Topics Related to Swimming

Falls Lake State Recreation Area – Beaverdam Access

Location: Wake County, 20 miles north of downtown RaleighAt the park, you can find: 12,000-acre Falls Lake reservoir and monarch butterflies in the spring and fallHighlights at this access: mountain bike trails; accessible fishing and swim beach; non-gas boating on Beaverdam Lake; easy hiking trails

Pettigrew State Park

Location: Washington County, 71 miles northeast of Greenville

At the park, you can find: wintering tundra swans from November to February; Lake Phelps; Somerset Place state historic site; Scuppernong River

Highlights at this access: historic sites and artifacts; long, easy trails around the lake; biking

Morrow Mountain State Park

Location: Stanly County, 51 miles north of Charlotte

You can find: Morrow Mountain, one of the highest peak in the Uwharries, and bald eagles spotted from Lake Tillery

Highlights: hiking and bridle trails; Lake Tillery and the Yadkin River; Kron House; CCC structures, including the poolhouse; boat rentals

Lake Norman State Park

Location: Iredell County, 39 miles north of Charlotte

You can find: largest manmade lake in N.C. with 520 miles of shoreline, and the great blue heron

Highlights: mountain bike and accessible hiking trails; boat rentals; swim beach; boat ramp; cabins; full-hookup RV camping; community building

Lake James State Park – Paddy's Creek Access

Location: Burke County, 50 miles east of AshevilleAt the park, you can find: Lake James and its resident bald eaglesHighlights at this access: wooden bridge; bike trails; swim beach; boat rentals; drive-in camping; paddle-in camping to Long Arm peninsula; access to Fonta Flora and Overmountain Victory state trails

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Kimball Point Access

Location: Warren County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; swim beach area

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Hibernia Access

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp; longest park trail; cemetery; swim area; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Henderson Point Access

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: 24-hour boat ramp and accessible fishing pier; swim area; great access for sailing; tent, trailer, and RV camping, some with electric and water hookups; group camping

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Satterwhite Point Access

Location: Vance County near the Virginia state line

At the park, you can find: 50,000-acre Kerr Lake reservoir and ospreys

Highlights at this access: visitor center; the park's only designated swim beach; volleyball court; TRACK Trail; picnic shelters and community building; large group camping; privately owned Satterwhite Point marina

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area – White Oak Recreation Area

Location: Chatham County, 24 miles west of downtown Raleigh

At the park, you can find: 14,000-acre Jordan Lake reservoir and the bald eagle

Highlights at this access: open for day-use during peak season when not reserved; large rental facility for up to 500 people, with swim beach, boat ramp, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits