Best Tent Camping near Fort Bragg, NC

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Fort Bragg? We've got you covered. The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your North Carolina camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Fort Bragg, NC (4)

    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    1. Chalk Banks — Lumber River State Park

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    69 Saves
    Wagram, North Carolina

    Located in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland, and Hoke counties 60 miles south of Fayetteville, Lumber River State Park has two access areas located about 1 hour from each other: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Possibilities for paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. An abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint, helped Lumber River earn federal designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, the only blackwater river in the state to have that honor.

    Tent sites (including paddle-in sites) Group tent sites

    Both accesses have camping facilities. If you have a reservation, please verify the location of your campsite prior to your visit. Princess Ann and Chalk Banks accesses are located 1 hour apart, so please check that you are headed to the correct campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
    Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park

    2. San-Lee Park

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    32 Saves
    Sanford, North Carolina

    San-Lee Park is a 177+ acre park, located at 572 Pumping Station Road, that offers hiking trails, a mountain bike trail, a Nature Center with a multipurpose room that is available for rent, playground, picnic facilities, campgrounds, and two stocked lakes for fishing. Paddle boat rentals are available seasonally.

    Campsite rentals are available during park operational hours. A driver’s license or similar identification is required for registration. Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. Reservations are not taken. For additional information, please call 919-776-6221 Ext. 4.

    Program Date:

    April – October Exceptions for weather & burning bans

    Fee:

    $15.00 per night

    Register:

    At park office during park hours Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult

    Tent Camping

    The park provides tent sites, tables, charcoal grills, water, and a shower house. Campsites are located in a private section of the park close to the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $15 / night

    • No image available

      3. Owl Creek Horse Camp - Bankhead NF

      Be the first to review!
      1 Save
      Mamers, North Carolina

      The Owl Creek Horse Camp provides primitive overnight campsites for trail riders on a first come, first serve basis. The Owl Creek Trail System is approximately 26 miles and suitable for equestrian riding.

      • Tents
      • Equestrian
      • Drinking Water
      • Toilets

      $5 / night

      • No image available

        4. Family Wilderness Camp — Raven Rock State Park

        Be the first to review!
        2 Saves
        Mamers, North Carolina

        At the Family Wilderness Camp, there are five campsites just off of the Campbell Creek Loop Trail, approximately 2.5 miles from the parking lot and 0.5 mile from the river. The maximum number of campers for each site is six.

        Backpackers can also utilize the canoe camp, located beside the river off of the Little Creek Loop Trail, in a low-lying area. The camping area is a 1.7-mile hike in from the park office. There are six campsites, each accommodating up to six campers.

        All supplies, including water, must be packed to the sites. Neither the Family Wildness nor Canoe Camp is accessible by vehicle.

        Both camping areas offer a vault toilet, and all sites include a fire ring with a grill.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets

        $12 / night


      Recent Tent Reviews in Fort Bragg

      252 Reviews of 4 Fort Bragg Campgrounds


      • Greg B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Smith Lake Army RV Park
        Jul. 30, 2024

        Smith Lake Army RV Park

        Army Travel Camp, Quite and Beautiful

        Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilitaies are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in.

        Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter nosies from time to time.

      • Amanda A.
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 7, 2024

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        It’s perfect for basic

        The sites are level, not much shade. Garbage cans everywhere. Convenient to get into and out of with full hookup. There are no amenities at all but security drives around. Felt safe. Across from stadium. Price is worth the value.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jul. 2, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Awesome State Park

        The state park has excellent hiking trails and the RV park is located in an excellent location to use them.

        The sites are huge, level, and clean. The bathhouse is clean and modern. While there aren’t many recreational amenities besides the hiking, the price makes this park an excellent value.

