- Refined Travel
- Parks Near Me
- North Carolina
- Burke County
- Nebo
- Parks in Park Trail
- Paddy's Creek Campground
Paddy's Creek Campground










Paddy's Creek Campground Overview
Rating
Phone (828) 584-7728
Address 2693 Park Trail, Nebo, NC 28761, USA
Website https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/lake-james-state-park
Hours
Paddy's Creek Campground Location & Map
North CarolinaBurke CountyNeboPark Trail
Paddy's Creek Campground About
For North Carolina locals seeking a peaceful and refreshing outdoor experience, Paddy's Creek Campground in Nebo, NC, presents an inviting option. Nestled in a serene natural setting, this campground offers a straightforward yet highly enjoyable escape into the heart of our state's beautiful landscapes. Whether you're looking for a quiet weekend retreat, a base for exploring scenic trails, or direct access to lake activities, Paddy's Creek Campground provides a reliable and welcoming environment for all types of campers.
Often described as "simple, tidy, and quiet," especially during the off-season, Paddy's Creek Campground maintains a pleasant atmosphere that allows visitors to truly disconnect and appreciate nature. While summers might naturally bring more activity, the core appeal of tranquility and well-maintained grounds remains. For those of us in North Carolina who cherish our outdoor spaces, this campground offers a fantastic opportunity to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us, without venturing too far from home. It's a place where you can breathe deeply, listen to the sounds of nature, and create cherished memories with family and friends.
Paddy's Creek Campground is ideally situated at 2693 Park Trail, Nebo, NC 28761, USA. This location places it within the stunning natural beauty of the Nebo area, renowned for its proximity to Lake James. For North Carolina locals, its accessibility is a significant advantage. Nebo is a manageable drive from many population centers across the state, making Paddy's Creek an excellent choice for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a more extended vacation without the burden of long-distance travel.
The campground’s address, including "Park Trail," suggests it is likely part of a larger park system, which typically implies well-maintained access roads leading to the camping areas. This ensures a relatively smooth journey for vehicles of all sizes, including RVs. Once at the campground, the layout is designed for convenience, allowing campers easy access to their sites and the various amenities. The direct connection to the park's trail system and beach/lake access from the campground itself significantly enhances its appeal for those looking to engage with the natural surroundings immediately upon arrival.
Its strategic location near Lake James means campers have direct access to a popular recreational lake, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports. This blend of forest tranquility and lake activity makes Paddy's Creek Campground a versatile destination for diverse outdoor interests. For North Carolina residents, it’s a convenient gateway to experiencing the best of our state’s natural recreational offerings.
Paddy's Creek Campground is known for providing essential services that enhance the camping experience, focusing on convenience and basic comfort for its visitors. Here’s a look at the services you can expect:
- Campsites: While the review doesn't specify types (e.g., RV, tent, primitive), the mention of "camping area" implies a range of sites suitable for different camping setups. Campers should inquire about specific site features like electrical hookups or water access when booking, as these can vary.
- Clean Bathrooms: A consistent highlight from reviews is the cleanliness of the bathrooms. This is a crucial amenity for any campground, providing a comfortable and hygienic environment for personal care. However, it's noted that trash cans are not available within the bathrooms, which is a minor point to be aware of.
- Showers: The campground provides showers, which are a valuable convenience, especially after a day of hiking or swimming. While generally appreciated, one review suggested they "could be cleaned more often," indicating they are functional but may not always be pristine depending on usage.
- Firewood for Sale: For the convenience of campers, firewood is available for purchase on-site. This eliminates the need to transport wood, ensuring campers can easily enjoy campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.
- Direct Trail Access: A significant service is the direct access to very nice hiking trails from the camping area. This allows campers to immediately embark on outdoor adventures without needing to drive to a trailhead.
- Beach/Lake Access: Campers have direct access to a beach area and Lake James. This is a major draw, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and launching small watercraft, enhancing the overall recreational value of the campground.
These services collectively contribute to a pleasant and functional camping experience at Paddy's Creek Campground, ensuring that basic needs are met while also facilitating engagement with the natural environment.
Paddy's Creek Campground boasts several compelling features that make it a standout destination for North Carolina locals seeking an authentic outdoor adventure:
- Quiet and Tidy Atmosphere: Consistently described as "simple, tidy and quiet," the campground offers a serene environment, particularly during the off-season. This peaceful ambiance allows for genuine relaxation and an escape from the noise of daily life, making it perfect for unwinding.
- Excellent Hiking Trails: A major highlight is the presence of "very nice trails" accessible directly from the camping area. These trails provide ample opportunities for exploration, nature walks, and more vigorous hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the surrounding forest and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
- Direct Lake and Beach Access: The campground offers convenient "beach/lake access" to Lake James. This is a significant draw for water enthusiasts, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and enjoying various water sports right on the doorstep of your campsite.
- Well-Maintained Facilities (Overall): While some minor points about cleaning frequency were noted for showers and lack of trash cans in bathrooms, the overall impression is that the facilities are "great" and the bathrooms are generally "clean." This indicates a commitment to providing a comfortable experience for campers.
- Convenient Firewood Sales: The availability of firewood for sale on-site is a practical and appreciated feature. It saves campers the hassle of bringing their own wood and ensures they can easily enjoy the quintessential camping experience of a crackling campfire.
- Natural Environment: Beyond specific amenities, the campground's natural setting in Nebo provides a refreshing backdrop. While campers should be aware of natural elements like "big black ants," this is part of the authentic outdoor experience and highlights the vibrant ecosystem surrounding the campground.
These features collectively contribute to Paddy's Creek Campground being a highly desirable location for those looking for a tranquil, nature-rich camping experience with convenient access to both land and water activities in North Carolina.
