This is probably my favorite place in North Carolina. Lake James is a true gem, clean and beautiful, with amazing views of Linville Gorge, Shortoff Mountain, and Table Rock. The State Park has several camping areas. I have stayed at the Long Arm boat in campsites. Area 3 is my favorite one, this is sites L23 through L30. They are located right on the beach. The campsites are very nice, close to the water, have nice clean tent pads, fire rings, and food storage. Plenty of trees to provide shade and opportunities to hang a hammock. There's a pit toilet with no running water. It's nice and clean though, no nasty smells or anything like that.

You can only get to the sites from the water. We usually launch our kayaks from Mimosa Boat Landing across the lake. The overnight parking is $10. It takes us about 20 min to get to the site. The lake can be pretty busy with motor boats and jet skis during the day. The campground is located away from the main motor traffic, which provides great opportunities to paddle around and watch the wildlife along the shores.