      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        May. 30, 2024

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        Good for a quick stop

        It’s ok. Semi secluded and has necessary hookups. Quit packed for what it is. I would not stay here for weeks. Just a stop and go kinda deal. But price is very good.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Double L Farms Campground
        May. 25, 2024

        Double L Farms Campground

        Countryside Pasture Camping @ Its Best

        Not everyone's idea of a great camping experience involves being completely surrounded by farm animals on an actual working ranch - so if the thought of this bothers you, then stop reading this review and mosey on to another campground. For my entire family, we absolutely loved the cows, horses, donkeys, chickens, guinea hens, ducks, turkey, cats, dogs and other animals we came across during our stay. In fact, our daughters thought the farm animals were the best part of our camping trip!

        As for Double L Farms Campground itself, this place is located outside of Lumberton and just a 20 minute or so drive from the heavy trafficked I95 highway corridor, but here at Double L, you'll feel a million miles away from the hectic realities of urban life. The campground is fairly modest in size and has only enough space for a couple dozen RVers / tent campers, but I don't really get the feeling that you'll ever have a problem finding a spot here, so it's up to you whether you want to make a reservation by calling ahead or just 'wing it.' The hosts, Brian & Lisa, were easily some of the best campground hosts we've ever had and they definitely make this experience a 5 star encounter as the duo went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed and even provided recommendations on local spots in the surrounding areas.

        From an amenities standpoint, there's a quaint, well-maintained bathhouse with showers and toilets. Inside you'll also discover that the bathhouse is actually multi-purpose and equipped with A/C, washing machine, has WiFi and even a microwave. Of course, there's full RV hook-ups with 30 / 50 electrical amp, sewage and water lines. The best amenity though? The free rooster alarm clock you'll hear around 5:30am every morning! All this for $25 a night? Yeah, it's a very good price for what you get.

        Insider's tips? Here's a few: (1) I think the best sites are those located furthest back on the property near the field, where you can gaze up at the stars at night with an unobstructed view, but really, all of the sites are pretty good, so you can't really go wrong with any of the sites; (2) There does appear to be some more permanent residents living in trailers here, but it wasn't that big of a deal and we didn't mind; (3) With 46 acres of farmland, there's plenty to explore and we really enjoyed hiking around the place, but if you want to venture out and try some different locations for hiking, I highly recommend Luther Britt Park where there's some pretty good lakeside hiking trails; (4) For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton; (5) Should you run out of any supplies or find yourself in need of anything, the closest store is Family Dollar which is just due west of Double L and while no frills, they should have just about everything you need to tied you over in a fix- and if not, head on into Lumberton for many more options; and (6) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board mini-fridge and want to explore some great local fare, then check out The Governor Place for brisket burger and duck fries with alioli or Tony B's Chicken & BBQ for superb brisket where Tuesday is chicken & pastry day (which is pretty much like chicken dumplings).

        Happy Camping!

      • Bobbie S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Camp Clearwater
        May. 24, 2024

        Camp Clearwater

        Busy Campground

        This is a very large campground with mostly full-time people. Nice laundry facilities, decent sized transient sites, beautiful beach and piers. It was "off-season" but the weekends were quite busy. There is a 5mph campground rule that most definitely is NOT followed. Kids and adults drive golf carts like it's the Indy 500. Was a nice stay, but probably won't go back.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lumberton I-95 KOA
        Apr. 26, 2024

        Lumberton I-95 KOA

        Well-Appointed Roadside KOA Along I-95

        When it comes to the artificial 'camping-for-the-masses' line of properties that KOA creates across the country, there’s some definite turn-offs for pure nature enthusiasts such as me, but in some cases, you come across one of their sites that is fairly decent and should not be overlooked. Lumberton KOA, which runs parallel to I-95 in these parts of North Carolina, does not disappoint. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to find a better campground that is just minutes off of I-95 to park yourself for the night. But, to be clear, this place isn’t necessarily a destination – but rather, intended for those enroute to somewhere greater. In short, if you need a good place to park for the night, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find here at Lumberton KOA.  And if you need something more substantial, well, just keep heading on down the road.

