gorgeous, with stupendous views. Inside, the house was spotless, spacious, fun, and simply had a wonderful vibe. Our four-night stay felt too short; we wish we'd had time for double that! If you want a true escape to relax and unwind, look no further – it's a perfect little slice of heaven.

Linville Falls Luxury Mountain Home with Game room
Everything was beautiful and a peaceful stay with family. Brittany was always quick to respond! The listing stated a hot tub, and we were a bit disappointed to find it in not working condition - but after talking with our lovely host, we were able to come to an agreement! We recommend this place for anyone looking to getaway for the weekend! Perfect for larger families, and so much to do in the area! Like Tubing, Ice Skating, Skiing, Snowboarding, and Hiking! 10/10!

Gorgeous Lakefront Home | Mountain AND Lake Views!
We had an amazing experience! Spectacular picturesque views of Lake James with mountain backdrops. The host was also very quick to respond with any questions. I would highly recommend this lakehouse paradise. :)
Your guide to Lake James
All About Lake James
Nestled in the lush Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lake James is a large reservoir and recreation hub known for its glorious boating, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. Located in the center of Lake James State Park, its clear waters are fed by the Linville and Catawba Rivers, which span just over 6,800 acres and 150 miles of shoreline.
There’s also plenty to do here outdoors without getting your toes wet: Lake James includes an extensive network of trails, with dozens of miles of paths reserved for hiking and mountain biking. Fragrant forested ridges blanketed in hardwoods, pine, and hemlocks encompass the reservoir, while blooming wildflowers, including passionflower, cardinal flower, pink lady slipper, and Jack-in-the-pulpit, sprinkle color into the dense greenery. If you’re looking to spot critters, this rich landscape is home to diverse wildlife, including rabbits, muskrats, deer, and gray foxes.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Lake James
Late spring and summer are popular times to visit Lake James, especially if you’ve come here to be on the water. The balmy weather makes conditions great for exploring the many miles of hiking and biking trails that meander through Lake James State Park, and you can expect the gentle scent of blooming wild azalea and rhododendron. During the fall, vibrant autumn colors in shades of gold and orange illuminate the surrounding forested ridges. Fishing is especially popular during this time, when temperatures remain comfortable enough to enjoy outdoor recreation.
Exceptional bird-watching opportunities occur in winter, when many bird species make the site their home. Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s gulls, double-crested cormorants, common loons, and a variety of ducks are just a few species you’ll spot around the lake. Many waterfowl also make their way to the area in the winter, including mallards, wigeons, and buffleheads.
Top things to do in Lake James
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge Wilderness stretches across 12,000 acres and is part of the Pisgah National Forest. Here you’ll find premier hiking with exhilarating overlooks at Linville Falls, Hawksbill Mountain, Chimneys Hike, and Table Rock Mountain. The wilderness of the Linville Gorge is home to a diversity of flora and fauna, including orchids, wild indigo, sand myrtle, owls, hawks, squirrels, and turkeys.
Paddy’s Creek Trail
Paddy’s Creek Trail is a relatively easy hike that runs along the Lake James shoreline to the mouth of Paddy’s Creek. Meandering through an old-growth forest and a few rolling sections, the mostly flat path provides a fun way to take in the stunning scenery. It also connects to other trails should you be eager to continue your exploration.
Yellow Fork Falls
On the Yellow Fork of Paddy’s Creek, you’ll find a spectacular hidden gem — a picturesque 30-foot waterfall and an enchanting swimming hole brimming with crystal clear water. A dip in the water serves as a fun reward after the 1.8-mile hike it takes to lead you there. The striking horizontal rock formations that line the waterfall create a beautiful cascading effect as the water moves down the rocky base and into the swimming hole.
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