
Vacation rentals in Lake James
Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake James
Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Atrium House - Spa Retreat
Come unwind and breathe at our couples mountain spa retreat. Atrium House has been designed to feel open to the lovely mountain surroundings yet let you relax in privacy. Our outdoor therapy hot tub, indoor/outdoor gas fireplace, and spacious two-person, walk-in shower make for a getaway so tranquil, you may never make it in to nearby Asheville! We're out in the country but just over a 15-minute drive from downtown Asheville, Biltmore, Hendersonville, Asheville Airport, and dozens of breweries.

TreeTop Dome@CarolinaDomes w Hot Tub near LakeLure
🌿 Luxury Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Escape to our 30-foot geodesic dome, perched on a sprawling 2000 sq ft deck surrounded by nature. Soak in your private jacuzzi under the stars, unwind in a plush queen bed, and enjoy a cozy loft with two single beds—perfect for families or friends. The dome includes a fully equipped kitchenette, BBQ grill, and all the modern comforts of home with the charm of outdoor living. Book now for a one-of-a-kind experience where peace meets adventure!

Lake James Private Dock Quiet Cove Starlink
Our house is the last on a quiet "no outlet" street on one of the best hidden coves on Lake James. It’s only a couple hundred yards to the main channel and big Mountain View’s and sunsets. Our home is comfortable and expansive. A place to relax, fish, swim, use our 4 kayaks, or tie up your own boat or pontoon rental for your stay. Black Bear, Hidden Cove, or Canal Bridge are the closest boat launches. We now have lightening fast Star-link internet for remote workers and your entertainment!

Woodsy cottage next to Lake James
Outdoor enthusiast retreat, mountain biking and hiking heaven! Relax with the whole family at this quiet, peaceful, new adorable cottage nestled in the woods right next to the Fonta Flora trail. Jump onto the trail for hiking or biking, walk 1 mile to the county beach for some splashing and sun bathing. The trail winds around scenic Lake James for 30+ miles of beauty. Enjoy the evenings on the patio or around the fire pit, BBQ & picnic table. 5 miles from Linville boat launch.

The Mothership
Welcome to the Mothership, an octagonal post and beam cottage built for those with a love of the outdoors. Located on our small farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are a perfect launching point for adventure. Lake James and the Linville Gorge are only 20 minutes away, Asheville 45 minutes, and Charlotte only an hour. Explore countless waterfalls, miles of trails, or kayak our beautiful rivers during the day, and relax in the hot tub and shoot pool in the evening.

The Little Cabin near Lake James
The Little Cabin is a 100+ year old, tastefully renovated cabin nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts. It is a perfect spot for a personal retreat or romantic getaway, tucked away in the woods. The surrounding area offers stunning scenery, abundant hiking trails and opportunities to explore the beauty of nature. Guests may bring a boat, with several places close by to launch, and plenty of space to park at the cabin. Escape, unwind, and make memories at The Little Cabin!!

Luxurious Secluded Romantic Treehouse with Hot Tub
***2020 #1 Airbnb Most Wish-listed property in North Carolina*** Escape to one of North Carolina’s most unforgettable stays—your own private treehouse retreat tucked deep in the woods, designed for relaxation, romance & connection, and total peace. Walk across a swinging bridge into your secluded oasis, surrounded by towering hardwoods and mountain laurel. From morning coffee in the trees to evenings in the hot tub under the stars, every moment here feels like an experience.

Cliffside Cabin at Raven Rock Mountain
🚗 AWD/4WD required to drive to the venue 🥾 No AWD/4WD = steep uphill hike carrying all gear Our cliffside cabin is an immersion into a world where adventure meets serenity, where you'll feel the embrace of nature and the thrill of the extraordinary. Enjoy complete serenity while being just a short drive away from fantastic restaurants, shops, and attractions. ✔ Partially Suspended over a Cliff! ✔ Comfortable Queen Bed + Sofa ✔ Kitchenette ✔ Deck with Scenic Views

Super cozy Lake James house glamping at its finest
Right in the middle of everything at Lake James! Across the street from the actual lake, close to the Fonta Flora hiking trails, 3 miles from 2 public boat launches, minutes from the beach at the state park and 3 miles to Fonta Flora brewery. This little lake house has everything you need for an amazing weekend kayaking, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating or just hanging out on the large screened porch. Top-notch furnishings and beautifully decorated with a lake theme.

Stylish Retreat with Views, Gym & Prime Location!
Wake up to Blue Ridge Mountain views from a stunning A-Frame retreat. This is a custom-built 4-bedroom is the most well-equipped vacation rental near Lake James. Spend mornings on the water or golf course, then relax by the fire pit or in the game room with a 70" TV. Enjoy a full gym, bunk room, and spacious kitchen. 14 mins to Marion Lake Club Golf Course, 5 mins to Bear Creek Marina, 10 mins to Lake James State Park. Perfect for families and group getaways.