        With a wide-array of elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. There’s of course, the typical KOA office / market that will supply you with just about anything you might be missing. Other amenities include complimentary WiFi, camping kitchens, shuffleboard, propane and firewood for sale. In addition, there’s the standard-issued picnic table, fire ring / grill, garbage receptacles, kid’s playground and even a community BBQ – nearly everything was brand-spanking-new. In particular, I loved the open-air picnic shelters, in-ground heated pool (open from Memorial Day weekend until Halloween) as well as the wooden-framed tent parameters that you’ll find, which discourages pests from encroaching upon your encampment. The KOA hosts were nice, incredibly accommodating and offer pricing by the night, week and month.

        Insider’s tip? (1) As this is certainly NOT a destination, but rather a very nice layover, arrive late, leave early, but while you are here, be sure to get to know the locals you are surrounded by – there’s always a great vibe amongst fellow KOA’ers; (2) Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Lake Lynn, which has some decent fishing and is a good place to drop a kayak or canoe in for a short spin around its periphery; (3) For the kiddos, if you need to get away and see something a bit more educational then try out Exploration Station in downtown Lumberton; (4) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or on-board mini-fridge and want to explore some great local fare, then check out The Governor Place for brisket burger and duck fries with alioli or Happenings on Elm, which has a pretty amazing wine tasting (for these parts), outstanding domestic and international craft beers as well as some pretty great edibles like baked brie crostini and Annette's homemade lasagna.

        Happy Camping!

      • Chris F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Pedro's Campground at South of the Border
        Apr. 20, 2024

        Pedro's Campground at South of the Border

        Great stopping point!

        and recharge before continuing on your journey. The view from this spot is breathtaking, with rolling hills and a clear blue sky stretching out before you. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the peacefulness of this place. Whether you are traveling alone or with loved ones, this is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. So take a deep breath, soak in the surroundings, and enjoy this moment of tranquility before hitting the road again.

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Mar. 11, 2024

        Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Awesome State Park

        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. Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station. The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips. Great first experience.

      • M
        Camper-submitted photo from Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Feb. 18, 2024

        Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Lakeside North Carolina state park campground.

        Popular Point campground is one of my favorite places to pitch a tent in the Jordan Lake area.  It's often not as crowded as the others at Jordan Lake are, esp., during the week and outside of holidays or summertime.  The views are nice, with sites next to the water.  Tents and RVs can camp in the same areas.  We normally camp in a tent here, but never in the hottest part of summer, which is most of the summer in the Piedmont area of the state.  You gotta go up to 3000 feet, as in the mountains of NC, for a cool weather experience in summertime, but for a night to get away from your regular routine or a weekend when the weather is nice, this is a suitable place.  Locals like it because the drive isn't far from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham or Pittsboro.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park
        Jan. 22, 2024

        Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park

        Clean and quite!

        This is our favorite campground in the area. It is clean and quite with easy back in sites. The bathhouse is well maintained as is the camp road. We have stayed here during all four seasons and there isn't a bad time to stay. I can't say enough good things about this campground

      • Paul R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Dec. 19, 2023

        Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        A great site!

        Loop C site 19 is a great location. It’s flat with a few good locations off the gravel for tents. Good trees for hammocks are present. There’s no other site within a couple hundred yards to the east. East access to the lake shore and plenty of woods for kids to play in. The bathhouse is a short walk away.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort
        Dec. 4, 2023

        Four Oaks Lodging & RV Resort

        Non-Descript Roadside RV Parking Lot

        If you find yourself passing up or down the I-95 corridor and simply need a patch of land to layover for the night and you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this non-descript RV location near Four Oaks (look for the cross-roads of where Hwy 301 intersects Hwy 701(exit 90 on I-95) may just be the perfect spot for you. But to be perfectly clear, Four Oaks is more of a layover than a destination - I would really only consider this on the way to somewhere else where I am getting in late and leaving early. 

