RV Camping With Lake Access
Most RV parks near a lake make you drive to the water. At Lake James Camping Resort & Marina in Nebo, NC, the marina is on the property. You park your rig, walk or ride a golf cart down to your boat slip, and you're on the lake without backing a trailer down a ramp. The resort sits on the eastern shore of Lake James in the Blue Ridge foothills, four miles off I-40 at Exit 94.This page covers how lake access works here, which type of site fits your trip, what comes with every site and what to know before you arrive.
How does RV camping with lake access work at Lake James?
The resort is a gated, lakefront RV community with its own marina, so the lake is part of the stay instead of a side trip. The marina has 140 wet boat slips, which means your boat stays in the water. Nobody backs in to launch and nobody loads up at the end of the day. When you're done boating, you pull back into your slip, hop on the golf cart and head to your RV site.
If you prefer to launch your own boat, the resort has a boat launch too and guests have a swimming beach and a pool on the property.
Which lake access RV site is right for you?
The site you pick should follow how you plan to spend your days.
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If your trip is about... |
Ask for |
What to know |
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Keeping a boat on the water |
A site near the marina |
Boat slips have a waiting list, so call about slip availability early |
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Blue Ridge scenery from your door |
A Mountain View site |
These sites sell out fast and have their own waiting list |
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Fishing, swimming, and time on the water |
Any full-hookup site |
The marina, boat launch, beach, and pool are all on the property |
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Getting around easily |
Any site plus a golf cart rental |
Carts run from your site to the marina and around the grounds |
We don't publish a map of which specific sites face the water, so call 828-584-0190 and tell the office what you want from the lake. They can point you to the right part of the property. The printable resort map is also on the site.
What comes with every RV site?
Every RV site here is full hookup, with water, electric, sewer, and cable TV. Electric service is available at 20, 30, and 50 amp, which covers everything from a small trailer to a Big Rig. Wi-Fi is offered at the sites as well. Mountain terrain can make any signal uneven, so if you work remotely, bring a backup.
The property also has bathhouses, a laundry facility that's open 24 hours a day, limited access gates, a pavilion and a basketball court.
Can your rig stay at Lake James Camping Resort?
The sites are Big Rig friendly, but the resort takes self-contained RVs only. Tents, pop-ups, and primitive camping aren't allowed. If your RV doesn't have its own bathroom and kitchen, this isn't the right fit. If you're not sure about your rig's length, age, or slide-outs, call the office before you book so the answer is settled before you drive here.
What should boaters know before they arrive?
The marina is the reason many guests choose this resort and a few details are worth settling before your trip. Slips take boats up to 40 feet, they're in demand and the marina works on a waiting list. Lake conditions change, so it helps to know where to check before you head out.
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The marina is open year-round, and slips take boats up to 40 feet in length.
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The marina rents slips. It doesn't rent boats.
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Slips are in demand and there's an active waiting list. Add your name early.
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Slip questions go to the office at 828-584-0190.
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Check daily lake levels and boat warnings before you head out. The resort shares Duke Energy's normal operating ranges and posts weekly dock warnings when they apply.
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The Lake Levels & News link sits at the top of every page on the resort's website.
Is fishing good near the marina?
Fishing near the marina is popular with campers and boaters, and the resort describes the clean, clear water as producing great-tasting fish of every species. Lake James is deep, reaching about 120 feet in places, so different fish live in the shallows and the depths. The resort points guests to the fishing guide on the AA-Fishing site for what's biting.
Where can you stay if you don't have an RV?
You can still get lake access. The resort has luxury cabins, and every one of them is pet-friendly. Each has a full kitchen with a full-size range and oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and cookware, plus a living room with a sleeper sofa and cable TV. The master bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom has bunks. French doors open onto a deck with views of the lake and mountains. Bring your own linens, food and personal items.
What can you do at the resort besides boating?
Not everyone in your group has to be on the water all day. The resort has a swimming pool and a swimming beach for guests who'd rather stay on shore. There's also a pavilion for gathering, a basketball court and bathhouses and a 24-hour laundry facility for longer stays. If you'd rather not walk the grounds, golf cart rentals are available and run between your site, the marina and the rest of the property.
How far is Lake James Camping Resort from the interstate?
The resort is four miles off I-40 at Exit 94. Take the exit and head northwest on the winding road toward the lake. Asheville is about 45 minutes away and Charlotte is about 1.5 hours. The address is 5786 Benfield Landing Road, Nebo, NC 28761.
How do you reserve a lake access RV site?
Use the reservation request form on the rates and reservations page. If you want a Mountain View site or a marina slip, join the waiting list first since demand for both runs high.
You can also call 828-584-0190. The office is open 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 7 pm on Friday and 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Read the reservation and cancellation policy before you put down a deposit and review the resort rules and regulations before you arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How does the marina work if I'm staying in an RV site?
The marina has 140 wet boat slips on the property, so your boat stays in the water. You don't launch or load it. When you're done, you pull into your slip, take a golf cart to your RV site and you're set.
Which RV sites face the water?
The resort doesn't publish which specific sites face the lake. Call 828-584-0190 and tell the office what you want whether that's a lake view, a Mountain View site or a spot near the marina. The printable resort map is also available on the website.
What are Mountain View sites and how do I get one?
Mountain View sites are among the most requested on the property and sell out fast. Join the waiting list on the resort's website to get on the list.
Is the resort open year-round?
The marina is open year-round. The resort's homepage also says the resort is open year-round. Call the office to confirm RV site availability for the exact dates you want before you travel.
What kind of RV can stay here?
Sites are Big Rig friendly with full hookups (water, electric, sewer, and cable) and 20, 30, and 50 amp service. The resort takes self-contained RVs only. Tents, pop-ups, and primitive camping aren't allowed. Call the office about your rig's age, length, and slide-outs before booking.