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Lake Norman, North Carolina, USA

Lake Norman’s 32,510 acres garner it the superlative of being North Carolina’s largest manmade lake. An impressive 34 miles in length with 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is fondly nicknamed the Inland Sea. Conveniently located near Charlotte and Interstate 77, Lake Norman is a popular vacation destination. The lake was named for Norman Atwater Cocke, a retired president of Duke Power. Duke Power created the lake…
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to Lake Norman! Article topics include:

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    • All About Lake Norman, NC

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - North Carolina - Piedmont Region, NC -

    Lake Norman’s 32,510 acres garner it the superlative of being North Carolina’s largest manmade lake. An impressive 34 miles in length with 520 miles of shoreline, Lake Norman is fondly nicknamed the Inland Sea. Conveniently located near Charlotte and Interstate 77, Lake Norman is a popular vacation destination.

    The lake was named for Norman Atwater Cocke, a retired president of Duke Power. Duke Power created the lake for hydroelectric power and water supply by damming the Catawba River. The Cowans Ford Hydroelectric Station began supplying electricity in 1963. Duke Power also built the McGuire Nuclear Station and the coal-burning Marshall Steam Station. The lake provides cooling water for both stations. The Marshall station began producing electricity in 1965 and the McGuire station in 1981.

    Lake Norman’s full pond elevation is 760 feet above sea level with a maximum depth of 110 feet and an average depth of 34 feet. Duke Power controls the water level to provide electricity, accommodate heavy spring rains, supply municipal water, and provide recreational opportunities. The maximum water drawdown is 15 feet.

    With so many acres and miles of shoreline, the best way to see the lake is by boat. Several marinas grace the shores of Lake Norman, providing boat launches, boat slips, boat storage, boat rentals, boat repairs, and gas stops for when you need to refuel. With no horsepower or speed limit on the lake, powerboats, bass boats, sailboats, and pontoons share the sparkling waters with kayaks, canoes, and even the occasional paddle boat.

    Lake Norman State Park hosts thousands of campers per year at its 33 campsites. Equipped with tent pads, picnic tables, and grills, the campsites afford a level of comfort while allowing you to commune with nature. Late at night, sleeping amidst the trees, you will feel closer to the lake than you thought possible as you watch the stars, smell the pine trees in the breeze, and let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.

    Anglers arrive at Lake Norman from miles around, with ‘fish-tales’ echoing in their minds of record-winning catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass, and yellow perch and white perch. Bass tournaments come to the lake annually, a testament to the opportunities available here. During winter, stripers are abundant and brave souls face winter’s chill to drop a line in and reel in a big one. If cold isn’t your pleasure, spring and summer bring warmer temperatures and the possibility to catch the lake’s other resident fish, so don’t despair. There truly are some prize-winning catches awaiting at Lake Norman.

    Outdoor lovers are pleased to find miles of winding hiking and mountain biking trails available to the public. Pick a path, and you will be presented with beautiful lake vistas, mountain scenery, mature hardwood forests, and many opportunities to interact with the area wildlife. Nature photographers are advised to take their cameras, as photo opportunities await around every bend. Mountain bikers are encouraged to take the Itusi Trail, a 6.7 mile up-and-downhill path that winds through the forest and along the edge of the lake, providing a pleasant yet challenging biking adventure.

    It’s impossible to look at Lake Norman without wanting to dip your feet in. Designated swimming areas, complete with sandy beaches, will lure you to the lake’s shores. You’ll find the water to be pleasantly warm, and the sun above to be just bright enough to warrant a little nap on your beach towel. And when all that relaxation has really worn you out, take a box lunch to the nearby picnic area and indulge in a delicious pick-me-up.

    Things to Do at Lake Norman

    These are some activities in the Lake Norman, NC area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Norman?

    Lake Norman has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Striped Bass
    • White Perch
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Norman

    If you’re considering a Lake Norman lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Norman Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Norman lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Norman Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Duke Power

    Surface Area: 32,510 acres

    Shoreline Length: 520 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 760 feet

    Average Depth: 34 feet

    Maximum Depth: 110 feet

    Water Volume: 1,093,600 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1964

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