        With a couple dozen or so RV parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 20 / 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. There’s the standard picnic table, fire ring / BBQ, garbage receptacles, propane refilling stations, covered pavilions and even a community BBQ. The hosts are somewhat grumpy and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, the community is inviting and friendly and there were a few that invited us over to chat with them and share a beer. While there’s not a ton of amenities to pick and choose from, this location does come with BBQ, doggie park, free WiFi & high-speed internet, store and vending machines. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Wilmington, Emerald Isle and lovely (but crowded) Myrtle Beach. One of the best perks though is that this campground serves up a nice continental breakfast on the weekends for campground guests, plus there's also free ice and cable for any overnight guests. 

        Insider’s tip? Here's a few: (1) Take advantage of the close proximity to 30 acre Tucker Lake (conveniently located where Interstate 40 intersects 95), where some decent fishing can be had – we caught (and released) several smallmouth bass, brook trout and black bullheads. Here, you’ll find white sandy beaches, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes for rent, rope swings, 165 foot waterslide for the kids to jump into the water and scattered open pavilions with BBQ’s and grills. There’s also a handful of ill-maintained trails to hike on; (2) If you'd like to hit the links then nearby Johnston County Country Club has some really nice fairways that you'll want to explore; (3) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your onboard mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare, then head on over to nearby JP's Country BBQ where they serve up smoked chicken, ribs as well as mac-n-cheese along with some good 'ol Southern cole slaw; (4) Should you find yourself in need of anything there's Ronnie's Country Store just down the road (you wouldn't even need to drive there from Four Oaks), where you can get basic groceries, ice and just about anything for your journey; (5) My favorite site on the property is #8 or #10 as they are furthest from the nearby highway and offer decent shade; and (6) If you come bearing kayak or canoe and are looking for a nice wet piece of paradise to launch into, then check out Holts Lake located just due north of this campground where there's also some pretty decent fishing to be had. 

        Happy Camping!

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park
        Nov. 29, 2023

        Canoe Camp — Raven Rock State Park

        Great spot for a night or two

        I’ve camped here twice now. The hike in and out is very easy. Only about 2 miles each way. The spots are clean and well spread out with a hook to hang things on, a fire pit, and a picnic table at each site. The pit toilet is central to all 6 sites. It’s a pit toilet so it’s nothing glamorous but it’s there if you need it. The river is a short walk away from all the sites if you want to get a great picture with the sunrise. Overall, I definitely recommend.

      • Karah S.
        Camper-submitted photo from San-Lee Park
        Oct. 21, 2023

        San-Lee Park

        Difficult

        We are from out of town. We picked this spot because it was a last minute trip and on their website it advertised they had first come first serve spots open. We drive over there see a completely empty campground and think we won’t have any issue getting a spot. And when I say empty I mean there was quit literally no other campers . So we tried to check in, but there is no place to check in. So we went to the nature center and asked around to try to get some help. We had to wait for some other man to come around because no one else who worked there could help us. After finally tracking this man down at the paddle boats and an hour of back and forth, we were told you have to call and make a reservation but we shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot since it’s empty. After calling and only getting voicemails, we found the man again who called his boss. His boss finally answered and said we can only camp there by making reservations 72 hours ahead of time. Probably the most difficulty I’ve ever had trying to get a camp site.

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from Legacy Farms Roughing It
        Sep. 30, 2023

        Legacy Farms Roughing It

        Beautiful small farm

        Beautiful Arabian horses. Also goats, ducks, turkeys, chickens, roosters, Guineas, etc.. Cats and dogs add to the fun. Tom and his wife are great hosts. I set up a small tent on the lawn, and the fall weather was perfect. Would have stayed longer, but I had to hit the road.

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Moonshine Creek Campground
        Aug. 13, 2023

        Moonshine Creek Campground

        Peaceful!

