Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers multiple camping options within 25 miles of Garner, North Carolina. The lake spans 14,000 acres with 180 miles of shoreline and elevations ranging from 216 to 240 feet above sea level. Campsites feature varying levels of privacy depending on the specific loop, with higher numbered sites often providing more seclusion from neighboring campers.
What to do
Swimming in natural areas: Eno River State Park provides access to swimming holes along hiking trails. One visitor noted, "The Eno River is more than safe to swim or paddle in. Dogs are welcome here! If you can camp close to the river, I recommend, it's great to fall asleep to the sounds of the river."
Fishing from campsite: At Crosswinds Campground — Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, some sites allow boat access directly adjacent to your campsite. According to a camper, "Some of the sites offer a tie-off of your boat adjacent to your campsite. The camping sites are spacious and most are level."
Hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Falls Lake Recreation Area connects with extensive trail systems. A visitor shared, "We've camped here 2 or 3 times now and we can't get enough of this park. It is huge, covered in hiking trails like Mountains to Sea Trail and Falls Lake Trail. The dogs love it, the camp sites are beautiful and clean."
Water sliding on natural features: Moccasin Branch Campground — Raven Rock State Park offers unique water features. One camper shared, "We hiked in from the parking lot too one of the canoe in sites on the river. I loved all the trails, mainly the one that goes from the campsite I was on to the river where thereally is natural waterslide."
What campers like
Private glamping sites: Cozy Heron Glamping offers air-conditioned accommodations near the river. As one visitor reported, "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."
Double campsite options: Jordan Lake offers larger group options. A camper noted, "Loved having a double site with my parents. Close to the beach where we sat for hours. Clean bathrooms. Spacious sites. Plenty of privacy."
Wildlife encounters: Woodland animals are common at several campgrounds. One reviewer at Rolling View — Falls Lake State Recreation Area shared, "My husband and I absolutely love this place! Park rangers are friendly, campsites aren't on top of each other and the restrooms and showers are clean. We love seeing the wildlife."
Proximity to urban areas: Many sites are within 30 minutes of Raleigh while maintaining natural settings. A camper stated, "Raleigh is a great city, and Falls Lake St. Rec Area contributes to its awesomeness. Got to love the lakes at a state park."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict after-hours entry. One camper noted about Jordan Lake, "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."
Winter camping limitations: Seasonal closures affect availability. At B.W. Wells — Falls Lake State Recreation Area, camping is available "March 15 to November 30," making it unsuitable for winter trips.
Military installation noise: Sites near Fort Bragg experience aircraft activity. A camper reported, "This campground is near a military runway so be prepared for loud aircraft noise as well as other military installation noise."
Weather considerations: Rain can affect site conditions. One visitor warned about Jordan Lake, "Mud hole, the site we had was under water after a light rain and didn't dry. There is a lot of workers staying here and they are right next door to us. Things go missing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas near camping loops. At Smith Lake Army RV Park, "Playgrounds were phenomenal for kids. Bike and Hiking trails all through out the site. Fishing as well - with respective fishing license."
Educational programs: Some parks offer nature activities. A visitor at Eno River State Park shared, "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean."
Beach activities: Lake access points provide sandy areas for children. One camper mentioned about Falls Lake, "Nice, big sites and plenty of good areas for swimming, hiking, and fishing. We always catch a ton of fish!! Bath houses are always clean and the park is in a convenient location."
Tent-only sections: For families seeking quieter experiences away from RVs, certain campgrounds offer dedicated areas. At Eno River State Park, primitive sites require "a bit of a hike to get to (3.5 miles). Packing everything in and out was fun but there was no running drinking water at the site."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most RV sites at Jordan Lake require minimal adjustment. A recent visitor noted, "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."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds lack individual site sewer connections. A camper advised, "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."
Winter hookups: For cold-weather glamping near Garner, North Carolina, options are limited. An RVer at Falls Lake commented, "The bathhouse wasn't quite warm enough for showers in November temps, when we tented. January was just as cold, but we rented a camper."
