Jordan Lake State Rec Area

Open — Open year-round with some seasonal variations. Crosswinds and Poplar Point campgrounds are open year-round. Parkers Creek and New Hope Overlook operate March 1 through December 15. Vista Point operates March 1 through November 30. All campgrounds are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Water to Vista Point group RV sites is turned off in winter.

About

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is one of North Carolina's premier camping destinations, offering over 1,000 campsites spread across five access areas surrounding the 14,000-acre B. Everett Jordan Lake reservoir. Located in Chatham County approximately 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, the park provides diverse camping options suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. The three main family campgrounds are Crosswinds (182 sites, 134 with hookups), Parkers Creek (250 sites, 120 with hookups), and Poplar Point (579 sites, 363 with hookups). Each family campsite includes a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder, with convenient access to flush toilets, hot showers, trash containers, and dump stations. For those seeking a more primitive experience, New Hope Overlook offers 24 walk-up campsites nestled in the woods, ranging from 100 yards to a half mile from parking. Group camping is available at Vista Point (50 group RV sites with hookups) and both Vista Point and Parkers Creek (group tent sites accommodating up to 35 people each). Beyond camping, the recreation area provides extensive opportunities for water-based activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling. The lake is notable as one of the largest summertime habitats for bald eagles in the region, with an observation platform for wildlife viewing. The park features 15 miles of hiking trails, multiple boat ramps, picnic shelters, and beach access areas. A privately owned marina near Crosswinds campground offers additional services including boat slips, storage, and watercraft rentals.

Directions

From I-40 traveling west or east from Raleigh, take exit 293A onto US 1/US 64 west. Take the US 64 exit (98B) and travel west. The park office is on the left just before the bridge over Jordan Lake. From I-40 traveling east from Greensboro, take exit 274 (NC 751/Jordan Lake), go south on NC 751, and turn right onto US 64 to travel west.

Nearby Campgrounds