Lake James provides a never-ending array of outdoor activities.  Boating, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, jetskiing, swimming, picnicking--Lake James offers it all.

Fishing has an especially good reputation as the aquatic vegetation is kept to a minimum, concentrating fish populations.  As one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the Carolinas, the cool, deep waters and warm surface waters provide a variety of sport fishing.  Common types of fish in Lake James include white bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, sunfish and perch.

Lake James State Park offers a variety of activities including swimming, camping, hiking, boating, educational programs, fishing and picnicking, and is being expanded by approximately 3,000 acres!

Bear Creek Marina, located on Lake James in Nebo, offers a general store, boat slip rentals, restaurant & bar and gas station dock. 

The enchanting mountain towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Black Mountain and Asheville are nearby offering attractions and activites including the Biltmore Estate, Linville Caverns, snow skiing, shopping, gem mining and much more. 

Lake James is located is in both McDowell and Burke Counties. 

Burke County

Burke County overs 514 square miles and has a population of 89,148 (census 2000.) Morganton is the county seat. The climate is mild and we enjoy a four-season year.

Burke County enjoys a continual growth of tourism with Lake James, the Great Smokey Mtns. and other attractions nearby.  In 2000 the county ranked 41st out of North Carolina's 100 counties with tourism generating around $58 million.

Tax rates for Burke County

Burke County School System

State Employment

Mission 2030