Camping in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.
Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.
Van icon
Find all the best options
Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.
Star icon
Book with confidence
Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

98%
(338)

Rare, Watershed Forest - Piedmont

6 sites · Lodging, 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30.60
 / night
99%
(160)

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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$31.50
 / night
Booked 1 time

Deep River Campground

48 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Asheboro, NC
Discover the unique charm of Deep River Campground and RV Park, where nature meets comfort on the scenic banks of the Deep River. This tranquil retreat is surrounded by rolling hills and boasts a 5-acre stocked fishing lake, along with 20 acres of meticulously maintained nature trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Conveniently located near the North Carolina Zoo and the vibrant city of Greensboro, our campground offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler. Choose from cozy cabins or full-service RV sites, each designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Our cabins feature personal outdoor spaces complete with fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. We offer flexible pricing options with daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. For those who prefer a more rustic experience, our tent campsites provide breathtaking waterfront views and essential amenities such as fire pits, electricity, and water hookups. Pet-friendly spaces ensure that your furry friends can join in on the adventure. Plus, complimentary Wi-Fi access keeps you connected during your stay. At Deep River Campground, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of home. Plan your getaway today and create lasting memories filled with adventure, relaxation, and family fun!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(52)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
97%
(47)

Ancient Spring Farm

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Snow Camp, NC
Our farm is a beautiful, private 25 acres with an 1830s house, outbuildings, animals, orchards, gardens, pastures, old trees, wildlife habitat, a spring, and woods. Here you can relax; watch nature; meet our chickens, goats, horse, cats, and dog; learn about archaeology, history, plants, and mead making; and get eggs and homegrown seasonal food. Listen to birdsong and watch clouds during the day, wander a path through our ca. 5 acres of woods, see fireflies in the evening, and star watch at night. Nearby are hiking, horseback riding, historical sites, fishing, antiques, wineries, shooting, and more. We are located in a rural area and have many different domesticated and wild animals so you may hear diverse animal noises and see or smell animal poop, although we try to keep things clean and tidy. Our neighbors have dogs, cattle, and chickens/roosters and occasionally shoot guns during daylight hours (one neighbor is a sporting club with skeet shooting and hunting dogs) but typically our farm is a quiet and peaceful place. We mow regularly and our rooster and chicken ladies wander far and wide eating bugs but, in the summer, they can't get every mosquito and tick so please plan accordingly for your own comfort.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$22.50
 / night

Other options near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Camping in 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