        This was our 3rd time staying here. This park has a wonderful creek running through the middle of it and most short-term sites back up to it. There are also a couple of camping cabins and some tent sites. The campground road is sort of narrow and the sites can be a little tight, making it awkward to back in if you have a large TV and full-size camper - but once you’re in it’s all good. The creek and nice natural landscaping of the park are very worth it. The owners have done a fantastic job over the years with this piece of property, keeping that mountain forest feeling and just tweaking nature a little. No pool and no playground, but there are spots to get into the creek. Good clean bathhouse with newer washers/dryers and a covered porch where you can hang out waiting for your laundry (or just hang out, period). A good contingent of spots that are booked for the season and plenty of weekend campers like us. It’s a good balance. No full-timers, as the park is closed during the winter. The campground is conveniently located between Sylva and Waynesville and very close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Surprisingly good cell reception for being in the mountains and having lots of tree cover. Got 1-3 bars ATT depending on where I was within the campground, and we had no issues using our TMobile hotspot to stream videos/tv. They do have wifi at the camp office but we didn’t need to use it.

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from North Carolina State Fairgrounds
        Jul. 29, 2023

        North Carolina State Fairgrounds

        Over-Priced Parking lot !

        I have stayed there twice over the past couple years.  The only changes to this Campground are the Prices !!  ..which keep going up (to $35 day now).  For this, you get a parking space with full hookups.. that's it, no Amenities whatsoever!

        It's pretty much a "Camper Trap", because there are so few options in the North Carolina Piedmont.  Spaces are tight, a lot of the people there are long-term workers, that totally ignore any "Dust" decorum, speeding through the area as if they were on public streets!

      • Andrew S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Jul. 8, 2023

        Poplar Point Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Awesome RV spots

        Amazing spots for RVs on the water! There are TONS of spots that are right on the lake yet have plenty of trees for privacy. Each has a nice fire pit/grill and picnic table. Dump stations are not far from any of the circles, and were not too busy (we were even there on 4th of July). There are options for boat or jet ski rentals VERY close. 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. There are tons of small beaches that you can walk or boat to that are secluded enough to allow your dog to run freely. Also, Idk how....but we had VERY few bugs at our site the whole week we were there...lol. I can not speak for the restrooms (which seem to get bad reviews), as we only used the one in our RV. We loved this place and will definitely be back.

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Jul. 1, 2023

        Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Lake Jordan Campground Bliss

        Located just 30 miles west of Raleigh, Jordan Lake provides 7 different access points throughout this amazing natural preserve.  And while I’m not a kitesurfer or windsurfer, I’m positive that this campground was named for the pretty amazing headwinds that are enjoyed coming off Falls Lake, which Crosswinds Campground @ Jordan Lake SRA sits on. Take my word for it though, this outdoor nature preserve is truly a slice of heaven carved out in some of North Carolina’s finest camping countryside. If you find yourself in the hustle and bustle of nearby Raleigh and looking to get away from the crowds and pavement in exchange for some nicely shaded nature, hiking trails and humble peace & quiet that only God's green nature can offer, then make your way here to Crosswinds Campground, where this heavily wooded forest paradise will embrace you with its inclines, switchbacks and snakelike, swerving road circuits. 

        All of the basics are provided in spades – from picnic table, fold-up fire ring / BBQ grill, bear-proof garbage hanger and a nice pebble-strewn and long-leaf pine shadowed patch of well-maintained nature that offers pristine shade from an unrelenting bit of summer Tar Heel sunshine. While there’s a suitable amount of brush between campsites, surprisingly, it’s the steep inclines and declines between each site that makes one feel that they are truly in the center of their own private wilderness. The on-site bathroom & shower facilities are just slightly north of passable and only a smidge better than you’d expect from a state-run campground, and so this campground gets its only mediocre marks on this front. But that said, there’s plenty of hiking trails to explore and the on-site rangers are incredibly helpful and positive folks that want to ensure you have a great time, but the best amenity on this property is the access to Lake Jordan itself, where there is a perfectly sectioned off swimming area – complete with life safety vests resting on hooks near the shore - as well as boat launching areas for those that want to fish or simply drop a kayak or canoe in the water and take enjoy a lakeside cruise. 

