Jordan Lake Recreational Activities

B. Everett Jordan Lake is a 13,900 acre man-made lake located near the cities of Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. Jordan Lake is one of North Carolina's biggest tourist attractions, and is a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation. It also serves as a municipal drinking water source for Cary, Pittsboro and other municipalities in central North Carolina.

Outdoor Recreation at Jordan Lake

Swimming at Jordan Lake

Jordan lake has several areas designated for swimming, including three public swim beaches and three campground beaches (beaches for use by campers only). Though Jordan Lake's swimming beaches have shower and changing areas as well as life jackets that can be borrowed free of charge, none of them are manned by life guards. No swimming is allowed in areas of the lake not specifically designated for swimming.

Camping at Jordan Lake

Jordan lake has five camping areas and has facilities for tent camping, RV camping, group camping and canoe/kayak camping.

Boating at Jordan Lake

There are 12 boat ramps on Jordan Lake, including four boat ramps that are open 24 hours a day (Ebenezer boat ramp, Robeson boat ramp, Farrington Point boat ramp and Poe's Ridge boat ramp). Canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats, jet skis, bass boats, water ski boats, and small sailboats are all commonly used on Jordan Lake . Boat rentals are available from Crosswinds Marina, which is Jordan Lake's only marina. Canoe and Kayak rentals can be arranged from a number of local outfitters, such as Frog Hollow Outdoors.

Windsurfing and Sailing at Jordan Lake

Windsurfing and sailing are popular activities on Jordan Lake, especially at the Vista Point and Ebenezer Church areas.

Bird Watching at Jordan Lake

Jordan Lake is a prime destination for bird watching in central North Carolina . Osprey, bald eagle, and blue heron are among the bird species that are commonly seen at Jordan Lake . Several sites at Jordan Lake, including the Jordan Lake State Educational Forest, are stops on the North Carolina Birding Trail.

Fishing at Jordan Lake

Crappie and bass fishing are popular on Jordan Lake , and there are several fishing tournaments on the lake each year, including Carolina Bass Series tournaments. A North Carolina fishing license is required in order to fish on Jordan Lake . Jordan Lake is stocked with white bass, largemouth bass, Bodie bass and stripers.