Jordan Lake

 Jordan Lake is a 13,940 acre lake that is located about 30 miles West of Raleigh, North Carolina. B. Everett Jordan Lake was created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers when the Haw and New Hope River were dammed. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area surrounds the lake and is the main source of recreation at the lake. In addition to providing recreational opportunities the lake is also a main water source for the area. Jordan lake is a great place to swim or boat. However in the summer months it hosts the largest collection of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. There are also a large amount of ospreys and hawks at the lake.

Labeled as a “fisherman's paradise”, Jordan Lake provides the idyllic environment for bass, crappie, and catfish to live in. If you want to try your hand at sailing, Jordan Lake is the spot for perfecting your skills. Grab a kayak or pontoon boat from a rental center nearby for a relaxing day spent on the water. Recreational activities at the lake include, camping, boating, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, swimming, sailing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, water skiing, and hiking.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of nine access areas scattered around the shoreline of this undeveloped, 14,000-acre reservoir. More than 1,000 campsites among five of the access areas offer a range of outdoor experience from RV hookups to primitive tent camping and group camps. There are seven swim beaches in the recreation area and a number of boating ramps, with some swim areas and ramps reserved for campers. Nearly 14 miles of hiking trails wind across the hilly lakeshore, with most of them offering easy, brief hikes perfect for family outings. Spotting bald eagles and osprey is just one of many opportunities to view wildlife, and the lake’s ecology is further explored in the visitor center exhibit hall.

CAMPING

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area features hundreds of campsites. Campsites range from full-electrical RV sites to more primitive hike-in tent sites. Accessible and group campsites are available. Picnic Shelters are available for rent at some of the campgrounds and recreational access areas. Most developed campground locations amenities include water and electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, swimming beaches, picnic tables, fresh water, and dump stations.

BOATING

For boaters there are many boat launch ramps located throughout the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. There are public access boat ramps located at Ebenezer Church, Farrington Point, Poes Ridge, Robeson Creek, Seaforth, and White Oak recreation areas. The boat ramps located at Ebenezer Church and Robeson Creek recreation areas are open 24 hours. Most campgrounds have boat ramps available but these ramps are reserved for campers. Crosswinds Boating Center is the one marina located at Jordan Lake.

FISHING

Fishing at Jordan Lake is one of the lake visitors favorite activities. All fisherman are required to have a valid North Carolina fishing license. Fish species that are available within the lake include, striped bass, large mouth bass, white perch, hybrids, sunfish, catfish, bluegill and crappie. There is a 16" size limit on bass. Fishing opportunities are available either from boat or at various bank fishing spots.