Jordan Lake State Recreation Area's Crosswinds Campground sits within North Carolina's central Piedmont region at around 220 feet elevation, with camping sites spread across wooded areas near a 14,000-acre reservoir. The campground features 74 sites with varying proximity to the water, with both waterfront sites perfect for boat access and more secluded wooded sites available for those seeking privacy. Weather varies seasonally with humid summers reaching the high 80s and cool winters dropping to the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trails at Eno River State Park: Visitors can access over 28 miles of scenic woodland trails along the river. One camper noted, "We hike and swim Eno nearly weekly and are so thankful this resource is so close to us! The primitive sites are spaces far enough apart that it truly feels like solitude."
Fishing from docks: Falls Lake State Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities with dedicated piers. "Nice hiking and fishing...has a nice fishing pier," one visitor shared, with many species of fish including bass, crappie and catfish available year-round.
Frisbee golf course: Lake Reidsville Recreation Park maintains a full disc golf course adjacent to camping areas. The course winds through wooded areas and offers lake views throughout play, making it a popular activity for campers of all ages.
Birdwatching opportunities: The wetland areas around Jordan Lake attract hundreds of bird species, particularly eagles and ospreys. A camper mentioned, "Great sites here at this CG in central NC... Rolling View campground is a great, secluded spot. Sites are large, as most are at Falls Lake, convenient access to water to put the kayak or canoe in straight from your site."
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers premium sites with direct water access. According to one camper, "Such a beautiful, relaxing campground! Some sites are on the lake and close enough to pull your boat up to the shore. The sites are spacious."
Secluded primitive camping: Eno River provides more isolated glamping options for those seeking privacy. "We backpack into the primitive sites frequently. Piper Creek is our favorite. Flat and easy 1.2 mile hike in along the river," reported one visitor who regularly camps in the area.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers praise the maintenance standards across area campgrounds. "The bathhouse has a lot to be desired. Beach is nice and the sites are spacious. I love this campground!" noted one visitor to Jordan Lake, while another mentioned that Lake Reidsville was "nice and clean. The bathhouse was well kept."
Swimming areas: Lake Reidsville Recreation Park offers designated swimming zones during warm months. One reviewer shared, "The lake is beautiful and great for kids. We will be going back!" making it an ideal option for families seeking water recreation.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several glamping options near Chapel Hill operate on limited schedules. For example, B.W. Wells Campground at Falls Lake is only open from March 15 to November 30, requiring advanced planning for off-season visits.
Gate closures: Access limitations may affect late arrivals at some parks. One Crosswinds camper pointed out, "They lock the gate after a certain hour. If you need something or arrive after hours you are out of luck."
Reservation requirements: Most glamping locations require advance bookings, particularly for weekend stays during peak season (April-October). Sites can fill months in advance, especially waterfront locations.
Varying bathhouse quality: Eno River State Park Campground offers more primitive facilities than other area options. "The only facilities are pit toilets with no showers or running water. That is why you need to be prepared and take in your own water and toilet paper," explained one experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to B.W. Wells noted, "The sites are spacious and most are level. Very hard to level out a RV. Playground could use updating and maybe a fence around since it's so close to the road."
Educational programs: Moonshine Creek Campground provides nature learning opportunities. A visitor shared it was "The prettiest, friendliest, most peaceful campground I've ever stayed. I cannot talk about it enough! Landscaping is beautiful, but still natural. Benches throughout even in the creek to put your feet in."
Double sites: Crosswinds Campground accommodates larger family groups with special site options. "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy," one camper reported after a successful family glamping trip.
Boat rentals: Several locations offer kayak and paddle boat options for family water exploration. "You can rent paddle boats or kayak's or paddle boards. You may fish or rude boats," noted one Lake Reidsville visitor, though they also mentioned swimming isn't permitted in some areas.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers comprehensive RV amenities. "WiFi at this park is outstanding, over the air TV reception is good, and the laundry facility was excellent & cheap...$1.75 per load to wash & $1.00 to dry," reported one satisfied RVer.
Level sites: Jordan Lake accommodates larger rigs with properly graded sites. "This was our very first full-time RV park. We loved being in the park and it easily accommodated our 39ft. Class A. Back-in site but with plenty of room to do so," shared a first-time RV camper.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer dump stations rather than full sewer hookups at individual sites. One Crosswinds camper noted, "Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station."
Site slope challenges: Some campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. As one camper at Hyco Lake explained, "The site itself was up hill which caused our car wheels to spin and made it difficult to park."
