Jordan Lake State Recreation Area lies at the heart of the camping experience near New Hill, North Carolina. Located in the piedmont region at approximately 220 feet above sea level, the area features rolling hills and forests surrounding the 14,000-acre reservoir. Tent sites, RV spots, and yurt camping at New Hill facilities typically remain open from March through November, with some exceptions for winter closure periods due to weather conditions.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: Raven Rock State Park offers multiple trail options along the Cape Fear River. "We hiked in from the parking lot to 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 there is natural waterslide," reports a visitor to Moccasin Branch Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points for both shore and boat fishing exist throughout the area. "Smith Lake Army RV Park provides easy lake access for fishing. "You can fish inside the rec area, just not from the Campground," notes a military visitor about the winter restrictions at the facility.
Water recreation: Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular during warmer months. At Rolling View Campground, one camper noted, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the spacing between accommodations. "The sites are big with a picnic table, fire pit and lantern hook. Plenty to do here with the lake at your fingertips," explains a visitor to Crosswinds Campground about their 39-foot Class A setup.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive positive reviews across most campgrounds. At B.W. Wells Campground, a visitor commented, "Stayed here for a quick overnight during the NC RV Show. Easy setup and check in. They let us in a couple hours early which was great."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Many campsites offer activities specifically designed for children. One camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park mentioned, "This is a great family campground. They have activities all day for the kids and family. They are still under construction but you can't tell. Very spacious with plenty of activities and room for kids."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Eno River State Park, visitors should note that "This camp ground requires 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."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities limit operations during winter months. A camper at B.W. Wells noted the campground operates from "March 15 to November 30," making it unavailable during the coldest part of winter.
Noise considerations: Military installations and flight paths can affect some campgrounds. "Close to Ft. Bragg entrance, Exchange, and Commissary. This campground is near a military runway so be prepared for loud aircraft noise as well as other military installation noise," advises a visitor to Smith Lake Army RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas with amenities. "Crosswinds has great beach access," noted a camper about Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, adding "The camping sites are spacious and most are level. There's a nice sand beach on the lake and a boat launch as well."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with structured programming for children. Tent camping at Jellystone Park offers numerous amenities: "General Store, Pool, Gaga Ball, Bouncing Pillow, Bath House by the pool, fishing pond, laser tag, and a bunch of activities. They were building a big playground when we were leaving."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger-led programs about local ecology. "We loved the educational experiences at this park. Very knowledgeable and clean," mentioned a visitor to Eno River State Park about the programming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer varying site sizes and layouts. At Fayetteville RV Resort, a guest shared, "All sites seem to be gravel pads, nice, level, average length and width. Full hook-ups. I would guess half of the sites are pull through. They have sites that can handle long rigs."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups at every site. A Crosswinds Campground visitor noted, "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 options: For those exploring yurt camping near New Hill, North Carolina during colder months, some facilities remain open year-round. "We loved having a double site at Jordan Lake. In January it was just as cold, but we rented a camper," shared one winter visitor about their alternative to tent camping.