        Insider’s tips? Here's a bundle: (1) Be sure to get down to the lake from wherever your campsite is just after sunset and bring a couple of folding chairs and a telescope (pre-planning here is needed!) to catch a glimpse of one of the most amazing star-studded night skies you’ve ever seen in your life!; (2) While IMHO there are no bad sites per se here, certainly there are some that are better than others, amongst which, I would highly recommend those that are closer to the tree fall lines as well as those that place you closest to either lakeside or lake view.  With 3 loops to choose from (A, B & C), I recommend the following sites: Loop A - #18-19; #21-22; and #44-47; Loop B - #33, #36, #37, #39, #40,#43; Loop C - #19, #21, #23, #24, #26, #32, #34, #36, #40, #42; (3) If you have a boat, you may want to consider calling ahead of time, while you are reserving your campsite and reserve a boat slip - we just thought that they would be readily available, but as it turns out, there's quite a few daytime boaters that don't camp here and are simply looking for a slip to occupy for the day, so plan ahead!; (4) SUPER INSIDER SECRET: there's a little pathway next to site #32 that will lead you to a hidden beachhead where all the cool kids hang out and party; (5) The showers are pretty annoying in that they are regulated by body movement - so as a hack, we applied duct tape and VOILA! the hot water stayed on the whole time! (but remove when you are done or the water won't stop running!); and (6) When you grow tired or anxious after digging through what remains of your Cordova cooler and / or want to sample some local fare, be prepared to drive a short distance (20 minutes or so) back to Apex, where I would recommend The Peak on Salem that serves up some pretty mean Caribbean conch & shrimp fritters as well as some very nice seafood entrees like NC clam bucatini or sweet tea ginger whiskey braised beef short rib.

        Happy Camping!

      • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
        Jul. 1, 2023

        New Hope Overlook Primitive Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

        Primitive Camping on Pristine Lake

        Jordan Lake is easily accessible with a short drive from nearby Raleigh-Durham, making this otherwise massive waterfront escape nothing short of idyllic and simply amazing.  While the horizon battles it out with the shore to see which is bluest, we liked to hang back and take in the marvel of this fantastic place.  Whether you are here for a good hike, some serious oar paddling or just to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, whatever your escape story might be, Lake Jordan has an answer (and refuge for you)!

        For nearly a week, my bros and I were in the constant search for the most perfect camping outpost, and while we easily fell in love with Jordan Lake, this particular camping outpost - New Hope Overlook - was quite primitive and required several hundred yards of a hike inland to find quite dilapidated barely clear spots (apparently, of which there are 120+ sites to chose from) with which to pitch a tent.  Before setting up, we checked out the water supply which was worse than horrible - even the lake was cleaner than what the water spigot produced, and the cleared areas required a good hour or so of clean-up as there was so much litter sprawled everywhere.  Given this situation, we decided not to stay here and instead pushed on to another campground here in Lake Jordan that proved to be pretty amazing.

        What I would say about this particular spot is that if you do come here, be prepared to clear up and / or find your own personal slice of paradise.  We were quite surprised (and disappointed) to know that such an amazing natural outcrop so close to such a massive, seemingly pristine freshwater lake was indeed quite filthy and very unkept.  I gave this location a 2 star rating as I hold out hope that the great people that manage this site in the NC state park system will see this and clean it up and / or that other fellow sojourners will see this, check in on the place and keep us updated as to whether or not the spot is improved upon in the near future.

        Insider's tips?  Here's a few: (1) If you're an angler, Lake Jordan is very well known for its large mouthed bass as well as black croppie and there's also yellow and white perch as well as a few different variety of catfish; (2) Should you grow weary of conjuring up the next meal from the depths of your Cordova cooler, then you're going to have to hike it back into nearby civilization to find a decent restaurant, the closest of which is either Apex or Holly Springs, of which, I highly recommend The Blind Pelican for some pretty amazing edibles like gator bites and frog legs or succulent seafood like Maine lobster and Cajun grilled Mahi; and (3) If you are looking for a great place to sunbathe and want a decent beachhead, then check out nearby Jordan Lake Beach or Seaforth Beach, both of which have a nice sandy beachhead that the kiddos will be able to enjoy making a sand castle at.

        Happy Camping!



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