Vacation rentals in Lake James

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake James

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Top guest favorite
A secluded log cabin is nestled among trees, featuring a stone and wood exterior. A welcoming sign reading 'Cabin in the Woods' is visible by the gravel path leading to the front porch, framed by lush greenery and a well-maintained lawn.
Home in Morganton
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviews

Little Cabin in the Woods

Relax with the whole family at this peaceful, unique log cabin completely updated, nestled in the woods. Secluded mountain feel, but 5 minutes from I-40. Minutes from Lake James, and a short drive to the eateries/ entertainment of Morganton or Marion. Access all the amazing activities that WNC has to offer including hiking, biking, boating, tubing, swimming, kayaking, fishing, with beautiful weather & scenery year round from this convenient location or sit on the front porch & enjoy the beauty.

Top guest favorite
A suspended swinging bridge connects the treehouse to the surrounding nature. Constructed with sturdy wooden beams and a woven rope netting, the bridge provides a unique access point, surrounded by scenic mountain views and soft landscaping. Solar lamps line the pathway for visibility.
Treehouse in Marion
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 239 reviews

Elevated Escape|Treehouse+Hot Tub+Hiking/Falls

⭐️ Brand New Treehouse suspended 16 ft high ⭐️Swinging Bridge ⭐️ Breathtaking Mountain View ⭐️Onsite half mile hike to Waterfall ⭐️Hot Tub on deck with View ⭐️Close to Asheville and Black Mountain ⭐️Hiking/Creek access on site ⭐️ 90 acres backed up to Pisgah Nat’l Forest ⭐️Small petting farm with goats, donkey on site ⭐️Marion recently voted #1 area to purchase vacation property by Travel & Leisure ⭐️ Black-out Shades on all windows and doors Stay up to date on IG @stillhouse_creek_cabins

Top guest favorite
A natural cedar hot tub is situated on a wooden deck, surrounded by lush greenery. The adjacent glass doors open to the living area, allowing for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. A cozy chair and a towel are placed nearby for convenience.
Tiny home in Fairview
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 337 reviews

Forest Bathhouse – Sauna + Soak Tub + Luxury

Our homes offer a one-of-a-kind forest spa experience nestled within a lush Appalachian landscape and draw on years spent crafting designer getaways Every element is carefully curated, hand-made, respectful to nature, and entirely unlike any other stay ☑ Exclusive 2hr session at our Treehouse SAUNA PAVILION. The BEST SAUNA experience in AVL ☑ Private CEDAR HOT TUB right on your deck ☑ Luxe bedding, foraged decor, and hotel-quality throughout ☑ PRISTINE CLEANLINESS and a million tiny touches…

Guest favorite
The kitchen and living area feature rustic wooden beams overhead, creating a cozy atmosphere. A small dining table is accompanied by teal chairs, and a modern kitchen is equipped with appliances against a white wall. Natural light filters through the windows, enhancing the inviting space.
Guesthouse in Morganton
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 258 reviews

Mountain modern Carriage House downtown Morganton

The Carriage House and city of Morganton have power and are ready visitors. This guest house sits behind a historic home in downtown Morganton. The 1920s structure has restored original finishes : a claw foot tub, vintage bathroom sink, and farm house sink in the kitchen. Downstairs features original wood bead board ceilings. Upstairs the ceiling was removed to expose the roof and beams. Two fireplaces keep it cozy - you'll have a lovely place relax and listen to the rain on the metal roof.

Top guest favorite
Home in Marion
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 133 reviews

Private| Hot Tub | Mountain Views | Near Lake & DT

A View to Remember is situated in a secluded spot that offers plenty of privacy and tranquility. You'll feel like you're miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though you're just a short drive to downtown Marion and Lake James. With comfortable furnishings and plenty of space to relax, our rental is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring. Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony or watch the sunset over the horizon - either way, you're in for a treat.

Top guest favorite
The charming exterior of a cottage is highlighted, featuring light gray siding and white trim. A welcoming pathway of stepping stones leads to a deck, furnished with a dining table and chairs. Surrounded by lush greenery, this home integrates seamlessly into the natural landscape.
Cottage in Morganton
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 162 reviews

Woodsy cottage next to Lake James

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

Top guest favorite
The sleeping area features a spacious bed with a light-colored frame, accompanied by a cozy seating area with a sofa. Natural light filters in through dual windows, while modern ceiling fans and light fixtures enhance the inviting atmosphere. A patterned rug adds warmth to the wooden floor.
Tiny home in Marion
5 out of 5 average rating, 342 reviews

"mac": romantic tiny home + outdoor tub + fire pit

mac provides all the luxuries of large living + an expansive outdoor area. the outdoor tub/shower in the screened-in patio is your own private spa/lounge w privacy curtains! hanging chairs by the fire pit offer a serene and comfy nook. mac is a perfect base camp for the many trails, lakes, rivers, mtns + cute nearby towns or just stay put! mac is situated on a 1.34 acre plot in a modest neighborhood 2 miles from marion's cute main street. mac knows love is love and he welcomes all!

Top guest favorite
The cottage features an octagonal design with natural wood siding and a stone base. A wooden ramp leads to the entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The structure showcases large windows that invite natural light, enhancing the welcoming exterior.
Cottage in Nebo
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 232 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A cozy living space features a faux cowhide rug and a rounded coffee table topped with decorative plants. A comfortable recliner sits beside a wall-mounted television and an electric fireplace, while a small dining area with bar stools is visible in the background.
Cabin in Morganton
5 out of 5 average rating, 109 reviews

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!!

Top guest favorite
Cabin in Nebo
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 148 reviews

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.

Top guest favorite
A charming cabin is positioned near a creek, featuring a wooden deck that leads to the entryway. The scenic surroundings include trees and open grassy areas, with glimpses of outdoor seating and a grill visible on the deck. The peaceful water reflects the natural setting.
Cabin in Morganton
5 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

Secluded Creekside Cabin in Morganton - hot tub

Morganton and Lenoir are open for visitors post Helene. Tucked down the side of the mountain on 3.43 acres with private access to Upper Creek, relax and unwind in our family. Only 7 miles to the Brown Mountain OHV trails (34 miles of off roading trails) and Brown Mountain Beach Resort, 9 miles to Upper Creek Falls, 12 miles to Wilson’s Creek, 13.5 miles to Hawksbill Mountain, 17 miles to Linville Falls, 18 miles to Table Rock, 24 miles to Grandfather Mountain.

Guest favorite
A cozy outdoor space is illuminated by warm string lights, creating a relaxed atmosphere. A fire pit is surrounded by four chairs, and a cabin can be seen in the background nestled among the trees. Windows glow softly, hinting at the inviting interior.
Guesthouse in Nebo
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews

Boat House Cottage - Hiker’s retreat in Linville

Unplug and relax at our Boat House Cottage nestled near the Linville river at the foot of the Linville Gorge. This cozy cottage makes for a great home base for adventurous trips to Western NC. Easy access to hiking, biking, and paddling. A stocked kitchenette allows for making adventure snacks, or take the short drive to Fonta Flora Brewery. The king bed and comfy futon allow for post-adventure relaxing, outdoor fire pit available or cool off in the river.

Popular amenities for Lake James vacation rentals

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.