
Holiday rentals with lake access in McDowell County
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Top-rated rentals with lake access in McDowell County
Guests agree: these rentals with lake access are highly rated for location, cleanliness and more.

Luxury Family Cabin | Hot Tub, Pond + Game Room!
Welcome to Woodland Hills Lodge! Experience an epic getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains when you book this beautiful log cabin where you'll be enveloped by the soothing scent of swiss pine and crisp mountain air. The cabin boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, hot tub, game room and private fishing pond! Situated in a quiet gated community with access to the communal playground. You'll enjoy the peacefulness of the location while being in close proximity to the conveniences of downtown Marion, NC

Scenic Serenity!
Welcome to our Lovely Mountain Getaway. This log home has everything you are looking for; an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, spacious open floor plan, wifi, HOT TUB, games galore, and more. Over 3,000 sq ft. 4 bedrooms (K,K,Q,F) and 3.5 baths you will have plenty of space to lounge, relax, and enjoy yourself. Soak in the incredible sunsets off the back deck. Gated community that offers privacy, security, and a community lake where you can swim, fish, grill and hike! No Parties allowed!

Treetops Lodge Cabin Private Mountain Hideaway
Wake up and enjoy panoramic views on the expansive deck of Treetops Lodge. This exceptional vacation home, located in the exclusive Mt. Mitchell Golf Course Community, surrounds you with natural beauty yet provides every comfort you could ask for. Treetops Lodge is ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers who appreciate well-appointed lodging and a gorgeous location at a great price. And yes, Treetops is pet friendly so your well-behaved dog is welcome too, with prior approval. R&R awaits!

Cabin with Fire Pit
Enjoy the slower pace of lake life at this cabin on Lake James. The 1-bed + loft vacation rental is a quarter-mile to the nearest swimming entrance and right next to Lake James Marina. If desired, an uncovered boat slip may be purchased separately through the marina. When you’re not out on the lake, kick back and relax on the spacious deck! Later, cozy up by the fire pit for late night s’mores before heading inside to watch a movie in bed. Cabin is fully equipped with everything you could need!

The Overlook at Lake James
This new build is tucked away on Lake James in a gated community. This charming two-story retreat offers four bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms, a walkout basement and two spacious decks. For the adventurous, there's a steep path (yes, it's steep but worth the effort) to a private dock, where you can fish or simply enjoy the stunning views. Whether you’re on the water, exploring nearby hiking trails or lounging on the back deck, this Lake James haven is the perfect place for a quiet getaway.

Lake James Marina Cabin
Lake James Marina cabin awaits your family’s arrival to begin making memories! Enjoy your morning coffee in the screened in deck with views of the lake. Situated between two state parks within just a few miles, the marina has its own swimming area as well. Bring your boat or rent from the fleet at the marina! Tubing, fishing, and enjoying the views of the mountains from the lake will occupy your time during the day, and come home to cook on your outdoor grill and quiet time in the evening!

Lake James Private Dock Quiet Cove Starlink
Our house is the last on a quiet "no outlet" street on one of the best hidden coves on Lake James. It’s only a couple hundred yards to the main channel and big Mountain View’s and sunsets. Our home is comfortable and expansive. A place to relax, fish, swim, use our 4 kayaks, or tie up your own boat or pontoon rental for your stay. Black Bear, Hidden Cove, or Canal Bridge are the closest boat launches. We now have lightening fast Star-link internet for remote workers and your entertainment!

Lake Life w/ Luxury! 2-Tier Dock
New 3600 sq ft home! 2 tier dock w/ views, diving platform, paddle board & kayaks. Sunset on dock or sunrise while fishing. 2 Masters on main. Gameroom, wet bar, on level 2. Coffee on huge deck or gas grill, cornhole, or firepit on patio. Wifi down to the dock. Bring own boat & dock or owner has jetski, boat rental options. Quick boat ride to Marina/deep water no wake cove. Gated community in The Arbor. Kitchen fully stocked w/ air fryer, 2 coffee makers, icemaker… trash bags, TP provided

Lakefront Home on Beautiful Lake James!
Welcome to Loving Lake Life – Your Perfect Lake Retreat, Just 15 Minutes from Morganton! Nestled on the waterfront, our home offers easy access to the water with a short stone path leading to our private dock. It comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests and comes fully equipped with two kayaks, two paddleboards, a cozy fire pit, beautiful porches, a fun-filled game room, and more! Thoughtfully designed with all the amenities you need, this space is the ideal setting for your next getaway!

Cozy Secluded Cabin | Private Pond & Fireplace
Tucked away at the end of a long, quiet road, this private cabin overlooks a small pond and is surrounded by peaceful woods and mountain views. The world slows down here. Birds sing. Mornings are quiet. Nearby hiking trails await when you’re ready. We custom-built this cabin as a place to escape everyday noise, unwind, and recharge. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel your shoulders drop. If you’re craving rest, connection, and a little romance, this cabin was built just for you.

Lakeside Home w Mtn Views & Dock
Relax--Zen inspired getaway just steps from Lake James. A peaceful courtyard welcomes you at the entrance. Glass doors surround the entire house, revealing lake and mountain views. The open floor plan is newly renovated with bamboo flooring, new kitchen and updated bathrooms. A large covered deck with dining table overlooks the lake with great views. The kitchen comes fully equipped , including a gas grill on the deck! Wood burning fireplace in great room for cozy fall evenings.

Lakefront, private cove w/ creek
Now pet friendly. A perfect waterfront playground to forget your worries while immersed in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Pisgah National Forest. Direct water access to Lake James for swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. Enjoy Dales Creek, which feeds mountain water into the lake. Whether swimming, paddling, fishing, or wading in the creek, there is no shortage of wildlife and flora to enjoy. Picnic and BBQ at the pavilion and relax by bonfires in the evenings.
Popular amenities for lake access rentals in McDowell County
Lake access house rentals

Lake James Deep Water Cove, Screen Porch & Kayaks!

Cleanest Lake in NC | Lakefront Getaway

Lake James Waterfront with Dock, Pool, and Kayaks!

Cozy Rustic Retreat

Lakefront | Hot tub, Fire Pit, Games, & Movie Room

Quiet Lakefront Home with Private Dock

Lake James Retreat: Large Private Lakefront Home

Getaway At Grants - MTN Views
Other holiday rentals with lake access

Retreat: Fast WiFi, Hot Tub, Mtns, & Nature Trails

Lakefront Roundhouse tucked away in the mountains

Lake James Launchpad

Relaxing lake front home

Luxe Mountain Home Near Ridgecrest & Asheville!

"THE EXCLUSIVE MOUNTAIN RETREAT ON LAKE JAMES!"

Awe Inspiring Views! Custom home on Lake James!

The Squirrel's Nest
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- Rentals with lake access North Carolina
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- Pisgah National Forest
- Beech Mountain Ski Resort
- Tweetsie Railroad
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
- Appalachian Ski Mtn
- Sugar Ski & Country Club
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Max Patch
- Grandfather Mountain
- River Arts District
- Chimney Rock State Park
- Land of Oz
- Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Lake James State Park
- Grandfather Mountain State Park
- Elk River Club
- Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
- Mount Mitchell State Park
- Jump Off Rock
- Banner Elk Winery
- Tryon International Equestrian Center
- Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville
- Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
- Things to do McDowell County
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