3 Jordan Lake Beaches for Swimming You'll Love (in NC)
Beach lovers, I’m going to tell you about a place that's been quietly winning hearts in North Carolina. While everyone's heading to the coast about 2 hours away, there's this amazing spot just 30 minutes from downtown Raleigh that has beaches you can enjoy: Jordan Lake State Recreation Area.
This 14,000-acre Jordan Lake reservoir in Chatham County is a great place to visit if you’re craving the beach and can’t make it to the coast. As one of the largest summertime homes of the bald eagle in North Carolina, Jordan Lake has both stunning natural beauty as well as three incredible public swimming beaches that each offer their own unique charm (plus a few more reserved for those camping there: Poplar Point, Crosswinds, and Vista Point Rec Area).
But here's where it gets really fascinating: beneath the surface of Jordan Lake is a collection of submerged ghost towns from the old New Hope Valley. When water levels drop during droughts, visitors can sometimes glimpse the foundations of houses, stone pathways, and even cemetery slabs from communities like Seaforth and Pea Ridge that were relocated when the lake was created. It's like swimming above a secret piece of North Carolina history.
Here’s What You Need To Know First
First I want to cover the essentials that will help you plan your Jordan Lake beach.
According to the NC Division of Parks and Recreation official website, the park charges $10 entrance fees per vehicle to enter the park. Then if you want to swim, there’s an additional swim fee of $6 per day per adult, children under 13 are $4, during peak season (weekends in April, May, September, plus daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day). Senior citizens 62+ and military/veterans with ID get an even better deal at $5. Here's the best part – during off-season months, the park is completely free to enter. If you're planning to go often, the $50 annual pass might be your best bet.
The park operates seasonally with extended summer hours (8am-9pm May through August), making it easy to plan that perfect beach day. Just remember, gates lock at closing time, so plan accordingly.
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Parker's Creek - A Forested Swim Beach
If you're the type of beach lover who loves peaceful, intimate vibes, Parker's Creek is for you. This recreation area feels like a private beach retreat with shady towering trees that butt up to the sandy swim area.
Parker's Creek has a bit of magical forest-meets-beach vibe that’s very distinct from coastal beaches. So if you need shade breaks during your beach visits, this swim beach fits the bill. The sandy swimming area is perfectly sized – not overwhelming, but spacious enough to spread out your towel and relax. The cordoned-off swimming section keeps swimmers safely separated from boats and jet skis, so you can float peacefully without worrying.
The picnic areas here are great for a romantic beach picnic or quiet family time. You can choose a picnic table and grill in the shade of the trees, plus outdoor showers for rinsing off the lake water when you're ready to leave. Several picnic shelters are available on a first-come-first-served basis, or you can reserve one through the park office if you're planning an event.
You'll love Parkers Creek if: You prefer peaceful, intimate beach experiences and want that "shady hidden cove" feeling without driving 2 hours or more to the coast.
Seaforth Beach - The Classic Beach Experience
Seaforth Beach is a bit larger than Parker’s Creek beach. More of a classic beach energy here– families playing volleyball, friends grilling by the water, and plenty of space to enjoy whatever beach activity you want.
The sandy swimming area at Seaforth Access Point is big and clean, with excellent sight lines for parents watching kids and plenty of room for swimming and water activities. The cordoned-off swimming zone is well-marked, so like Parker’s Creek, you can swim without worrying about passing boats.
What really sets Seaforth apart are the volleyball courts and picnic areas. You can easily go from swimming to beach games to grilling lunch. The boat launch is nearby but separate from the swimming area, so you get the best of both worlds without too much traveling around.
Here's an amazing detail: Seaforth has some of the best bald eagle watching opportunities because it’s home to about 50 bald eagles. You may see them flying above while you’re enjoying your beach time..
You'll love Seaforth if: You want the full beach experience with picnic and boat amenities, space to spread out, and the chance to spot North Carolina's state bird in action.
Ebenezer Church Beach
With plenty of parking Ebenezer Church Beach is another great option. This spot has a sandy beach, picnic areas, grills and even electrical outlets.
The main beach area is spacious and family-friendly, but what makes Ebenezer Church especially cool are the several secluded finger-style coves that branch off from the main beach. Each cove has its own personality – some with shallower water perfect for little ones, others with slightly deeper areas for swimming. Great variety for exploring while you’re cooling off.
The playground equipment right next to the beach could be very helpful if you’re visiting with kids or grandkids. Kids can bounce between beach fun and playground fun, while parents can supervise from nearby. The picnic shelters here range from smaller 30-person spaces to larger 100-person areas, complete with electrical outlets – perfect for everything from birthday parties to family reunions.
Life vests are available for swimming safety, if you decide you’d like that extra peace of mind. The multiple parking lots mean you're never far from your car, and the outdoor showers are there when you need to rinse off before heading home.
You'll love Ebenezer Church if: You're planning a family beach day or group outing and want plenty of activities and amenities all in one convenient location.
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Making the Most of Your Jordan Lake Beach Adventure
What to Bring: Pack like you're heading to any great beach – sunscreen, towels, snacks for the picnic areas, and plenty of water. Since there are no lifeguards on duty, bring life vests if you're not a strong swimmer.
What You Can't Bring: Leave pets at home for beach days – they're not allowed in swimming areas (though they can enjoy other parts of the park on leash).
Insider Tips: Visit during peak season for the full summer beach experience, or come during off-season months for free entry and peaceful vibes. Early mornings are magical for taking photos and spotting eagles, while afternoons have more of the sunny beach energy.
Beyond Swimming: The access areas connect to miles of shoreline perfect for exploring, plus hiking trails like the Blue Trail for when you want to stretch your legs on dry land. You'll also find multiple boat docks like Robeson Creek boat access or the New Hope Overlook Boat Ramp if you decide to go boating.
Your New Favorite Inland Beach Destination
These three Jordan Lake recreation areas are beaches that don’t have the salty air of the ocean, but they are a great alternative for incredible swimming, natural beauty when you can’t make it to the coast, all just minutes from the Triangle (name for the metro area nearby).
