Jones Lake State Park
Trails Status
Mostly Open
Cedar Loop Trail remains closed due to flooding.
About the Park
Located in Bladen County 40 miles southeast of Fayetteville, Jones Lake State Park opened as the first state park to welcome Black Americans and has since been a community destination for picnicking, swimming, hiking, and paddling. Tea-colored waters hide the shallow depth of the lake, which reaches to just 8 feet. Jones Lake and the adjacent Salters Lake are two of the mysterious geological formations known as Carolina bays, a series of elliptical depressions along the Atlantic coast, the origins of which are unknown.
Camping
- Tent sites
- Trailer and RV sites (some with electric, water, and sewer hookups)
- Group tent sites
- Showers
- Firewood
Activities
- Hiking (6 miles)
- Paddling
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Picnicking
Amenities
- Boat ramp
- Boat rentals (seasonal)
- Concession stand (seasonal)
- Auditorium and classroom
- Picnic shelter
- Visitor center and exhibits
- Beach access (lake)
- Bathhouse
Plan Your Visit
Park Hours
Month |
Hours |
---|---|
January | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
February | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
March | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
April | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
May | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
June | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
July | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
August | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
September | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
October | 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
November | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
December | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
Open Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo Gallery
Top: Sunset, staff photo
Gallery: Cypress tree, C. Peek | Tundra swan at Salters Lake, G. German | Swim beach, staff photo | Black bear, G. German | Jones Lake shoreline, as seen from boathouse, G. Sheppard