
Vacation rentals in Lake James
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lake James
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"Paraíso Encontrado" Paradise Found
Watch the deer grazing in the woods as you sit on the wrap around deck of this modern cabin nestled at Lake James, NC. Enjoy the pool while you cookout on the gas grill, or hike the new Fonta Flora trail nearby. A 10 minute drive to:three marinas, two wineries, & two state parks. Enjoy biking, hiking, boating, snow/water skiing, fishing, enjoying nature & tranquility. Convenient to Lake James, Morganton, Table Rock, Shortoff Mtn., Linville Gorge, Little Switzerland, Blue Ridge Pkwy. & Marion.

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.

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.

Cozy art bus near I-40, peaceful country views
Nestled amongst the trees at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this home is clean and simple, with a lived-in charm that includes scratches and stains. It stays toasty warm with propane radiant heat. - Ceiling is 5’ 11” - 6 min to I-40 and town of Old Fort (breweries, restaurants, stores) - 30 min to Asheville. 15 to Black Mtn or Marion - Queen bed, 8” foam - Full futon, firm - Heated shower (lasts about 5 min) - Flushing house toilet - WiFi, Smart TV - Host on-site - Easy check-out

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.

"mini": romantic tiny home/modern cabin + fire pit
"mini" is one of two private tiny houses on a 1.34 acre lot in a modest, quiet neighborhood 2 miles from marion's cute main st. tons of gorgeous scenery, hikes, bike trails, lakes, rivers, state parks, wineries, good eats, and other activities within easy reach to keep you hopping or just hang out & relax! mini is the perfect base camp to explore the many riches of the area and the bonus is that asheville is just a beautiful 40 min drive! mini knows love is love & welcomes all!

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!!

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.

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.

Alpine Deluxe Suite
Enjoy comfort and convenience at Alpine Mill, a modern apartment near downtown Morganton. With TVs in both living and bedroom, a stocked kitchen, an electric fireplace, and the fastest WiFi in the market, it’s ideal for work or rest. Walk to dining, coffee, and shops, or reach the hospital in minutes. Hickory and Marion are just 30 minutes away, with Lake James and South Mountains nearby for downtime escapes. Access to on-site fitness center on 2nd floor.

Good Vibes Only -Romantic Cabin with Private Spa
Romantic cabin by a waterfall with stunning hikes and a private mountain spa. Perfectly located for outdoor adventures and relaxing in comfort when you're back. Features: - Fully equipped kitchen - Top brand California King and queen beds - Patio grill and flattop - Private spa: traditional sauna, outdoor shower, soaking tub, hot tub - Firepit area and firewood - Starlink Wi-Fi - Pet-friendly

The Cottage at Lake James
Relax on the porch at this peaceful cottage near Lake James. Launch your own boat or rent a pontoon, kayak, or paddleboard nearby. Go hiking or biking on the Fonta Flora trail . Swim at Lake James State Park. Within an hour's drive you can be at Table Rock, Linville Gorge, Ashville, Grandfather Mountain, or on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Short term or long term guest are welcome.
Popular amenities for Lake James vacation rentals
Lake houses in Lake James

Lakefront, Hot tub, amazing deck! walk to shops

Lake View & Easy Access to Town on Quiet Street

Black Mountain Cottage

Blueberry Bungalow ❤️ Pups Fenced Yard Walk to town

Lakeside Home w Mtn Views & Dock

HarmonyHouse @BlackMountain - No Cleaning Fee!

Perfect Getaway at Lake Lure | 3 Bedroom, Sleeps 8

Lake Escape
Lake James fishing houses

Warm Up in a Private Hot Tub Retreat!

Lake Life w/ Luxury! 2-Tier Dock

Cozy Rustic Retreat

Lakefront Home on Beautiful Lake James!

Waterfront & View + Dock, Sauna, Hot Tub*, Bonfire

Lake James Retreat: Large Private Lakefront Home

Lakefront, private cove w/ creek

Hot Tub,Indoor Pool&Cozy Vibes-Hideaway Haven
Lake James fishing places to stay

Tamarca Hollow, A Nature Retreat

The Artful Dodger Getaway Cabin Charming & Unique

Cozy Cabin, Mountains, Vineyards & Pets Welcome

Mountain Serenity Studio *Resort*Pools*Golf*Lake

Farmer & the Naiad, cottage on 1800s farmplace

Appalachian Sunrise by Carolina Properties

Riverside Cabin on 33 acres

☆Beary Relaxing Suite☆-Lake, Pool, Sauna, Hot Tub
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.
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- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Sugar Ski & Country Club
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Grandfather Mountain
- River Arts District
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Land of Oz
- Lake James State Park
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Elk River Club
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Jump Off Rock
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Banner Elk Winery
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
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