A Beautiful Lake Near Raleigh Is A Picturesque Camping Haven In The Heart Of North Carolina

North Carolina is a popular vacation destination for anyone seeking to experience scenic mountain towns in the western regions and pristine Atlantic beaches along the eastern coast. Yet, tucked into the less-visited heart of the state is one of the most picturesque camping destinations in all of North Carolina. Just 25 miles away from Downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area offers easily accessible lakeshore, woods, and family-friendly campsites, all at an affordable price. 

Located in the town of Apex, which was the literal apex of the Chatham County Railroad that made the town rich during the 19th century, Jordan Lake is one of the most recent additions to the town's history. Owing to a terrible tropical storm that decimated the area in 1945, the government commissioned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a dam and reservoir for future water resources. The dam was completed in 1967, and Jordan Lake (as it is known today) was filled with water in 1982.

Now a recreation area maintained by the state, Jordan Lake offers visitors endless opportunities to fish, hike, boat, swim, and camp. From Raleigh, it's only a little over a half an hour drive on Routes 40 and 64 to reach Jordan Lake. Once you're there, you can set up camp and prepare for a relaxing stay filled with plenty of outdoor fun.

Jordan Lake offers a different kind of waterfront camping experience than its coastal cousin, Carolina Beach State Park. Instead of being on the ocean, the over 1,000 campsites at the Crosswinds, Parker's Creek, Vista Point, and Poplar Point campgrounds offer visitors to Jordan Lake a chance to bring their tents or RV's lakeside for a tranquil camping weekend. While the sheer number of sites might make you think you're pretty much guaranteed a walk-in spot, it's better practice to reserve in advance to make sure you get the location and amenities you want.

Each of the four campgrounds are arranged on various loops that can be easily driven through in a car or trailer. A number of the sites come with water and electrical hook ups, and all camping areas are equipped with bathhouses, bathrooms, and RV dump sites. There are also a few handicap accessible sites, so those with disabilities can enjoy camping at the lake. Waterfront campsites, especially those at Poplar Point, can fill up fast. However, regardless of whether you're on the water or not, the lake is never far away. 

Camping is seasonally limited, and some loops may be closed on certain years due to renovations or site work. It's best to check the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation website for all the latest information. Camping fees are reasonable. As of 2025, they range from $80 per night for a duplex RV site with hookups, to $30 per night for a standard tent site with no hookups.

With over 13,000 acres of water to explore, the primary draw to Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is the lake itself. Boat ramps are available at all access points in the park, including the previously mentioned campgrounds. Owing to its massive acreage, there is no boat size restriction when it comes to exploring Jordan Lake, meaning anything from kayaks to larger motorboats are welcome. Just keep in mind that the state of North Carolina requires a certification for boaters operating motorized boats with over 10 horsepower (only those over 14 years old are allowed to get this certification).

Several beaches around the lake and nearby campgrounds allow visitors to get the most out of their stay. The water here is clean, cool, and refreshing, and the beaches are large enough to accommodate crowds without things feeling crowded. White Oak and Seaforth Beaches are particularly popular. However, if you don't want to just lay on the beach, there's plenty to do. Anglers can be in for a day baiting largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish and hikers can enjoy trails ranging from short waterside loops to longer and more challenging forested terrain.

The operating season of the campgrounds and beaches typically runs from April to December. All-Day Access areas are open year-round with limited hours in the winter time. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park charges a $10 fee for vehicles, with a $5 discount for seniors and veterans. So, if you've ever wanted to go camping in North Carolina without being too far from a city hub, this is a good option.