Jones Lake State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Mostly Open

Cedar Loop Trail remains closed due to flooding.

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 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.

 

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