Jones Lake State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Mostly Open

Cedar Loop Trail remains closed due to flooding.

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Jones Lake State 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

Address

4117 N.C. 242 N., Elizabethtown, NC 28337

GPS: 34.6827, -78.5954

 

Current Weather

28337 Elizabethtown, NC

Park Map (PDF)

Fees

There are no fees required to access Jones Lake State Park for day use, except for boat rentals. Fees are also charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted on the swim beach or inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

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.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Jones Lake State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Friends of the Bay Lakes

Join, volunteer or donate! The Friends of the Bay Lakes promotes, supports, and advocates for Jones Lake and Singletary Lake state parks through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

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