I'm throwing a plan together to visit some friends and family that have migrated south of the Mason Dixon Line, looks like we're hitting the road for North Carolina in March. My wife and I seem to have several friends from high school and college that relocated to NC, and my brother and his family currently reside in GA (they would be happy to make the shorter trip for a weekend visit).
If anyone is familiar with Jordan Lake State Recreation area and has prime camping locations I'd love to hear about them. I've never had to choose from over 1,000 campsites at a state park before! (okay, so maybe there's only 600 with water and electric) The park looks beautiful and is central to several of our friends (none of whom are really into camping anymore so they don't have any suggestions).
If all goes well Cora and I will give the camper the early season shake down at the season opener at French Creek 3/18-20, then hit the road 3/22-27 for NC! It might be a little cool for the kayaks but we'll hope for the best.
Not stayed at Jordan but I have stayed at Falls Lake just north of Raleigh. Here is a review for two of the campgrounds at Falls lake:
WAKE FOREST, NC-------Holly Point Campground, Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Holly Point Campground is one of four campgrounds within the Falls Lake Recreation Area is and one of two that can accommodate RV's, Fifth wheels, Pop Ups, Tear Drops and tent campers. It is located 11 miles from Wake Forest, 9 miles from Creedmoor, 15 miles from Durham and 12 miles from Raleigh. It would make a great base of operation for visiting any of these cities, however take note the gate is locked at 10:00 in the summer and 9:00 the rest of the year. The campground is also closed after Oct. 31 but the nearby Rollingview Campground is open all year with 24/7 access. Rollingview is about 10 miles closer to Durham, NC.
There are 162 sites in total scattered throughout 5 different loops. Approximately 74 of the sites have water and electricity and these are located in loops 1, 2, 3 and 5. Loop 2 has 22 sites without power or water. Loop 4 has app. 25 sites with no power or water. Loop 5 has app. 17 sites with no power and water.
Access to loop 1 was blocked so I can not comment on the suitability of sites 1-20.
In loop 2 I felt the best sites were sites 72, 73, 74 and 75. Second choices would be 28, 29, 52, 53. Additionally sites 57, 66 and 67 however they do not have water or electricity.
All of loop 3 is water and electric sites unfortunately none of these sites really were first choice sites for me. Sites 80, 83, 84 88, 89 91, 92, 93, 94, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103 and 106 would be acceptable with 88-94 being the best of these given there proximity to the bath house/restrooms. 91 is a handicap site.
In loop 4 there is no power or electricity and therefore no sites here would be my first choice but 111, 116, 118, 119 and 133 would be good choices.
In loop 5 approximately half the sites have power and electricity and half do not. None of these sites were desirable for my camping needs.
Bathrooms are clean and the typical no privacy small showers with push button water which is lukewarm at best after running the water for at least 10 minutes.
This campground also has a large double boat ramp, two swim beaches; one is located between sites 70 and 71 in loop 2 and the other is near the boat ramp complex. A picnic area is located at the swim beach in loop 2 and a playground and picnic area is located in the boat ramp complex. There is also a trail which runs thru the whole campground. Being it is alarge lake the fishing opportunities abound.
Just a word of my criteria for "best sites". I have a Coleman Bayside Elite which is a bigger camper then some other popups. I also like some distance from other sites and/or vegetative screening. Many of the sites did not meet my approval due to size, closeness to other sites, lack of privacy or in some cases the sites are two level ie: the camper is on one pad and you have to go down stairs to get to the picnic table and fire pit area. Other campers will have other criteria. My views would be much different if I were tent camping for example.
This is a campground I would return to again, in fact we will be camping there next week.
WAKE FOREST, NC----Shinleaf Campground Falls Lake State Recreation Area
This is one of four campgrounds located within the State Recreation Area. This campground consists of 47 walk-in/backpack in individual campsites and 9 drive to Group camping sites. Campground is open March 15-Oct. 31. For more info go to http://www.ncparks.gov
The hike-in sites are anywhere from a 200 yard walk to as much a third of a mile to the furthest site. There is a bathhouse/restroom complex at the start of the trail and two other bathrooms located within the camping sites. The hike in sites are first come first serve however you can also reserve in advance.
The group camping area has three restrooms located within the different areas, an amphitheatre and a canoe access point located on the lake. Group sites are by reservation only.
This is a great campground choice for the tent camper that wants to experience primitive camping and carrying your gear on your back. Also a great choice for groups. Convenient to Raleigh, Durham Wake Forest and Creedmoor. All are 20 miles or less away.
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