Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of nine access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir. More than 1,000 campsites among five of the access areas offer a range of outdoor experience from RV hookups to primitive tent camping and group camps. There are seven swim beaches in the recreation area and a number of boating ramps, with some swim areas and ramps reserved for campers. Nearly 14 miles of hiking trails wind across the hilly lakeshore, with most of them offering easy, brief hikes perfect for family outings. Spotting bald eagles and osprey is just one of many opportunities to view wildlife, and the lake’s ecology is further explored in the visitor center exhibit hall.
Camping
Tent, trailer and RV camping
Pitch your tent or park your recreational vehicle at one of more than 1,000 family campsites.
Crosswinds Campground offers 182 campsites for both recreational vehicles and tent camping; 134 sites have water and electric hookups. Each site includes a picnic table, grill and lantern holder. Showers, restrooms, trash containers and a dump station are conveniently located.
Parkers Creek offers 250 sites for RV and tent camping; 120 sites have water and electric hookups. Each site contains a picnic table, grill and lantern holder. Showers, restrooms, trash containers and a dump station are conveniently located.
Poplar Point offers 579 sites for RV and tent camping; 363 sites have water and electric hookups. Each site includes a picnic table, grill and lantern holder. Showers, restrooms, trash containers and a dump station are conveniently located.
Backpack camping
For those who prefer a more primitive campsite, New Hope Overlook offers 24 campsites nestled in the woods. These sites range from 100 yards to a half mile from the parking lot. Each site has a picnic table, grill and lantern holder. Toilets and drinking water are provided nearby.
Group tent camping
Two areas offer sections for camping clubs and other groups. Parkers Creek has six campsites available for group tent camping. Vista Point also offers five group tent campsites. Drinking water and showers are located nearby.
Group RV camping
Vista Point offers 50 campsites for group RV camping. All sites contain water and electric hookups. Although these sites are open year-round, water to the sites is turned off in the winter. Showers, restrooms, trash containers and a dump station are conveniently located.
Activities
Hiking
The park is a great place for a hike! See the Trails page for more information.
Accessible Activities
Persons with disabilities will find access to a wide range of recreational facilities, including accessible picnic shelters, swim beaches, campsites, and courtesy docks. Most parking lots have special spaces available, and the restrooms are accessible as well. Accessible camping is available at Parker's Creek, Poplar Point, and Crosswinds campgrounds. Accessible group camping is available at both Vista Point and Parker's Creek group camps. The beaches at Ebenezer and Seaforth are accessible, and all the campground beaches are accessible as well. Park staff will guide you to facilities best suited to your needs.
Bald Eagle Watching
On your next visit to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, see if you can spot our national symbol, the bald eagle, soaring over the waters of Jordan Lake. As Jordan Lake supports the largest concentration of bald eagles in the eastern United States, these majestic birds can often be spotted soaring over the lake in search of fish and other prey.
Though bald eagles are active throughout the daylight hours, the chances of observing an eagle are best during the early morning hours or late in the day. The best time of year for observing eagles around Jordan Lake is during the spring migration northward, generally April, May and June. Areas that offer a wide view of the lake are your best choices. These would include Vista Point, Ebenezer and Seaforth recreation areas.
Boating
Each recreation area has boat-launching ramps providing easy entry to the water. Boat ramps and courtesy docks located at Ebenezer Church and Robeson Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours per day.
All other boat ramps are open during park hours, and visitors must exit the park before the park's closing time. Boating facilities open during park hours include six boat ramps at New Hope Overlook. Seaforth offers six both ramps and Vista Point offers four boat ramps. Boat ramps at day-use areas are open to the public. Crosswinds and Poplar Point campgrounds offer boat ramps and courtesy docks for campers only. Parker's Creek has a small boat ramp for campers only. The Parker's Creek boat ramp has very limited parking and does not have courtesy docks.
Be cautious of underwater hazards such as stumps, logs and rocks. The Uniform Waterway Marker System has been installed for your safety and convenience. Obey all buoys and markers.
Test your sailing skills on Jordan Lake. The most popular area for sailing is Vista Point while windsurfers enjoy Ebenezer Church. Wind speed information can be obtained by dialing 919-387-5969.
The nearby, privately-owned Crosswinds Boating Center rents kayaks and pontoon boats. For more information about the marina and its services, call 919-387-7011.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular sport on the lake. Underwater stumps, logs and rocks help create the perfect environment for bass, crappie, catfish and pan fish. A state fishing license is required, and rules of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission must be obeyed.
