Spend a leisurely day at the lake. Swim in the designated swimming area, picnic by the lakeshore or spend an evening in one of the campsites. Two one-way paths lead along the forested shoreline of Lake James to scenic destinations at the trail's end. A half-mile trail leads to the Sandy Cliff Overlook, while a 1.5 mile round-trip trail leads through the campground to the Lake Channel Overlook.

• Take Fox Den Loop trail, a 2.0 mile loop trail of moderate difficulty.
• Hike through wooded rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge and enjoy scenic vistas of the Black Mountain Range.