Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers multiple glamping opportunities located throughout its 14,000-acre reservoir basin. Situated at elevations averaging 220 feet above sea level, the lake features seven distinct access points with varying terrain and amenities. The climate remains mild through much of the camping season, with water temperatures reaching the mid-70s during summer months and dropping to the 50s in early spring and late fall.
What to do
Water activities: Jordan Lake provides extensive options for paddlers and boaters across its 200+ miles of shoreline. At Crosswinds Campground, visitors can access both boat launches and swimming areas. "Great Campsites, nice wooded sites and close to lake access. Great hiking trails and very family friendly. Deer walked right behind our site. Boat ramp in campground. Swim area and playground," notes camper Wendy M.
Fishing opportunities: Both shoreline and boat fishing yield catches of bass, crappie and catfish throughout the seasons. Many sites at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area provide direct water access. "Nice, big sites and plenty of good areas for swimming, hiking, and fishing. We always catch a ton of fish!!" explains Dana M. Though located nearby rather than on Jordan Lake itself, Falls Lake offers similar species and fishing conditions.
Trail exploration: The area features numerous hiking paths through mixed pine and hardwood forests. "Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience," shares Paul H. about Crosswinds Campground. For more challenging terrain, nearby Raven Rock State Park offers trails along the Cape Fear River that connect to primitive camping areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many glamping options near Jordan Lake feature well-sized sites with natural spacing. "The camping sites are spacious and most are level. I love this campground!" writes Cindy S. about Crosswinds Campground. Site dimensions typically measure 30-40 feet in depth with most accommodating large recreational vehicles or multiple tents.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently rate bathroom and shower buildings positively across the recreation area. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, campers appreciate the well-maintained infrastructure. "Bathroom facilities were a little questionable at times. We had toilets that constantly weren't flushed and one that even spilled all over the floor and my feet. Hot water but the toilets just left me a little meh," notes Shannon S., providing an honest assessment of facilities.
Wildlife viewing: The wooded environment supports diverse animal sightings throughout the day. "Deer walked right behind our site," mentions Wendy M. at Crosswinds. The early morning hours offer optimal wildlife observation opportunities, particularly along shoreline areas.
What you should know
Gate hours: Access restrictions apply at several campgrounds surrounding Jordan Lake. At Crosswinds Campground, "they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," warns Debbie F. Typical gate closure times range from 9-10pm depending on the season.
Limited sewer connections: While many sites offer water and electric hookups, full sewer hookups are less common. "There is no septic on your site," notes Debbie F. about Crosswinds. Most campgrounds provide dump stations near exit roads for RV waste disposal before departure.
Booking window: Reservations for glamping structures and premium sites at Cozy Heron Glamping typically open 6 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends and holidays. "We stayed 3 nights in June. Two days on the water, tubing and kayaks. Cooked out, had a great time. The beds are super comfy and AC blew cold," shares Charlie T.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sand beaches. "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," remarks Angela M. about her stay at Crosswinds. Swimming areas typically include rope-marked boundaries and are unguarded.
Playground proximity: When selecting campsites with children, consider locations near recreational facilities. At Eno River State Park Campground, families appreciate the combination of natural spaces and built facilities. "Loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," notes Elizabeth V.
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs focused on wildlife, ecology and astronomy. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," shares Elizabeth V. about Eno River State Park. Programs typically run Friday and Saturday evenings during peak season with additional offerings during holiday periods.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: While most sites feature improved pads, some areas require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Fayetteville RV Resort & Cottages, approximately 20 miles from Jordan Lake, visitors note the attention to site preparation. "All sites seem to be gravel pads, nice, level, average length and width. Full hook up's. I would guess half of the sites are pull though. They have sites that can handle long rigs," reports Steve K.
Road noise consideration: When selecting campgrounds, consider proximity to highways. "This campground has a lot of potential. Unfortunately it is situated right next to a major highway so it is quite noisy," advises Rick B. about Greensboro KOA. Sites deeper within campground loops typically provide better noise insulation from nearby roads.
