Best Campgrounds near Apex, NC
Jordan Lake State Recreation Area dominates the camping landscape around Apex, North Carolina, with multiple campgrounds including Poplar Point, Crosswinds, Parkers Creek, and New Hope Overlook. Located approximately 10 miles southwest of Apex, these campgrounds offer a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to RV hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections. Most campgrounds within the recreation area feature waterfront or water-view sites, with Crosswinds Campground also offering cabin and glamping options. Additional camping opportunities can be found at Falls Lake State Recreation Area about 25 miles northeast, and William B. Umstead State Park near Raleigh.
Camping availability at Jordan Lake follows seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from March through October, though some areas like Poplar Point remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. The campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for remote workers. A visitor noted that "Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve" and that the campgrounds are "only 20 or so minutes away from a large city like Raleigh."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for campers visiting the Apex area, with multiple review comments highlighting the lake views and water activities. Fishing opportunities abound, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in Jordan Lake. The campgrounds feature boat ramps and designated swimming areas, though some visitors mention that "access to the lake can be treacherous with steep and rocky banks near the campsites." The heavily wooded sites provide ample shade during hot summer months, with pine forests creating natural buffers between campsites. While alcohol is officially prohibited in North Carolina state parks, several reviewers noted this rule isn't strictly enforced. Campers particularly praise the spaciousness of sites, with one review describing Poplar Point as "heavily wooded forest paradise that delivers privacy and solitude."
