Jones Lake State Park
00 review4117 NC 242 Hwy North, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, 28337, United States
Jones Lake State Park
$22.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard sites are priced at $22 plus a $3 service fee on Reserve America. Some reviews indicate full hookups may be higher at $30.
About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where ancient Carolina Bays have created a natural wonderland at Jones Lake State Park. Since 1939, visitors have been drawn to the mysterious tea-colored waters of 224-acre Jones Lake and the pristine 315-acre Salters Lake. These rare bay lakes offer an enchanting escape where crystal-clear facilities meet untouched natural beauty, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Jones Lake State Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including sites for RVs, tents, and group camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at one of North Carolina's original state parks, established in 1939 when conservation was just taking root. Jones Lake State Park serves as a living classroom where the ancient mysteries of the Carolina Bays unfold before your eyes. Here, generations of families have created memories while learning about the geological wonders that shaped this unique landscape thousands of years ago.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Carolina seasons at Jones Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer days invite you to explore with comfortable temperatures in the mid-80s°F, perfect for swimming and paddling the mysterious bay waters. As autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a tapestry of colors, while mild winters averaging in the mid-40s°F offer crisp, dry days ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Spring awakens the park with blooming wildflowers and renewed energy.
ElevationThe park rests gently on the coastal plain, where subtle changes in elevation create diverse ecosystems from bay rim forests to the mysterious lake depressions themselves.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an otherworldly landscape where tea-colored waters mirror the sky through a natural alchemy of leaf tannins. The Carolina Bays reveal their secrets through unique swamp vegetation and rich organic soils that support rare plant communities. Ancient cypress trees stand sentinel along the shoreline, their knees emerging from the dark waters like nature's sculptures, while the surrounding forest creates a verdant embrace around these geological treasures.
Geological RegionJourney into one of North America's most intriguing geological mysteries at Jones Lake, a pristine example of the enigmatic Carolina Bays. These elliptical depressions dot the southeastern coastal plain like fingerprints of an ancient past, and Jones Lake stands as one of the few remaining water-filled bays. Scientists still debate their origins while visitors marvel at these natural phenomena, where unique swamp ecosystems thrive in the shallow depressions carved by forces still not fully understood.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPicnic shelters and visitor center facilities are described as handicap accessible. However, one user in a wheelchair noted that the wooden 4x4s separating campsite areas could limit navigation.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and spacious, with some sites spaced over 100 feet apart, offering privacy.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are noted for their seclusion and spacing, giving campers privacy even on crowded weekends.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSome sites are noted for having full hookups, spacious layout, and privacy.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers have been identified for their popularity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 noon
Stay Limit
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 noon. Maximum stay duration is not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSome sites are pull-through, and others are back-in, with a mix of tent and RV camping areas. Sites are well-spaced for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe park operates year-round, but certain amenities like canoe and paddleboat rentals are seasonal, typically available during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping availability for walk-up guests was not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy mentioned.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Jones Lake State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors also enjoy picnicking and beach activities.
Hiking
The park features three trails: the Bay Trail, a 4-mile loop around Jones Lake; the Cedar Loop Trail, a 1-mile journey through diverse habitats; and the Salters Lake Trail, a 1-mile one-way path connecting to Salters Lake. These trails offer easy-to-moderate hiking experiences, with some areas shaded and others sandy.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in Jones Lake, with yellow perch being the most abundant species. The water's acidity limits other fish populations.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in a designated area with a sandy beach. The water is described as 'tea-colored,' but refreshing, and the lake is shallow, making it safe for swimmers.Biking
Mountain biking is available at nearby Brown's Creek Bike Park, located approximately 6 miles away.Boating
Canoes and paddleboats are available for rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The lake allows boats with motors under 10 horsepower, and there is a launch road near the campground.Wildlife viewing
The park's trails and natural setting provide opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, although specific species are not detailed.Beach activities
The sandy beach is suitable for sunbathing, and picnic tables and grills are nearby for family activities.Cultural and Educational Programs
The visitor center offers exhibits on the geological history of the Carolina Bays and the park's biodiversity. Some interactive displays are reportedly non-functional.Winter Activities
No information available regarding winter-specific activities.Water Sports
The park supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings and grills are available at campsites. Details on firewood policies are not provided.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsThe park's lakes have acidic water, limiting fish species. Hiking trails include rooted areas that may present tripping hazards.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Emergency Services
Emergency services are presumably available in nearby Elizabethtown, approximately 4 miles away, but specific facilities were not mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season aligns with Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, when amenities like swimming and rentals are fully operational.
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available and described as clean and emptied daily.
Proximity to water featuresJones Lake is adjacent to campsites, and Salters Lake can be accessed via hiking trails.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention road noise, military planes overhead, and instances of drag racing nearby. Cleanliness of bathrooms has been inconsistent according to some reviews.
HostPark staff are described as friendly, making regular patrols.
Campground Map
4117 NC 242 Hwy North, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, 28337, United States
Driving directionsJones Lake State Park is located in Bladen County, four miles north of Elizabethtown on Highway 242. From Wilmington, drive west on US 74/76, turn right onto NC 87, drive north towards Elizabethtown, turn right onto NC 87 Business, then right onto US 701, travel north for one mile, turn left onto NC 53, and immediately right onto NC 242; drive north for two miles. The park entrance will be on the left, indicated by a large sign. From Fayetteville, drive east on NC 53 for approximately 40 miles, turn left onto NC 242, and travel north for two miles. The park entrance marked by a large sign will be on the left.
Access roads are mostly paved and well-marked, with clear signage for the park entrance. Seasonal closures are not mentioned explicitly, but the front gate is locked at closing times.Nearby places
Elizabethtown, 4 miles
Fayetteville, 40 miles
Lumberton, null
Clinton, null.
Nearby supplies
Elizabethtown is the nearest town for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, located 4 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Jones Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cleanliness of the park, the spaciousness of campsites, the well-maintained facilities, and the variety of activities available. Campers appreciate the quiet and natural setting.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include 'immaculate' and modern bathhouses, spacious and private campsites, a variety of recreational activities, and helpful staff. Reviewers also note the park's cleanliness and...
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Common Concerns
Some users mentioned road noise, military planes flying overhead, and occasional drag racing nearby. One user noted that some interactive exhibits in the visitor center were non-functional.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing bug spray for mosquitoes, exploring the hiking trails, and staying for the sunset, which is described as 'soul-touching.' For campers planning to fish, bringing simple...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the park is less busy during non-peak seasons, providing a peaceful experience. Summer is popular for swimming and boating, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'The bathhouses are the best I have found. Very clean and modern.' 2. 'The campsites are spaced far enough from each other to not feel crowded.' 3. 'The lake is beautiful, and the beach is...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific mentions of large pull-through sites and spacious RV spots with full hookups are noted. One user highlighted a fishing pier that is 204 feet long.
Accessibility Features
A user in a wheelchair mentioned that the 4x4s separating campsite areas limited navigation to the parking pad, but overall facilities were praised for accessibility.
Pet-Friendly Features
One complaint mentioned dog waste being left behind by a previous camper, indicating some issues with pet management.
Last updated August 10, 2025