JORDAN LAKE FAST FACTS
LOCATION: Apex, North Carolina
HOURS: Visitor Center: 8a-4:30p Mon-Fri Nov-Feb, Daily from Mar-Oct
COST: $7/ day per car, $5/ day Seniors, $20/day Bus or van
TIME TO COMPLETE: All day
ACCOMODATIONS: Large parking lots, public restrooms, swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, bird watching, etc.
B. Everett Jordan Lake (aka Jordan Lake) sits in the middle of North Carolina about an hour east of Asheboro and just over 30 minutes west of Raleigh. This man-made 14,000-acre reservoir is part of the almost 47,000-acre Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. It features (9) access areas, over 1,000 sites for single/group camping and RVing, (7) swim beaches and (14) miles of hiking trails. If you’re into picnicking, boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing or just lounging on the beach . . . Jordan Lake has what you need.
We’ve compiled a list of the top eleven places to go on Jordan Lake where you experience outdoor fun at its finest. No matter the time of year you visit, Jordan Lake has activities for you. You can bass fish in the winter, foliage watch in the fall or go boating on the water in the summer. There is plenty to keep you and your family entertained for a day or a week. Since how, and where, you could best enjoy Jordan Lake depends on your interests, the following list of attractions are not in any particular order. One last note . . . you will be charged $7 to enter one of the access points. If you choose to go to another point that same day you’ll only need to show your receipt. Pretty good deal!
New Hope Trail
New Hope is best known for its trails which are the most challenging in the park. The Blue Trail, 2.6 miles (4.2 km), takes you along the ridge to a few overlooks and watersides. There are some moderate uphill and downhill slopes (total elevation reaches just under 300 feet/91 m) as you wind your way through older hardwood forest, ferns and wildflowers. The Red Trail is 5.7 miles (9.2 km) with 606′ (185 m) of elevation gain, which includes almost all of the Blue Trail, is much the same but more forest and less lake. If you enjoy being away from it all while getting in a brisk hike, New Hope is a nice fit.
New Hope also has one of the larger areas for boat launches with tons of available parking plus (6) ramps and (2) launches. The launches are well designed with plenty of room for all. If you have a kayak or paddle boat consider heading southwest to the Haw River for a much quieter, and less trafficked, area to enjoy the water. There are also many bare-bones camping sites specifically designed for those that want to enjoy nature with little or no amenities. There are (9) clustered near the overlook on the Blue Trail and an additional (15) in the southern part of the Red Trail.
Ebenezer Church Recreation Area
The Ebenezer Church Recreation Area is one of the larger beach fronts on the lake. It features a few relatively secluded coves and one more traditional stretch of sand. There are several large parking lots perfectly situated in whichever direction you want to go. If you head west you’ll find the traditional beachfront with a cordoned off area that separates the watercraft from the swimmers. The water is both shallow enough for the little ones and deep enough in other areas for an adult to completely emerge themselves. Next, to the main beach area are facilities, and outdoor showers, a playground and a few 30-capacity sheltered picnic areas complete with electrical outlets and grills. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty but life vests are always available to use while swimming at Ebenezer.
Our favorite part of Ebenezer is the coves. There are several and they each have their own personalities from the shape of the “fingers”, the depth of the beach and the warmth of the water. Natural erosion has created some beautiful sites including elaborate exposed tree root structures, driftwood and red clay shorelines. The coves tend to attract younger families and all-day outings replete with cookouts, giant inflatable floats, football tossing and, around the corners, some great fishing. Add to this amazing 360° views of the lake itself where there is always a fascinating mix of boats, jet skis, kayaks and canoes. In the southernmost section, there is even a boat launch. Arrive in the morning and stay all day. You’re guaranteed not to get bored!
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Poplar Point
Poplar Point is unique in that it is for camping only. You literally cannot go into the area unless you have paid the $25 per night fee at the gate. Once you are in there are (579) site locations to choose from. Of those, (363) have water and electrical hookups. So you have some options to choose from. There are (7) primary sections (called loops) available, each at or near the lake’s edge. They all have restrooms, showers, trash containers and dump stations relatively close.
The central area, Loop E, features Dolde Beach which is only available to Poplar Point campers. There is handicap access from the parking lot as well. Just to the west of Loop C is a boat ramp which features (4) ramps and one launch. Like the beach, only Poplar campers have access to the boat ramp. Finally, there is the Poplar Point Hiking Trail. It’s a leisurely 2-mile hike that is accessible from any of the campsites. Along the way, you’ll typically see a variety of flowering trees like Dogwood, Witch Hazel, Magnolia and Fringe.
White Oak Recreation Area
It’s probably best not to fall in love with White Oak too much. It’s a bit hit-and-miss whether it is even available. Why? Well, White Oak can be rented out to large groups like businesses or organizations and why not. It is a perfect venue with a massive 500 person capacity sheltered pavilion which holds (60) tables! The rest of the recreation area is also fantastic with its own private beach with cordoned off swim area, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a catering pad.
You could also walk just a bit east and visit the Crosswinds Marina (more on that later) and possibly catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron. More importantly, if you do have a need for a large event the daily cost is only $1,278. A great bargain if you have at least (100) participants.
Vista Point
Vista Point is the hot spot on Jordan Lake if you have an RV. There are (50) RV campsites available for rent complete with water and full-electrical hookups. Campers have full access to a private beach, sand volleyball court, (2) eight-table picnic shelters (with their own electricity, fireplace and charcoal grills), hiking trails, showers, restrooms and a dump station. There is also a boat launch with (2) platforms and (3) launch ramps. Sailing and windsurfing are very popular just off of Vista Point.
