The Mermaid Houseboats roam the waters of Lake James in NC, with beautiful views of the Blueridge Mountains and sandy beaches to pull ashore.
Amenities include:
Convenience kitchen (pump sink, coffee maker)
Propane grill
Sofa (double bed)
Table (booth seating folds into a single bed)
Capacity to sleep 2-3 adults or family
Large front deck for entertaining
Generator provides electric
AC (run by generator)
Bed linens provided
Marine toilet
*Born 1988 or later boating license required.
The space is ideal for spending a day or weekend on Lake James. With air conditioning, a propane grill, comfortable living areas that convert into beds, a kitchenette with dishes and utensils, bed linens, and a marine toilet on board - the Mermaid Boat is set up to be a ton of fun. The boat comes fully equipped with:
- Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, towels)
- Kitchen items (utensils, dishes, cookware, Keurig with k-cups, some spices, grill, paper goods, cleaning supplies)
- Trash bags, toilet paper, and paper towels are available on board
- Some goodies like cards, flash lights, books, and games are available as well
We will meet at Lake James Urgent Care located at1614 NC-126, Nebo, NC
The boat is not docked, boaters will be required to drive it or beach/anchor it, but there are several options for your overnight stay:
1. Reserve a boat-in campsite at Lake James State Park. You will have access to restroom facilities, a private campsite, and be able to have a fire or set up a tent.
2. Stay on a public beach - these are usually the best beaches on the lake with premiere mountain views. They’re also free, but they can get crowded and noisy on holidays and weekends during prime summer months. If full upon arrival, you can expect space to open up as boaters head home around sundown.
3. Tie up to the old state park dock (very low traffic) or anchor in a cove overnight.
There is a generator that runs the air conditioner and electricity. The kitchen consists of countertops, Keurig, toaster, cookware and dishware, and room to store a cooler with ice.
A $150 fee is taken up front (cleaning fee) for damage / gas. If the boat is returned with no damage and a full tank you will be refunded the $150.
Guests have access to full boat. They will not have access to the private dock where it is stored.
The owner is local and available to answer any questions and assist should you encounter any trouble on the water. He also owns an emergency boat towing service and is regularly out on the waters assisting boaters.
Lake James is one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this man-made lake offers beautiful waters, great fishing, beaches for playing, and beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
Lake James State Park has many boat-in camping sites that offer great amenities if you are staying overnight. You will have access to a restroom and showers as well as beaches to play on if you book these sites (usually about $10/night).
The houseboat feels more like a camping experience than a full-service hotel. There will be access to a grill, but no stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. Guests should plan to bring a cooler and plan food accordingly. There are no showers on the boat and only a pump sink with freshwater and marine toilet. We advise guests use the toilet sparingly, as it has limited flushes, and use public restrooms as much as possible. We recommend guests reserve a boat-in campsite for stays longer than 2 days. It is required by NC law that all guests under 13 wear a life vest while the boat is in motion.
Must be 21 or older, show a valid driver's license, and have a valid boating license if you were born in 1988 or later. Search for NC Boating License online course, complete it online, and print and bring license with you (Approximately $30).
