Jordan Lake, Chatham CountyIn Chatham County, between southern Durham and Cary and Pittsboro, sits Jordan Lake. This mostly undeveloped lake covers an area of almost 14,000 acres and has about 180 miles of shoreline.

Jordan Lake is actually a reservoir that was built between 1973 and 1983 as part of a flood control project. It is owned and operated by
the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps dammed the Haw River and the New Hope River to create the reservoir and reduce the devastating effects of severe storms downriver. The lake also provides water to several nearby communities.

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area is a group of nine access areas scattered around the lake. These access areas offer a variety of amenities for visitors.

Camping the Way You Like It

A total of 1,000 campsites are located in five of the access areas. Some are small personal campsites; others are larger campsites suitable for groups. Many campsites have water and electric hookups for recreational vehicles. Most of the campsites have picnic tables, grills, showers, and restrooms. You can rough it in small tents or luxuriate in an RV. It’s your choice.

One area offers hike-in campsites, which are located between 100 yards to one-half mile from the parking lot. Two areas offer group camping sites for camping clubs and other groups.

Trails for Family Hikes

There are numerous hiking trails at Jordan Lake Recreational Area. Ranging from one-half mile to five and one-half miles in length, the trails are considered easy, although the New Hope Trail is more challenging than the others. The trails are appropriate for people of all ages. Pets must be on leash. Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.

Boating on the Lake

Boat launch ramps are available in each recreation area, providing easy access to the water. Many of the boat ramps are available for public use; others are only available to campers. If you are going boating, be sure to obey all buoys and markers. The lake has many hazards such as logs, stumps, and rocks,

If you are into sailing, the most popular sailing area is Vista Point. If windsurfing is your thing, head to the Ebenezer Church area.

If you want to go boating but don’t have a boat, check out Crossroads Boating Center. A privately-owned business, Crossroads has the only marina on the lake. They rent out kayaks, fishing boats, and pontoon boats. They are also the only source of gasoline on the lake.

Fishing the Waters

Fishing is very popular at Jordan Lake. The underwater logs and stumps provide the perfect environment for several types of fish, especially bass, crappie, and catfish. You will have to have a fishing license and obey the rules of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in order to fish in the lake.

Other Activities at Jordan Lake

Jordan LakeWhat would a lake be without swimming? There are seven swim beaches in the recreation area, with some reserved for campers.

Bird watching is also popular in the areas. Spotting bald eagles and ospreys is a fun activity for the whole family. Jordan Lake supports the largest concentration of bald eagles in the eastern United States.

The visitor center exhibit hall provides more information about the lake’s ecology.

Facilities Available to All

Most of the facilities and activities are available to all, including those with disabilities. Most parking lots have special parking available. Many of the sheltered picnic areas, swim beaches, campsites, courtesy docks, and restrooms have wheelchair access.

All this Fun at a Low Cost

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area charges an entrance fee to help offset the costs of maintaining the facility. But the costs are reasonable. For a day pass, the cost is just $6 per car. A bus or van pays $15. And senior citizens (62 and older) pay $4. An annual pass is $50. The annual pass is good for unlimited entry throughout the year to this recreational area and the Falls Lake and Kerr Lake State Recreational Areas.

Water Quality

Since its inception, Jordan Lake has had an issue with pollution entering the lake from upstream. Rules have been developed to restore water quality in the lake by reducing the amount of pollution entering upstream. Methods of cleaning the lake are also being explored. Improving water quality is important because the lake is a water recreation area and provides water to several communities.

For a fun time trust us; you can't go wrong if you head to Jordan Lake!

Posted by Larry Tollen on
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