Camping in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

100% (22 reviews)

If you like boating, bass fishing, and bald eagles, this lakeside retreat is a winner.  

100% (22 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Jordan Lake State Recreation Area adventure.

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Community favorites near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

99%
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Tar River Life

15 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Lake Royale, NC
​Back to the basics, come and experience Tar River Life’s primitive camping on the Tar River. Enjoy being on the river and listening to slow running sound of the Tar River. Bring your own tent or rent one of ours. You can drive your vehicle to all of our campsites. The drive to camp is about 1/2 miles. Each site includes a fire pit, wood and trash bin. Cook your own meals or try and catch your own fish from the river. Campsites can be secluded or grouped. Each site comes with a picnic table, 1 bundle of wood and trash can. Stay for a night or longer period of time, come and enjoy the outdoors with us. We have lots of walking trails, fishing access, wildlife, kayaking and tubing (must be purchased through us). 2WD vehicles are ok except during wet conditions. There is also the Vollmer Farm, with seasonal produce a Full Coffee Shop with breakfast goodies and baked goods and not to mention their fabulous ice cream. They have goods from around NC including, eggs, honey, meats, beers, wine and more. There is a grocery store (Food Lion) about 15 minutes away. So you can stock up on supplies on your way to your next adventure. We are pet friendly!
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$31.50
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(444)

Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC
(Notice - Our driveway was damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs longer than 12 ft. due to the narrowing of our driveway from the recent flood-waters. We apologize for any inconvenience and will post updates here if the circumstances change. - Brian) Our camp is the shared vision of Brian and Lee and son Michael. We fell in love with this beautiful property where we plan to build our eco-friendly, off-grid homestead and farm. Lee's favorite song and the inspiration behind our name is "Puff the Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary. A land of whimsical imagination, beauty and maybe a dragon or three is our shared vision for the farm. The camping options are flexible, ranging from prepared campsites along both Little and Deep creeks with composting outhouses nearby, to "Camper's Choice" options where you may hike in or drive in and create your own camping experience. Please note that since the "Camper's Choice" options allow freedom to select hike-in or drive-in options, the exact distance to nearest outhouse may vary. There are 144 acres to explore so campers can set up a secluded getaway or cluster together in a group. We are flexible and can work with you to create a camping experience that suits your needs. Learn more about this land: Honah Lee Farms has over 140 acres of woods with open fields distributed throughout. We are bordered to the south by the Flat River, to the west by Deep Creek, and to the north by Little Creek. Most of our campsites are nestled in the trees along one of these bodies of water and all campers have access to the 10 foot waterfall area where Deep Creek runs into the Flat River.
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$36
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The Homestead At Little Creek

2 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Clayton, NC
Welcome to The Homestead at Little Creek, where families, couples, and nature-lovers come to unplug and reconnect. Tucked away in the suburbs of Raleigh, our homestead offers a magical glamping getaway with a blend of down-to-earth charm, playful and friendly farm animals, and a vibrant flower field (open May-October). 🌞 What Your Stay Looks Like: Wake up in a 16' bell tent or teepee directly beside the cow pasture, with the sounds of goats and chickens that are eager to greet you. Spend your morning picking fresh-cut flowers, followed by a peaceful walk around the homestead or an outdoor yoga session—with goats, of course! We have bathrooms on-site, but no RV hookups are available at this time. 🐐 Farm animals available to meet and snuggle: Highland cow Lots of goats and baby goats Sheep Mini pig Chickens, ducks, and guineas 🌸 Floral Adventures: U-Pick Flower Field: Fill your mason jar with seasonal blooms ( one cup included, additional cups available for $10) Photo Ops: A variety of backdrops everywhere you look Whether you’re here for a romantic date night, a girls’ getaway, or a weekend of hands-on fun with your kids, The Homestead at Little Creek invites you to slow down, make memories, and experience the joy of simple living.
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$40
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(49)

Farm Stay at Saxapahaw Country Club

6 sites · RVs, Tents31 acres · Graham, NC
The Saxapahaw Country Club is a beautiful 31-acre working farm and event space. Located just a few minutes from Saxapahaw Village, it's a convenient and gorgeous place to stay. While we are happy to be a late-night crash spot for after shows at the Haw River Ballroom, we hope you stay a minute to walk the fields, hang in the hammocks, sit by the pond, or take a swing from the branches of our 200 year old White Oak tree. You'll come down our curvy driveway through the trees, and see our event barn on the left. In front of the barn is a communal space for campers to enjoy with a great view. This area has a fire pit, chairs, wood-fired grill, handwashing station, and farm table. The shared outhouse/composting toilet is next to the pine stand with a white roof. Please note, this farm stay is an agritourism activity subject to the limit of liabilities as described in N.C.G.S § 99E‑32(b). We have sheep and pigs and a donkey rotating through pastures behind electric fencing. You are welcome to look but don't touch the fence! We also have 3 very friendly farm cats. Pork and lamb from the farm is available for purchase, as well as kiln-dried firewood. Nearby activities: Entertainment: Catch big acts at the nearby Haw River Ballroom venue or enjoy free live music at Saturdays in Saxapahaw. Shop vintage, records, VHS and more at Saxy-a-Go-Go. Support local artists at the Riverside Collective. Eats/Drinks: Cup 22 Coffee House and The Eddy Pub overlook the river. Haw River Farmhouse Ales, and the Saxapahaw General Store. Steel String Brewery. Nature: The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co, Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access, Saxapahaw Island Park & Playground, Cane Creek Mountain Area, Cedarock Park.
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$35
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98%
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Rare, Watershed Forest - Piedmont