As a professional content writer providing factual information, it's important to note that the provided customer reviews for Paddy's Creek Campground do not explicitly mention any ongoing promotions or special offers. Many campgrounds, especially those that are part of state parks or similar public land systems, often have standard pricing structures that remain consistent throughout the season, with rates primarily varying based on site type (e.g., primitive, electric hookup) and time of year (peak vs. off-peak).
However, it is always a good practice to inquire directly with the campground about potential discounts or seasonal promotions that might not be widely advertised. While specific details cannot be provided here without inventing information, some possibilities that campgrounds might offer include:
- Off-Season Rates: Lower rates may be available during the less busy months, such as early spring or late fall, when demand is lower.
- Mid-Week Discounts: Weekday stays might be offered at a reduced rate compared to popular weekend bookings.
- Senior or Military Discounts: Many public campgrounds offer discounts to seniors, veterans, or active military personnel.
- Group Rates: If you are planning a large group outing, it's worth asking if any special rates apply for multiple site bookings.
For North Carolina residents interested in visiting Paddy's Creek Campground and exploring any potential cost-saving opportunities, the most reliable approach is to contact the campground directly using the provided phone number. A friendly inquiry can often reveal any current or upcoming promotions that might be applicable to your visit. Always verify pricing and availability when planning your camping trip to ensure you have the most accurate information.
For reservations, inquiries, or to get the most up-to-date information about Paddy's Creek Campground, you can reach them using the following contact details:
- Address: 2693 Park Trail, Nebo, NC 28761, USA
- Phone: (828) 584-7728
- Mobile Phone: +1 828-584-7728
It is always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak season or if you have specific questions about site availability, amenities, or current conditions, such as trail accessibility or lake conditions. Direct contact with the campground staff will ensure you have all the necessary information to plan your peaceful camping getaway in Nebo, North Carolina.
For North Carolina locals, Paddy's Creek Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for a wide array of reasons, blending convenience with authentic outdoor experiences. Its location in Nebo, particularly with its direct access to Lake James, makes it easily reachable from many parts of the state. This means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the natural beauty, making it ideal for everything from spontaneous weekend escapes to longer, more deliberate family vacations.
The campground’s core appeal lies in its "simple, tidy, and quiet" nature. In a world increasingly filled with noise and distraction, Paddy's Creek offers a much-needed respite. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy genuine peace. This tranquility is particularly valuable for locals seeking a quick refresh without having to venture too far from their home communities.
Beyond the peace, the active recreational opportunities are a significant draw. The "very nice trails" accessible directly from the campground provide ample opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and exploring the local flora and fauna. Furthermore, the direct "beach/lake access" to Lake James is a massive advantage, opening up a world of water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. This combination of land and water recreation means there's always something to do, catering to various interests within a family or group.
While basic, the facilities are generally clean and functional, and the convenience of having firewood for sale on-site adds to the ease of a camping trip. For North Carolina residents who appreciate well-maintained, yet understated, public outdoor spaces, Paddy's Creek Campground offers a reliable and fulfilling experience. It’s a place where you can create cherished memories, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the stunning natural resources that make our state so special. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or looking for a relaxing introduction to the outdoors, Paddy's Creek Campground is a local gem waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
Customer Reviews
Simple, tidy and quiet. At least in early February but I imagine the summers is different. Bathrooms are clean and they have wood for sale which is convenient.
Great facilities in the paddy creek camping area. Showers could be cleaned more often. No trash cans in the bathrooms either. Very nice trails and beach/lake access. Be ready for big black ants everywhere on everything.
Nice area, spot #5, good pad to pop down to the lake. We did just the canoe and had a blast with our three young kids paddling and swimming near the shorelines. Crossing the lake by canoe with power boats going by is a little harrowing. We brought bikes to do bathroom and garbage runs. Glad there was firewood for sale, very convienent.
Very nice campground! Sites are not close together, lots of privacy. Camp host keeps everything super clean from the bathrooms/showers and campsites. Campsite comes with level pad for tents, nice fire pit for fires and cooking, picnic table, pole for hanging a lantern, and nice sized bear box to store food boxes and cooler. Camp host will also deliver firewood at $5 a bundle, cash only. We will come back!
We absolutely used to love this place but the last time we were there, we were scolded by teenagers for swimming outside out the boxed in zone and told someone drowned. Turns out, it was a very elderly man...not a child. FYI: It is MUCH easier to watch children when in an isolated area. We were directed to the main area with zero shade. A woman decided to chain smoke, in the water, right by my children.... while literally throwing cigarette buts into the water. The "lifeguards" didn't say a word to her. We left. Absolutely disgusting. Until you all change this policy, we won't be back. We grew up on a lake and telling people they can't swim anywhere besides a designated area is insane. I don't know a single other lake where this is a thing. Put up a swim at your own risk sign and let people make their own decisions.
More Campsites Nearby

Lake James Camping Resort & Marina
5786 Benfield Landing Road, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Catawba Area Walk-In Campground
2785 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Lake James State Park Catawba River Access
2785 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Paddy Creek Campground
1465 Old North Carolina 105, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Linville Adventure Pasture
5536 NC-126, Nebo, NC 28761, USA

Camp Attocoa (TENT ONLY)
3458 Attocoa Dr, Morganton, NC 28655, USA

Black Bear Campground and Park
6192 Lake James Rd, Marion, NC 28752, USA

Lake James Forest RV Park
1559 Old Hwy 10 E, Marion, NC 28752, USA

River Pointe RV Park
971 Watermill Glen Alpine Rd, Morganton, NC 28655, USA