View, Outdoor Tub, Hiking Trls, 30minto Asheville
🍁 Suspended, Treehouse With Views 🍁 Hiking trails to a Waterfall 🍁 Fire-pit with Hammock Swings 🍁 Outdoor Kitchen Countertop with Blackstone 🍁 Outdoor Tub 🛁 - Will be CLOSED Mid Nov - March due to below freezing temps. 📍 5 mins to Old Fort, NC 📍 15 mins to Marion 📍 20 mins to Black Mountain 📍 30 mins to downtown Asheville 📍 25 mins to Blue Ridge Parkway 📍 45 mins to Mt. Mitchell (highest peak east of the Mississippi)

Mountain Views | Hot Tub | Family/Friend Retreat
Welcome to A View to Remember! Escape to your private mountain retreat just minutes from downtown Marion, Lake James, hiking trails, and waterfalls. Spend your days exploring Western North Carolina, then relax in the hot tub, gather around the fire pit, or unwind on the deck as the sun sets over the mountains. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, you’ll find the perfect place to reconnect and make unforgettable memories.
Popular amenities for Lake James vacation rentals
Lake James waterfront vacation rentals

Secluded Creekside Cabin in Morganton - hot tub

Riverfront Luxe Retreat, 75 Acres, Hike, Kayak

Right on River , Rainbow Trout , Hot Tub ,Wildlife

Creekside Cabin Near Asheville w/ Full Gym Access

Charming Creekside Cabin

Attacoa Trace- Primitive Cabin

Luxury Family Cabin | Hot Tub, Pond + Game Room!

Celo River Cabin with dreamy views
Lake side house rentals in Lake James

Blueberry Bungalow ❤️ Pups Fenced Yard Walk to town

Sunset Paradise - Lake Lure’s Peaceful Escape

Hot Tub,Indoor Pool,Game Room & Cozy Vibes

Calm Water Cove | Private Dock + Game Loft + Dogs

Quiet Lakefront Home with Private Dock

The Overlook at Lake James

Lake James Deep Water Cove, Screen Porch & Kayaks!

Modern Lakefront Escape | Private Dock + Hot Tub
Waterfront house rentals in Lake James

Lakehouse w Boat, SUP, Hot tub, Firepit, Fireplace

~Hell of a View-Rumbling Bald Elite Lakeside Condo

~ Lake Lure Luxury Condo ~ Rumbling Bald Resort ~

Gummy Bear

Non-smoking lake house

Deck & Mtn Views: Resort Home in Rumbling Bald!

+Lake Lure's Back-Renovated Condo-Resort Amenities

#Lake Lure Luxury -Rumbling Bald Resort-Game Room#
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lake James located?
Lake James is situated in western North Carolina, surrounded by rolling foothills and forested areas near the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is set within a landscape known for its natural beauty and access to outdoor recreation.
When is the best time to visit Lake James?
Spring and fall are frequently suggested for visiting Lake James, as temperatures are pleasant and the surrounding forests display vibrant colors. Summer appeals to those interested in water activities, though higher rainfall can occur during this season.
What are some things to do near Lake James?
Around Lake James, you can explore hiking and biking trails, kayak or paddle on the water, or enjoy birdwatching and fishing. The area has scenic parks, picnic spots, and playgrounds, making it a welcoming destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families.
How is the weather near Lake James?
Lake James experiences mild winters with temperatures ranging from about 30–49°F (-1–10°C) and warm summers that often reach 87°F (31°C). Rain falls throughout the year, with slightly wetter periods in late spring and summer, so a light rain jacket can be useful when planning outings.
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.
What are the 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.
Destinations to explore
- Nashville Vacation rentals
- Atlanta Vacation rentals
- Myrtle Beach Vacation rentals
- Charlotte Vacation rentals
- Gatlinburg Vacation rentals
- Savannah Vacation rentals
- Columbus Vacation rentals
- Charleston Vacation rentals
- Pigeon Forge Vacation rentals
- Hilton Head Island Vacation rentals
- North Myrtle Beach Vacation rentals
- Asheville Vacation rentals
- Pisgah National Forest
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- River Arts District
- Linville Land Harbor
- Grandfather Mountain
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Land of Oz
- Lake James State Park
- Wolf Laurel Country Club
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Appalachian State University
- Banner Elk Winery
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
- East Tennessee State University
- Catawba Two Kings Casino
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- South Mountain State Park