6 sites · Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC
We are a secluded, land-based retreat and campground, along a tributary of the Tar River which backs up to a wild forest, offering individuals and small groups a place for rest, exploration, sanctuary, and grounding. Equal parts woodland, floodplain wetland and pastureland, R.O.S.A land is stewarding 23 acres of ecological magical oasis in an Aquatic Habitat deemed an important NC Natural Heritage area of the Piedmont of North Carolina. Rare mussel species and amphibians live here. Come see for yourself! This is a queer-stewarded, solidarity-focused rematriation project. This land is co-deeded to MK of Handewa Farms and owned at present by K Cox, Steward of the Respite An intentional community of farm hub tenants, visitors, campers, stewards co-habitate on R.O.S.A (Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial) land together. We offer nature-based immersion for artists, healers, cultural and frontline organizers and their families taking time for restful resistance. It is a triptyech of woods, water and pastureland butting up against an untouched wild old hardwood forest - a combination unlikely found in the PIedmont- nestled among small tobacco, horse and hay farms in the Southeast corner of Granville County between Oxford and Roxboro in the beautiful PIedmont of North Carolina.
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$30.60
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(6)

Boulder Creek Hideaway

1 site · Tent32 acres · Burlington, NC
Hey tent campers: Welcome to Boulder Creek Hideaway. It's located about 12 miles North of Burlington, NC. 1 Mile off of the highway. It is very private, and seculed, no humans around. It's just one 12x16 tent platform next to this beautiful natural rock formation, you might think you're in the mountains. The drive into the camp is best suited for Jeeps, small SUV's and such. But there is a parking place for cars if you want to park with a short walk into camp. The camp offers a natural Rock firepit, a very nice clean, non smelly outhouse with composting toilet, a picnic table and a prep table for your campstove and supplies. Hey, off road enthusiasts! Are you looking for the perfect off-road escape? Our campsite is a hidden gem designed just for adventurers like you. Nestled in a scenic, rugged setting, it’s ideal for Jeep, 4x4's, trucks and small SUV owners who crave the thrill of the trail and the serenity of the outdoors. Here's what our camp offers: Private 12x16 Tent Platform – Your camping space is ready for you to relax in nature. Cozy Firepit – Gather 'round and enjoy an evening under the stars. Breathtaking Creek with Large Boulders – Take in the beauty and tranquility of a secluded creek with stunning natural features, perfect for unwinding. Bring your spirit of adventure, and come experience a campsite that caters to your wild side. Reserve your spot today and prepare for an unforgettable camping experience! Priced at just $20 a night.
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$20
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The best camping near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Drive just a short way from Chapel Hill to visit this park. Have fun on the water with two swim beaches, three boat ramps, and five access areas. This 14,000-acre reservoir has an undeveloped, unspoiled shoreline. You get a truly natural vacation here.

Begin with a day on the lake. Two boat ramps are open 24 hours a day. Rent kayaks or pontoon boats at the marina. Fish for bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish.

View majestic wildlife that calls this lake home. Bald eagles and osprey are popular choices. The lake hosts the highest concentration of bald eagles in the eastern United States. Watch as these birds dive towards the lake surface to snag their prey.

Learn the history of this area at Heritage Day. The festival occurs every first Saturday in October. Take advantage of mild weather at this time of year to make a week-long vacation.

Reserve one of more than 1,000 campsites at the park. Over 600 of these sites have water and electrical hook-ups.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for primitive camping: New Hope Overlook Campground has 24 walk-in tent sites in a tranquil wooded setting.
  • Best for RVs: Poplar Point Campground has 579 sites, many with water and electric hookups and all with picnic tables, grills, and lantern holders.
  • Best for lake access: Crosswinds Campground has 182 RV and tent sites within walking distance of a boat launch and swimming beach.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve most campsites in advance via the Reserve America website. Select campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
  2. Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance, and bookings are available up to 24 hours in advance. 
  3. Holiday weekend bookings require a minimum 2-night booking unless you are booking fewer than seven days before arrival.
  4. Campsites can book up as fast on summer and holiday weekends, so reserve your site as early as possible to avoid disappointment. 

When to go

When the mercury rises, Jordan Lake is a popular spot to cool off from North Carolina’s summer heat, but it’s often still warm enough to swim in late spring and early fall. Camping is available year-round at Jordan Lake, but the lake’s five campgrounds all have different seasonal opening dates, so be sure to check ahead. Bald eagle sightings are most common during the spring migration (April through June).

Know before you go

  • Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is in Chatham and Wake counties, 24 miles west of Raleigh or about a 30-minute drive away. Nine access areas dot the lake. 
  • A per-vehicle admission fee is charged daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on weekends in April, May, and September. Camping reservation fees also apply, and a state fishing license is required for fishing.
  • Jordan Lake facilities include three boat ramps, a canoe launch, two swimming beaches, three fishing piers, a marina, two playgrounds, and several picnic areas and restrooms.
  • There are accessible restrooms, picnic areas, swimming beaches, and courtesy docks at Jordan Lake. Accessible campsites are available at Parker's Creek, Poplar Point, and Crosswinds campgrounds.
100%
22 ratings · 2 reviews
  1. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area