Jordan Lake has just about everything. Beaches, camping, hiking trails, bird watching, boating, and a whole lot of gorgeous nature. Best of all, since it’s only an hour away from Fayetteville, it makes for a great option for an adventure day in the sun and water. Here’s my guide on where to swim at Jordan Lake with everything you need to know to plan your adventure.
WHERE TO SWIM AT JORDAN LAKE – A Guide To All The Best Beaches!
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
Before we get started on Jordan Lake
If you want even more adventures in North Carolina, I recommend checking out my Ultimate Fort Bragg Bucket List.
It’s a huge guide that will make it easy and stress free to fill your weekends and experience North Carolina to the fullest.
Getting there
Jordan Lake is around an hour from Fayetteville, give or take a little depending on where you are coming from.
It’s easy to get to any of these beaches using the beach name in Google Maps. Each area is also well signed and easy to find when you get close.
There is a $7 entrance fee per car which you pay at a booth as you drive in. Card is accepted but I recommend bringing cash just in case there are any issues with their machines.
Fees apply:
- Memorial Day through to Labor Day
- Weekends in April, May, September
How to beach hop
You could easily spend a day at each spot, but if you want to visit multiple beaches in one day it’s very easy to hop from one to the other.
The entrance fee covers access for the day not the beach itself.
Make sure you keep your receipt after you pay your entrance fee. Then when you go to the next beach just show your receipt and they will let you through.
Facilities
All of the beach areas mentioned have large parking areas, toilet facilities, grills, and tables.
What to bring with you:
- Sunscreen, hat
- Umbrella/tent if you like to have shade while on the beach
- Food for picnic lunch – there are grills and tables
- Water – no cans allowed on the beaches
- Waterproof camera – I use this one with this compact selfie stick and tripod
- Lightweight towel
Ebenezer Beach
If you are coming from Fayetteville, this is the closest beach. Though, they’re all quite close to each other so there’s not a huge difference in driving time.
This seems like one of the most popular beaches because there’s always been a decent crowd when I’ve been there. Even on weekdays or in the morning when it first opens.
It’s popular for good reason too.
Ebenezer has a real family vibe. You have a large sandy area for sunbaking, marked off swimming area in the lake, grills, large toilet building, and playground.
There’s a small grassy area if you want to sit in the shade, but be warned there are some bindis in the grass.
Ebenezer Beach
Ebenezer Beach
Ebenezer Beach
White Oak Beach
White Oak Beach is one of the smaller beach areas and has more of a secluded vibe.
It was a nice change from the bigger and more popular beaches and I liked the more quiet vibes there.
You might want to bring an umbrella or something to shade yourself if you plan to stay there all day because the shaded area is limited, especially compared to the other beaches.
Still a gorgeous spot with all the facilities you need for an awesome outing.
White Oak Beach
White Oak Beach
Seaforth Beach
Seaforth is the other really popular beach at Jordan Lake.
It’s one of the larger beach areas and also has a large shaded area with tables and grills. Since it is popular, you might want to go early to snag a table if you want one.
Keep an eye out while you’re there because this, along with Ebenezer, gives you a good chance of seeing a Bald Eagle. Fun fact, Jordan Lake has the most Bald Eagles in the Eastern US.
On one of my visits I saw one in flight and they are super majestic to see, even from a distance.
Seaforth Beach
Seaforth Beach
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Parkers Creek
If I had to pick a favorite, it would be Parkers Creek.
In reality, all of the beach areas listed are more similar than different. But I like Parkers Creek because I love how the trees and shaded area is so close to the beach. It just gave it a really cool, forest-y vibe for me.
There’s still a large, sandy beach and swimming area so you can get your tan on and cool off in the lake.
Parkers Creek
Parkers Creek
Parkers Creek
Add-ons to your day at Jordan Lake
Of course you can bring your own food, use the grills, and spend a whole day at the beaches. But, if you want to visit a local restaurant and mix up your day, I recommend visiting Pittsboro which is about 20 minutes away.
For lunch, I recommend S & T’s Soda Shoppe. You can get regular food here, but I also recommend trying an ice cream. Let’s just say that the ice cream here is on a different level of awesomeness! Huge portions, great flavors, and it’s going to have you walking out full and happy. Possibly in a sugar based delirium but happy none the less.
I got a hot fudge sundae and it’s the best I’ve ever had.
You can also stroll up and down the main street to browse the different stores like the super cute Deep River Mercantile.
Hot fudge sundae from S & T’s Soda Shoppe
If you want more than just a beach day
I focused this post on the beaches for planning day trips, but there’s a lot more to do at Jordan Lake. You can also go camping, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, hiking, and they offer programs as well.
If you want more information on any of that, I recommend checking out their website or stopping by the visitor center when you visit.
Where to stay nearby
If you’d like to turn it into a weekend away and don’t like camping, you could check out the nearby Jordan Lake B&B.
For other places to stay in the area, I recommend doing a search on Booking.com which is what I use to book accommodation when I travel.
Other guides you might enjoy
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How To Visit The World’s Largest Chest Of Drawers In North Carolina
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Awesome Guide! I was looking for a detailed, simple outline of beaches at Jordanake and you provided just that. We will definitely check out the near by shops! Knowing that we can hop beaches with the receipt was super helpful!
That’s great to hear and thanks so much for reading it! Hope you have a fun time at Jordan Lake!
Seconded. Just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Thanks for reading it!
What a delightful resource. I’m in Fayetteville with my three young kids and dog for just a few weeks this summer while my husband is on active duty at Fort Bragg. We live in Philadelphia and are trying to explore all that North Carolina has to offer while here.
A lot of my excursions are by myself with the kids do this is a wonderful resource. Such a delightful accent too 😊
Thank you so so so much! I’m so happy that the guides are helpful and hope you have an awesome time in Fayetteville. Thanks 😀
Which of these beaches would be the best to see the sunset? I am a photographer and am looking to get the best golden hour light.
Thank you!
Same question