Vacation rentals with a kayak in McDowell County

The house is positioned on a hillside with a spacious deck overlooking the lake. A dock with boats and lounge space is visible at the water's edge. Lush greenery surrounds the home, creating a serene lakeside atmosphere.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

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!

LocationValueBathroom

A view of the serene waterway from the dock is displayed, featuring tranquil reflections of the sky and surrounding greenery. Two tiered docks are visible, with boats moored along the banks. Lush trees frame the scene against a backdrop of scattered clouds.

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews

Lake Life w/ Luxury! 2-Tier Dock

New 3600 sq ft home! 2 tier dock w/ views, diving platform, paddle board & kayaks. Sunset on dock or sunrise while fishing. 2 Masters on main. Gameroom, wet bar, on level 2. Coffee on huge deck or gas grill, cornhole, or firepit on patio. Wifi down to the dock. Bring own boat & dock or owner has jetski, boat rental options. Quick boat ride to Marina/deep water no wake cove. Gated community in The Arbor. Kitchen fully stocked w/ air fryer, 2 coffee makers, icemaker… trash bags, TP provided

LocationOutdoor spacesAmenities

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 25 reviews

A two-story blue house with a gray roof is situated on a gently sloping lot surrounded by trees. A stone pathway leads up to the welcoming front porch, which is flanked by wooden steps. The paved driveway extends up to the garage door.

Home in Morganton

Lakefront Home on Beautiful Lake James!

Welcome to Loving Lake Life – Your Perfect Lake Retreat, Just 15 Minutes from Morganton! Nestled on the waterfront, our home offers easy access to the water with a short stone path leading to our private dock. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests and comes fully equipped with two kayaks, two paddleboards, a cozy fire pit, beautiful porches, a fun-filled game room, and more! Thoughtfully designed with all the amenities you need, this space is the ideal setting for your next getaway!

LocationOutdoor spacesNearby

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews

Home in Old Fort

Pool open til Oct, mtn views, leaf view impending!

Escape to our charming 700 sq. ft. mountain retreat overlooking Jacks Mountain Preserve - an old golf course turned nature preserve. Perfect for small families, couples or friends, this cozy 2-bed/1-bath home features modern comforts and decor, 4 beds total, a fully equipped (and then some) kitchen, and reliable internet. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views by day and stargazing at night. Pet-friendly and situated in the heart of all things nature, it’s ideal for relaxation or adventure.

LocationValueView

Superhost

Home in Marion

Lakefront | Game & Movie Room, Hot Tub, EV Charger

"Sitting on the deck in the morning, enjoying coffee and being amazed at how many bird species were around us." That's what a guest said about our Lake James retreat, on a quiet cove outside Marion. Your mornings on our deck, coffee in hand, kids already out on the kayaks; your evenings downstairs, pool table busy, popcorn going in our movie room. Sleeps 16 in five bedrooms, hot tub, game room, fire pit. Paddle boat and fishing poles in our yard, Marion shops and groceries 4 miles out.

Outdoor spacesValueAmenities

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

A spacious lakefront home is surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flower beds. A large deck extends from the house, providing outdoor seating options. Steps lead down to a grassy area with lounge chairs, while the nearby landscape features trees and pathways that invite exploration.

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 35 reviews

Lakeside Home w Mtn Views & Dock

Relax--Zen inspired getaway just steps from Lake James. A peaceful courtyard welcomes you at the entrance. Glass doors surround the entire house, revealing lake and mountain views. The open floor plan is newly renovated with bamboo flooring, new kitchen and updated bathrooms. A large covered deck with dining table overlooks the lake with great views. The kitchen comes fully equipped , including a gas grill on the deck! Wood burning fireplace in great room for cozy fall evenings.

Outdoor spacesLocationAccuracy

A scenic view of Lake James is captured from a deck, showcasing calm waters framed by lush green trees. Kayaks are positioned on the shore, and a two-level dock extends into the lake, providing stunning mountain vistas in the background.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 33 reviews

4BR 3.5 BA Lakefront Mountain Getaway

West-facing lakefront gem nestled in a beautiful cove on Lake James makes for the perfect family getaway! Stunning home that provides a serene setting for relaxing and recreation! Sip coffee on one of 2 wrap around decks, or head to lakeside gazebo or large 2 level aluminum dock with amazing views of Dobson Knob! Enjoy kayaks and paddle boards by day and stone fire pit at sunset! Close proximity to Marion, Morganton, and many hiking trails, this property has it all!

LocationOutdoor spacesParks

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviews

An outdoor patio features a circular fire pit surrounded by four light-colored Adirondack chairs. Beyond the seating area, expansive views of Lake James and the surrounding mountains are visible, framed by lush trees and a clear sky.

Vacation home in Nebo

New Waterfront Home | Amazing Views of Lake James

This brand-new house has Panoramic views of Lake James and the Western North Carolina mountains. Enjoy the views from almost every room in the home. Have a seat under our wrap around porch and take it all in. Enjoy family and friends on our screened in back porch or enjoy some smores at the fire pit in Adirondack chairs. Everyone will have a blast in the basement with a ping pong table, shuffleboard, or sit back and watch the game. Plenty of room for the whole family!

Outdoor spacesLocationParks

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Home in Morganton

Home in Lake James

Located in a new gated community, this home sits on the edge of Lake James and the Fonta Flora Trail, minutes away from Historic downtown! Lake James has been voted the cleanest lake in North Carolina! The small community beach borders the property and has the perfect spot to swim, kayka/boat or just rest on the bench. The Fonta Flora Trail is in the backyard leading to miles of hiking or biking around the lake. The home is a 10 mile drive to Downtown Morganton!

Outdoor spacesLocationCheck-in

The exterior of a custom-built home is featured, showcasing an angular roof design and large windows. A spacious deck wraps around the house, illuminated by strategically placed lights. Lush greenery surrounds the property, enhancing the natural setting.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 115 reviews

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.

Outdoor spacesLocationGrill

A two-story yellow house with gabled roofs stands amidst a forested area. Gravel paths lead to the entrance, which is flanked by a spacious deck. Stacks of firewood are neatly arranged around a central fire pit. The lake is visible in the background.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews

Lakefront, private cove w/ creek

A perfect waterfront playground to forget your worries while immersed in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Direct water access to Lake James for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. Enjoy Dales Creek, which feeds mountain water into the lake. Whether swimming, paddling, fishing, or wading in the creek, there is no shortage of wildlife and flora to enjoy. Picnic and BBQ at the pavilion and relax by bonfires in the evenings.

Outdoor spacesLocationCleanliness

Two Adirondack chairs are positioned on a dock, facing a serene lake with a soft sunrise casting reflective colors on the water. The surrounding landscape features trees and gentle hills, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Mist rises off the lake, enhancing the tranquil scene.