
Lake James fishing vacation rentals
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.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Lake James vacation rentals
Lake side house rentals in Lake James

Lake James Deep Water Cove, Screen Porch & Kayaks!

Carpe Diem on Lake James private lakefront oasis

Lake James N.C. Waterfront home, Private dock/bunk

Lake James is Safe and Ready to Welcome You!

Tryon: Mountain Views, Lake & Hot tub

Lake James Waterfront with Dock, Pool, and Kayaks!

Views -> Behind Resort Gate -> Golf Cart -> Luxury

Willows Edge (Resort & Bald Mtn Lake Access)
Lake James fishing house rentals

Lakeside Landing-Hot Tub, Water Slide, Game Room

Private Lake Open, Epic Views, BBQ, July 4 Avail!

Lake James Launchpad

Tested, Trusted, & Totally Ready on Lake James!

Near Lake&River|3 King Suite|5 mil to Blowing Rock

Awe Inspiring Views! Custom home on Lake James!

Lovely lakefront home!

Quiet Lakefront Home with Private Dock
Other great vacation rentals in Lake James

Cozy Cove LakeHouse

Lake James Cozy Cabin

Trails End/Dog Friendly

Dockside Delight @Lake James

Sail Away Suite

Lake James loft. 1 Queen, 2 bunks, 2 trundles

Ridgeline: Luxe Views, Heated Pool & Hot Tub Oasis

The Little Cabin near Lake James
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.
Destinations to explore
- Pigeon Forge Vacation rentals
- Asheville Vacation rentals
- Upstate South Carolina Vacation rentals
- Sevierville Vacation rentals
- Greenville Vacation rentals
- Atlanta Vacation rentals
- Nashville Vacation rentals
- Gatlinburg Vacation rentals
- Charleston Vacation rentals
- Western North Carolina Vacation rentals
- Myrtle Beach Vacation rentals
- Charlotte Vacation rentals
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- Grandfather Mountain
- River Arts District
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Lake James State Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Jump Off Rock
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Elk River Club
- Banner Elk Winery
- Diamond Creek
- Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Vineyards for Biltmore Winery
- French Broad River Park
- Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site