
Vacation rentals with lake access in McDowell County
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Top-rated lake access rentals in McDowell County
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Luxury Family Cabin | Hot Tub, Pond + Game Room!
Welcome to Woodland Hills Lodge! Experience an epic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains when you book this beautiful log cabin where you'll be enveloped by the soothing scent of swiss pine and crisp mountain air. The cabin boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, hot tub, game room and private fishing pond! Situated in a quiet gated community with access to the communal playground. You'll enjoy the peacefulness of the location while being in close proximity to the conveniences of downtown Marion, NC
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews
Scenic Serenity!
Welcome to our Lovely Mountain Getaway. This log home has everything you are looking for; an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, spacious open floor plan, wifi, HOT TUB, games galore, and more. Over 3,000 sq ft. 4 bedrooms (K,K,Q,F) and 3.5 baths you will have plenty of space to lounge, relax, and enjoy yourself. Soak in the incredible sunsets off the back deck. Gated community that offers privacy, security, and a community lake where you can swim, fish, grill and hike! No Parties allowed!
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 168 reviews
Treetops Lodge Cabin Private Mountain Hideaway
Wake up and enjoy panoramic views on the expansive deck of Treetops Lodge. This exceptional vacation home, located in the exclusive Mt. Mitchell Golf Course Community, surrounds you with natural beauty yet provides every comfort you could ask for. Treetops Lodge is ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers who appreciate well-appointed lodging and a gorgeous location at a great price. And yes, Treetops is pet friendly so your well-behaved dog is welcome too, with prior approval. R&R awaits!
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews
The Overlook at Lake James
This new build is tucked away on Lake James in a gated community. This charming two-story retreat offers four bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, a walkout basement and two spacious decks. For the adventurous, there's a steep path (yes, it's steep but worth the effort) to a private dock, where you can fish, swim, or simply enjoy the stunning views. Whether you’re on the water, exploring nearby hiking trails or lounging on the decks, this Lake James home is the perfect place for a quiet getaway.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 22 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!
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews
Getaway At Grants - MTN Views
Available Now - Relax with the whole family on a peaceful mountain retreat. Located in gated community of Grants Mountain w/I-40 access. Featuring lots of natural light, open floor plan, fireplace & loft. Enjoy mountain views & cookouts on the spacious wrap around decks. Quiet & conveniently located near Black Mountain, Lake James, Biltmore, vineyards, hiking, waterfalls, golf & minutes to grocery store, gas, shopping. Paved roads & driveway. Firepit w/view to enjoy fall & winter nights.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 33 reviews
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!
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 25 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!
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 33 reviews
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!
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 42 reviews
Lake James Cabin | Screened Porch+Boat/Swim Access
Enjoy your morning coffee on the screened-in deck with lake views. This cabin sits at the edge of the marina community, closest to the woods, which makes it the quieter option in the neighborhood. Walk out your door, and you're two minutes from boat docks and marina boat rentals on Lake James. Spend your days tubing, fishing, or taking in the mountain views from the lake, then come back to cook out and unwind on the porch.
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews
Lake James Deep Water Cove, Screen Porch & Kayaks!
Newman’s Nook on Lake James is a Farmhouse-style lake house on a calm cove, nestled in the Blue Ridge mountain foothills. Nearby, take advantage of hiking, mountain biking, waterfalls, golf, gem-mining, Lake James State Park, beach, wineries & breweries! Make memories with friends & family taking in stunning views, smelling fresh mountain air, listening to nature’s music and feeling cool, clean water of Lake James!
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 94 reviews
Tamarca Hollow, A Nature Retreat
Escape the noise of your everyday world at our National Wildlife Federation Certified Habitat! Your space is a 700 sf, 1 bedroom (queen bed), 1 bath area above (exterior stairs) our garage. We have a gravel, long, steep driveway (AWD\FWD ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!) and we’re tucked in down at the bottom of a 10 acre forest with hidden mountain streams and picnic area. No internet, wifi or tv service is available.
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 143 reviewsPopular amenities for McDowell County lake access rentals
Lake access house rentals

Lakefront, private cove w/ creek
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 38 reviews
Lakeside Home w Mtn Views & Dock
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 34 reviews
Lakefront Escape | Dock Access and Mountain Views!
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 58 reviews
Double-Decker Dock, Sunset Deck, & Fire Pit
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 15 reviews
Cleanest Lake in NC | Lakefront Getaway
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 33 reviews
Home in Lake James
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews
Lake Life w/ Luxury! 2-Tier Dock
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 19 reviews
The Bishop House at Wunderland Resort
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviewsOther vacation rentals with lake access

Marina Cozy Cottage Up Top
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews
Quiet Cabin in the Woods – Couples Escape
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 89 reviews
Dockside Delight @Lake James
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews
Lake James Cozy Cabin
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews
Lake James loft. 1 Queen, 2 bunks, 2 trundles
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 81 reviews
Ridgetop View Cabin ~ Pet-Friendly w/ Hot Tub!
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews
Fox Lake Cabin Retreat | Hiking, Hot Tub + Games!
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews
Mountain View Cozy Cabin - Penny's Peak
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 88 reviewsDestinations to explore
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- Rentals with lake access North Carolina
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- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- River Arts District
- Land of Oz
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Max Patch
- Wolf Laurel Country Club
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Lake James State Park
- Grandfather Mountain
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Appalachian State University
- Banner Elk Winery
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- DuPont State Forest
- East Tennessee State University
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- South Mountain State Park
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