Jones Lake State Park
Jones Lake State Park is the 24th park in our 2025 North Carolina State Park Challenge. Jones Lake is 40 miles southeast of Fayetteville and is a shallow lake with its deepest area being only 8ft. It is one of the geological formations known as the Carolina Bays- elliptical depressions along the Atlantic Coast (primarily in North/South Carolina) with an unknown origin.
The main attraction was definitely the swim lake and picnic areas- on a hot weekend during the summer it was packed. There is an area sectioned off for swimming with the rest of the lake is used for boating and fishing. There is a concession stand right behind the visitor center where you can rent boats and get some snacks/drinks. It is cash only at the concession stand, but you can pay with a card at the visitor center. Dogs are not allowed in the swim lake, but can go on all of the trails.
There are 6 miles of hiking trails, including the Bay Trail- a 4 mile trail that runs all the way around the lake. It has a number of view points and a fishing pier for some great Lake views. Halfway around the lake you can add the 1-mile Salters Lake Trail that takes you out to a secondary lake- Salters Lake. I would suggest getting out early to beat the summer heat and make sure to bring your bug spray. The lakeside trails combining with humid summer days there are definitely some mosquitos on the trail.
The park has 6 electric campsites for Trailers or RVs, 14 primitive tent campsites, and 1 group site all in the same campground not far from the lake. Enjoy!
Park Details:
ADDRESS: 4117 N.C. 242 N, Elizabethtown NC 28337
HOURS: November-February 8am-6pm
March-Mary & September-October: 8am-8pm
June-August: 8am-9pm
**Closed on Christmas Day**
VISITOR CENTER: Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm (Closed on all State Holidays)
PASSPORT STAMP: Located at the Visitor Center
ENTRANCE FEE: No Entrance Fee
TRAILS: 6 miles of hiking trails
ACTIVITIES: Hiking, Paddling, Swimming, & Fishing
DOG RULES: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6ft and are not allowed in park buildings. Please pick up after your pet!
Check out our videos about this Park on instagram @axel.theadventurepup
