Jordan Lake State Recreation Area » History
Crosswinds Campground is closed for the camping season. Crosswinds is scheduled to re-open Monday, April 23, 2012.
The primitive camping area at New Hope Overlook will close Monday, December 5 and will re-open Monday, March 5, 2012, but the trails and boat ramps will remain open for year round use during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012.
Loops 1, 2 and 4 north in Parker’s Creek Campground will remain open for year round camping during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012. The water spigots at all campsites will be turned off starting December 1st throughout the winter months, but water will be available at the dump station and shower houses for use.
Poplar Point Campground is closed for the camping season. Loops B, C, E and F are scheduled to re-open Monday, April 2, 2012. Loops G, H and J are scheduled to re-open on Monday, May 21, 2012.
Vista Point State Recreation Area is closed for the season. Vista Point's trails, boat ramps and shelters are scheduled to re-open Monday, March 5, 2012.
The beach area, picnic area, trails and boat ramps at Ebenezer and Seaforth will remain open for year round use during the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012.
White Oak Day Use Area is closed for the season; White Oak Shelter is available by reservation only.
Updated: 2011-11-29 11:22:24
A prescribed burn is planned for Vista Point State Recreation Area (weather permitting) on Friday, February 10, 2012. This is a satellite area managed by Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. State Park staff with assistance from N.C. Forest Service's plan to burn 155 acres. The burn starts at the entrance gate and ends behind the RV campsite area to the shoreline. A prescribed plan is written and followed for this burn stating objectives, necessary weather conditions, manpower, equipment requirements and actual methods of conducting. Controlled burns can be beneficial to animals by enhancing required features of their habitat. The controlled burn helps reduce the amount of dry fuel on the ground which reduces the chance of hard to control wildfires. For additional information about this burn, contact the park office at 919-362-0586.
Updated: 2012-02-08 16:27:28
The New Hope River Valley, now home to the corporate world of Research Triangle Park, has been the site
of a broad range of cultures for more than 10,000 years. Archaeologists have explored the remains of 450
prehistoric and historic sites in the area and have uncovered many Native American artifacts. The land
was settled by Scottish Highlanders in the 1740s, and it saw action in both the Revolutionary and
Civil wars.
Following a disastrous hurricane, which struck the Cape Fear River Basin in 1945, Congress directed the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to undertake a comprehensive study of water resource needs in the area. The
project, then known as New Hope Lake, was authorized in 1963 and construction began in 1967. In 1973, the
name of the project was changed to B. Everett Jordan Dam and Lake in honor of the former senator from
North Carolina.
Jordan Lake's 46,768 acres are not only a popular source of recreation. They also provide the water
supply for surrounding cities, flood and water quality control, and fish and wildlife conservation.
Heritage Day: Every year on the first Saturday in October, Jordan Lake holds a festival to celebrate the unique cultural and natural
resources of the region. It gives participants an opportunity to see and experience activities related to
agricultural, communal, industrial and Native American history.