Jordan Lake State Recreation Area spans over 46,000 acres of public land surrounding a 12,000-acre reservoir with 180 miles of shoreline. Located near Apex, North Carolina, the lake sits at approximately 216 feet above sea level, created by the B. Everett Jordan Dam on the Haw River. Campers experience a temperate climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters that allow year-round access, though the busiest camping season runs from April through October when water temperatures are most comfortable for recreation.
What to do
Paddling excursions: Launch kayaks or canoes in early morning before motorboat traffic increases, especially from camper-only ramps available at Crosswinds Campground. "We stayed at Jordan Lake Campground. It had nice hiking trails. The lake is pretty big. Exploring on our kayaks was a lot of fun," notes Christine J.
Fishing opportunities: Cast for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish throughout the lake, with multiple access points near campsites. Visitors at Poplar Point Campground appreciate the lake access: "I can't get enough of Jordan Lake. This place is excellent for walking, hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing and more," shares Daniel P.
Wildlife observation: Spot bald eagles, herons, and local fauna during morning and evening hours. The recreation area's extensive acreage provides natural habitats to observe from trails and shorelines. Maria Mercedes M. recounts, "Bald eagles overhead, herons by the water, and fiery sunsets made it feel like we were far from the city."
What campers like
Lakefront views: Many sites feature unobstructed water views, particularly in certain loops with premium positioning. At Poplar Point Campground, Bailey R. observed, "This is such a pretty camp site. Even if you aren't on the water you still have a beautiful view of the lake."
Spacious campsites: Sites utilize the natural terrain to create privacy and comfortable camping areas. "Like the way the campsites take advantage of the rolling terrain. Campsites are roomy. Lots of shade," notes Stuart O., adding that even during heavy rain, "the water drained just fine."
Swimming access: Various swimming options exist from designated beaches to secluded coves accessible from Moccasin Branch Campground. "I loved all the trails, mainly the one that goes from the campsite I was on to the river where there is natural waterslide," shares Sarah L. who enjoyed the water features near her campsite.
What you should know
Gate closure timing: Campground gates lock at specific hours, restricting late entry. "This campground is pretty great except for two things. There is no septic on your site, and they lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck," warns Debbie F. at Crosswinds Campground.
Alcohol regulations: Rangers enforce no-alcohol policies in certain recreation areas. As Joanna R. mentions, "Rangers can be very ticket-happy if you bring beer so be aware." Understanding these rules helps avoid potential citations.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campground loops. While Rolling View Falls Lake receives praise for "clean public restrooms" according to Andrew C., other areas may have less maintained facilities depending on season and usage.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose campsites near swimming areas with gentle entry points for children. "Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," recommends Angela M. about her family experience at Crosswinds Campground.
Wildlife education opportunities: Use wildlife sightings as learning experiences for children. Wendy M. from William B. Umstead State Park Campground notes, "Deer walked right behind our site," providing natural encounters suitable for family education.
Pet-friendly trail selection: When bringing dogs on pet-friendly camping trips near B. Everett Jordan Lake, select wider trails for easier walking. Betty B. mentions that Poplar Point offers "not a bad site in the camp. Beautiful views, dog friendly, large shady sites," making it ideal for families with pets.
Tips from RVers
Site drainage consideration: Select elevated sites to avoid water accumulation after rain. Rick M. cautions about Crosswinds: "The site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry," highlighting the importance of site selection for RVs.
Connectivity options: For remote work needs while camping, certain areas offer better cell coverage. Andrew S. at Poplar Point reports, "For those that care about working on laptop or streaming TV while camping, our cellphone hotspots worked great. We got anywhere from 30-55mbps with our Verizon cell coverage."
Dump station locations: Plan your stay knowing that on-site sewer hookups are limited at many Jordan Lake campgrounds. Paul H. notes at North Carolina State Fairgrounds that "Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," requiring RVers to plan accordingly.