For the day visitors, Vista Point is not as heavily trafficked as some of the alternative options on Jordan Lake which makes it attractive if you’re looking for a more low-key experience. If you drive all the way to the main parking lot you’ll find some open grassy area to run around as well as an Osprey tower. If you walk along the shore between the boat launch and the beach you’ll see some beautiful exposed tree roots along with occasional pondweed flowing with the tide. There is also a nice secluded cove beach with picnicking under the trees (in the shade) and a beautiful view of the eastern side of Jordan Lake.
NOTE: One of our readers has noted that, for safety reasons, swimming and jet skis will no longer be allowed on the sailboat launching beach. (thank you Tom Kirkman)
Parkers Creek
Parkers Creek is one of the more versatile campgrounds with areas for RV, tent, and group camping. In total there are (250) campsites with (150) also having electrical hookups. The sites themselves offer up a nice array of amenities including hot showers, restrooms, dump station, and yes, even a public telephone. Each site also features a picnic table, grill, and lantern holder. One major proviso . . . you must make reservations at least 48 hours in advance.
Parkers Creek is split into (4) loops, each with shoreline access and each connected by a 1½ mile (2.41 km) hiking trail. There is also a ½ mile (.8 km) Children’s Nature Trail located in Loop 1. There is a boat ramp located just north of Loop 4 (above the Group camp section) and a swimming beach, to the west of Loops 1 & 2, available for campers of Parkers Creek. You can also rent large picnic shelters that each have picnic tables, fireplace, charcoal grill and electricity.
Seaforth Recreation Area
Seaforth, along with Ebenezer Church, is one of the more popular family stops along Jordan Lake. There is plenty of parking to accommodate the extra-long stretch of sand, beach and water located on the western shore of Jordan Lake. Upon arrival, the first things you’ll notice are the towering trees and a large structure with restrooms and, around the back, a few outdoor showers. To the right of the building is a stretch of grass plus a sand volleyball court and behind is a nice playground with swings (for teens and toddlers) and a playscape.
Beyond that, the beach stretches out seemingly forever on both sides. The beach itself offers lots of sand so it doesn’t ever feel too crowded. This is all surrounded by tall trees that manage to make it feel secluded. To the left of the playscape is a semi-wooded area that serves as a perfect picnic area. There are no low-hanging branches so it feels open while still being in the cool shade. A welcome change on a warm summer day.
A few things about Seaforth we really liked were the stations with lifejackets. There are no lifeguards on duty so this amenity is a thoughtful touch. Along the same lines, the water is cordoned off from the lake, with clearly seen bright yellow floaties, going out about 20 yards. There are buoy markers out another 10 yards from there so parents can feel safe that no boats or jet skis will disturb those swimming or playing in the water. One last note . . . leave your pets at home if visiting Seaforth. No pets are allowed on the beach.
Crosswinds Campground
Upon entering Crosswinds you’ll be asked if you prefer a campsite with or without electricity and they’ll direct you to one of (3) different loops. The roads are curvy so it can feel like a maze the first time you drive through but Loops B & C (with electricity) are really just simple 360° roads. The sites are spread out enough so you won’t feel claustrophobic and each contains a picnic table, grill and trash can. In total Crosswinds has 182 campsites available for both RV and tent camping. The campground itself features hiking trails accessible from each of the loop, restrooms, showers and a dump station.
But camping is just the tip of the iceberg. Crosswinds has a boat launch in the northwest corner (first left after the entrance station)with one platform and (2) launch ramps. At the northern tip of Loop B is a nice open beach cove surrounded by tall trees on both sides.
Crosswinds Marina
The Marina is located on the back end of the Crosswinds Boating Center. Whether you own boat or wish to rent, the marina is a great hub to start your Jordan Lake adventure. There are (4) floating docks but be aware that slip storage is in short supply during the peak summer season. All slips have running water and access to 110V courtesy power. There is even a small convenience store which has bait, snacks, ice, drinks and more.
The Marina is the only place on Jordan Lake with a gas dock with pumps accessible from the water (ethanol-free gas). You can rent fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards as well but the latter two are first-come-first-serve.
Eagle Observation Platform
Though your best chance of seeing the local birds of Jordan Lake is from the water there are plenty of other opportunities as well. The best is the observation platform off of Martha’s Chapel Road. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission have constructed a Wildlife Observation Platform right on Jordan Lake. All you need is a good pair of binoculars as the platform is positioned towards nesting areas of bald eagles, ospreys, and other bird species.
Farrington Point Boat Launch
The Farrington Point Boat Launch doesn’t just serve only boating enthusiasts . . . it is also a prime spot for catching the beautiful sunsets Jordan Lake is famous for. There are (2) ramps to choose from. We would recommend the one to the left as it is less frequented. There is also an open area where you can settle in, relax and take in the magnificent colors. What a great way to end a perfect day!
Finally . . .
Jordan Lake is famous for all of its “fingers”. The little inlets and coves each have their own little quirks and individual beauty. Because of its enormity and the uniqueness of the different areas to frequent, Jordan Lake never seems to feel that crowded either on the beach, in a campsite or out on the water. One final note: cell reception is poor on the eastern side of the lake but improves on the western side. Plan accordingly.
Do you have any great lakes (no pun intended) near you? What makes them so special? Please do visit Jordan Lake the next time you’re in North Carolina . . . you will have a memorable experience. Then tell us all about it!
Be advised that the sailboat launching beach at Vista Point has new signage and restrictions will be enforced this year. The beach was created in 1968 for launching multi-hull sailboats and swimming is not allowed. Dogs must be kept on leash and all visitors to the beach must yield to sailboats. Sailboats have fine edge rudders and daggerboards below the waterline and anyone in the water should be aware that collision with a sailboat can result in serious injury.
Thank you for the feedback, Tom. Our readers will appreciate the update.