Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers camping experiences near Spring Lake with water recreation options on its 14,000-acre reservoir. Located approximately 45 minutes northwest of Spring Lake, the area combines wooded campsites with lake access at elevations between 210-240 feet. Winter camping temperatures average between 30-50°F, while summer temperatures range from 70-90°F with higher humidity.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Smith Lake Army RV Park provides access to fishing areas within the recreation area, though not directly from the campground. "Lots of recreational activities with lake access. Staff was very friendly. Concrete pads are level and sites are spacious with a picnic table and fire pit," notes one visitor to Smith Lake Army RV Park.
Hiking trail experiences: Raven Rock State Park offers varied hiking experiences with different difficulty levels. A visitor at Moccasin Branch Campground 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 there is natural waterslide."
Water activities: Lakes and rivers provide numerous water recreation options. "There are two pools, hot tub, mini golf, basketball court, horseshoes and playground all included in your price," explains a camper at Fayetteville RV Resort, which offers water-based recreation without requiring river access.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention cleanliness as a major plus. "This campground is clean, quiet and very close to the boat ramp! We had a great time and will definitely be back!" reports a visitor to Crosswinds Campground at Jordan Lake.
Military connections: Several campgrounds near Spring Lake have military affiliations. "Camp Ground is quiet and well laid out. Facilities are clean and maintained. Lake was open and fun to play in. Camp ground is next to airfield, you might get Helicopter noises from time to time," notes a recent Smith Lake Army RV Park visitor.
Tranquil waterfront settings: Water features enhance many camping experiences. A Moccasin Branch camper shares, "It is a place of beauty and next to cape fear river. Has plenty of places to hike to and to camp."
What you should know
Military noise proximity: Some campgrounds are near military training areas. "Campground is off the beaten path but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We loved the sounds of freedom and enjoyed seeing our service members practicing flight maneuvers," explains one Smith Lake camper.
Seasonal operations: Check operating dates as some campgrounds close seasonally. Crosswinds Campground operates from January 1 to October 2, according to their listing information.
Weather considerations: The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. A Pine Lake visitor noted, "The road to is dirt with sand mix, they good a good job of keeping it graded. The ownership and management are very nice people and are super responsive to everything."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Pine Lake RV Resort provides multiple family-oriented recreation options. "This campground is very clean and quiet with lots of things to do, there is a pond to go fishing and the campground has a variety of boats and kayaks that you can use on the pond," shares one visitor.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play areas for children. Fayetteville RV Resort offers "so much to do for the kiddos and adults. Two pools, hot tub, mini golf, basketball court, horseshoes and playground all included in your price."
Swimming options: Water features provide cooling opportunities during hot months. "Nice pond, pool and trails! They strongly support our troops!!" notes a Pine Lake visitor, highlighting multiple recreation options for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should research site specifics before booking. "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," explains a Sycamore Lodge visitor.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The only down side is it can be hard to get larger trailers in and out of the park and into and out of some of the sits," warns a Pine Lake RV Resort camper.
Hookup details: Utility connections vary between campgrounds. "Each site has water and electric hook-up. Sewer however is a dump station," notes a Crosswinds Campground visitor, providing important information for planning longer stays.
