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Jones Lake
Overview
Jones Lake State Park offers a serene escape centered around one of the most famous Carolina Bays in the region. Located just outside Elizabethtown, North Carolina, this park provides a tranquil environment characterized by the lake's distinctive tea-colored water. Covering over 2,000 acres, the park serves as a protected sanctuary where visitors can immerse themselves in the unique ecology of the coastal plain. The lake itself is shallow and historically significant, making it a popular spot for those looking to study the rare geological formations of the area.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated in the heart of Bladen County, surrounded by dense forests of pine, pond cypress, and bay trees. Its location within the Bladen Lakes State Forest complex ensures a quiet, secluded atmosphere away from major highway noise or urban sprawl. The landscape is primarily flat and accessible, featuring sandy soil and thick vegetation typical of the Atlantic coastal plain. The proximity to the Cape Fear River valley adds to the ecological diversity, providing a lush backdrop for every campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Jones Lake is intimate and shaded, featuring 20 wooded sites that cater to both tents and RVs. For those traveling in motorhomes or trailers, the park offers six sites with electric and water hookups, including 30-amp and 50-amp service to accommodate modern rigs. Guests have access to a well-maintained restroom and shower house located centrally within the camping loop. On-site amenities include a designated swimming beach, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp for those using small craft with electric motors. Picnic areas with grills are also scattered near the water for afternoon gatherings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Visitors can explore the 4-mile Bay Trail, which circles the lake and offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Just a short drive away, the town of Elizabethtown provides local dining, fuel, and supplies for the road. For those seeking additional water recreation, the crystal-clear waters of White Lake are only minutes away, while history enthusiasts can visit the Harmony Hall Plantation to learn about the region's colonial past and architectural heritage.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature-focused RVers who prefer a quiet, rustic setting over a high-traffic commercial resort. It is a perfect choice for families looking for a safe swimming environment and birders hoping to spot local species in the unique bay vegetation. Because the campground is small and heavily wooded, it is best suited for mid-sized RVs and trailers seeking a peaceful retreat. It serves as an excellent home base for travelers who want to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of the North Carolina wilderness.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Robert Wilson
It’s an amazing park with great trails. I love visiting here and hiking, walking, or just seeing the bay. The exhibit room is nice as well, and the staff are friendly.
Daniel Jiang
Good place to visit from the trip return from the beach: clean, quiet, we'll maintained
Tyler Dees
Spent a night in the group camping area, and there was more than enough space for 5 10+ person tents. We had room for at least another 5 tents and it would still have room enough to be comfortable. Fire pit was nice and had benches around it, and a few tables provided on the site. Public bathrooms/showers were clean and easily accessible. Park Rangers were helpful, and so were staff at the visitor's center. I will definitely return again.
Dan Calobong
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jones Lake State Park Absolutely beautiful! 🌲🏕️ The park is clean, peaceful, and full of natural beauty. The RV sites are spacious and well-maintained, with full hookups that make camping super convenient. 💧⚡🚿 Perfect spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy God’s creation. 🙌 We’ll definitely be coming back! 🌅
Valerie Dorman
We went and spent the afternoon exploring the area. You can go swimming and for an hourly rate of 10 dollars you can paddle boat or canoe out on the lake. Loved it here and the girls that checked us in for our paddle boat ride were so very sweet and helpful with all of our questions. ❤️❤️
Gabrielle Fowler
We love this place!! Best kept secret!! And the best part is…… FREE!! How can you beat free, safe, family fun if you haven’t been it’s must go!! They have tables and grills and nice trash cans with lids, and the young men come around and change the trash out throughout the day! They have volley ball and paddle boats plenty to do!!! I suggest pack the cooler , charcoal, kids and get out there and make some memories!!!
Sarah Sample
Went here to hike the 5 mile trail around the lake July 22. It was nice! The trail does narrow a bit and doesn't seem super maintained, so be prepared for stones, roots, and some branches. We did see 4 snakes while on this hike. None of them were venomous, however so that was a relief. I will say that the mosquitoes were horrendous. We did not prepare with long sleeves or bugspray and regretted it. I'm still itchy a week and half later. We also saw bear tracks! The bathrooms were nice and air conditioned. I desperately appreciated that after the hike 😂
Adriane Mummert
Very cool cypress trees and trail here. Would love to go back and explore more. Beach is small and not crowded. Don't wear light-colored swimwear if you don't want it stained from the tannins!
Lisa
We love coming to this lake! It's always been clean and peaceful every time we’ve visited. There are plenty of picnic tables, and the kids always have a blast whether we’re hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water. They also have boat rentals and campsites if you want to make a whole weekend out of it. One of my favorite parts is the little indoor display with the lake’s history—such a nice touch and fun to check out. It’s never been too crowded when we’ve gone, which makes it feel like a secret getaway spot. Highly recommend for families or anyone who just wants to be out in nature for a bit!