Best Camping in and Near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

100% (22 reviews)

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

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Stay at a public campground in Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

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Tar River Life

17 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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Honah Lee Farms

5 sites · Tents144 acres · Rougemont, NC

(Notice - Our property was recently damaged by heavy rains from hurricane Helene. We have been working to make repairs, including along the long driveway entering the property. For those return campers and all new guests to Honah Lee Farms, we are no longer accepting trailers or RVs 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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Farm Stay at Saxapahaw Country Club

5 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, 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. 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 in the far pastures behind electric fencing. You are welcome to look but don't touch the fence! We also have 3 very friendly farm cats. Pork from the farm is available for purchase, as well as firewood. Nearby activities: Entertainment: Haw River Ballroom, Saturdays in Saxapahaw Eats: Cup 22 Coffee House, Saxapahaw General Store, The Eddy Restaurant, Haw River Farmhouse Ales, Steel String Brewery Nature: The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co, Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access, Saxapahaw Island Park & Playground, Cane Creek Mountain Area

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R.O.S.A. Land Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents23 acres · Rougemont, NC

Welcome to R.O.S.A. Land Campground! Hot Water Outdoor Shower Back Up and newly chopped, dead Hackberry wood available as EXTRAS. R.O.S.A. stands for Rare Occaneechi Saponi Alluvial Land-based retreat and campground 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 on a tributary of the Upper Tar River 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 and will be passed on to MK and her seven Afro-Indigenous children once the Roundhouse is paid down. In the meantime, an intentional community of farmhub tenants, visitors, campers and Handewa Farm members all co-habitate on the 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 unlikley 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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Sugarneck Glamping Resort, NC

4 sites · Lodging400 acres · Broadway, NC

Situated on over 400 acres, Sugarneck has private and communal gathering areas to stay put and soak in the escape or take a short drive to great things to and places to eat. Private Amenities include: Bathrooms, Mini Refrigerators, Heat & A/C, Luxury Bedding and Private Solo Stove Campsites. Communal Amenities include: TV/Game room, Grill, Fire Pit, Walking trails and lawn games.

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Rural Chapel Hill Forestry Stay

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Chapel Hill, NC

Our property is a private 25 acre forestry plot connected to an adjoining 130 acre family-owned plot, with only 1 house on the 150+ acres. Most of the land is wooded with a couple large fields. Long private driveway. 3+ miles of private maintained walking trails great for human and dog guests! There are a number of creeks that run on the property and a decent size pond with many species of birds- perfect for watching while having a morning coffee, or for an afternoon stint of fishing. Close proximity to downtown Carrboro and Chapel Hill (12-15 minutes), 15 minutes to downtown Hillsborough, and 25 minutes to Durham.

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Animal Sanctuary and Peace Park

5 sites · Tents11 acres · Coats, NC

Calling all hippies, treehuggers, Earth worshipers, and others who enjoy immersing themselves in nature! At Animal Ed.ventures Sanctuary, we are all about engendering a respectful, compassionate, and harmonic relationship with each other as well as the Natural World and her amazing creatures. We have high hopes for the long-term preservation of our remarkable planet, her breathtaking habitats, stunning species, and awe-inspiring ability to support the Natural Order of all of it. For almost 2 decades, we’ve been driven by the dream of creating a place of peace and respite for all who cross our threshold. From our USDA licensed educational program to our ongoing rescue efforts, we have the ability to provide an enriching and enlightening experience for people of all ages. While camping with us, visit Betsy, the Two-toed Sloth, and Teddy, the Capuchin Monkey, plus many other ambassadors at our sanctuary who are sure to inspire you and remind us of our interconnectedness!

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Camp Stoney Fjord

2 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Four Oaks, NC

We offer primitive camping amenities for RV and Overlanding enthusiasts. We have 20 acres with water frontage along The Neuse river near Smithfield North Carolina. Natural setting with privacy as well as pond trails and some of the most undiscovered wilderness areas in eastern North Carolina. Nightly daily and weekly rates available.

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River Farm on the Neuse River Trail

14 sites · RVs, Tents17 acres · Clayton, NC

River Farm is a fantastic stop if you are cycling the Neuse River Trail and need an over night stay. We are a peaceful campsite located along the Greenway Trail 20 minutes from Downtown Raleigh and 10 minutes from Clayton. The farm offers private wooded meadows with direct access to the Greenway for walking and cycling. Campers can either rent a tent or bring their own, choosing between secluded spots, shaded areas, or open spaces. The campsite is accessible via a gravel farm track and is close to the Greenway, river, and main house for bathroom access. Nearby attractions include the Bailey Sarah William Preserve with 447 acres and 16.6 miles of multi-use trails, Sandy Pines Preserve with 563 acres of trails and fishing (18 minutes away), and Robertson Mill Pond for trails and seasonal kayaking (17 minutes away). For water activities, Neuse Adventures Canoe and Kayak Rentals is just 12 minutes away. River Farm offers a tranquil camping experience with the convenience of nearby Raleigh events, including the Walnut Creek Music Park, only 20 minutes away for concertgoers.

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Farmers Village

10 sites · RVs, Tents38 acres · Hillsborough, NC

This property is mainly grass and trees as we begin to transform it into an educational farm. There are several tent camping and RV sites to choose from. A Showerhouse with flush toilet is available for use. Quiet Hours are from 10pm to 6am so everyone can enjoy the quiet and get some sleep. Conveniently located with easy access to I-40 on Exit 261. 10 minutes from Downtown Chapel Hill and Carborro. Durham is approximately 20 minutes and Raleigh is approximately 30 minutes. Saturday and Sunday from 10-3pm are volunteer days at the garden, you are welcome to join in or just enjoy your day. Please note that some space toward the front of the property have occasional road noise but the nights are mainly quiet. The property is 38 acres so you can also camp father into the wood trails but car access may be limited in those areas during rain.

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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.

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Scott’s Lakeview Camp and Park

7 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Linden, NC

50+ acres of woods, water and walking/Rolling trails with two small lakes and a STOL runway for experienced ultralight and short takeoff and landing aircraft pilots only! Room for RV’s but no power or sewer service. Room for mountain bikes, hiking, drone racing and flying, R/C boat racing, fishing, swimming at your own risk. Primitive camping, handicap accessible trail around lake. Access to drinking water and ice at my home

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

You can reserve most campsites in advance via the Reserve America website. Select campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Campsite reservations open 11 months in advance, and bookings are available up to 24 hours in advance.
Holiday weekend bookings require a minimum 2-night booking unless you are booking fewer than seven days before arrival.
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.