Lake Daycations
Whether you are looking for a day trip to escape all the hustle and bustle life throws our way or a great summer vacation spot, there are many beautiful lakes in North Carolina and surrounding areas that are perfect for a little getaway!
Falls Lake
Located in Durham and split between Wake and Granville counties is where you can find the popular Falls Lake. Falls Lake is very well known in the triangle area and is perfect if you’re looking to have a “daycation” with your friends and family. At Falls Lake, there are over 300 campsites, five beaches perfect for swimming, and numerous boating ramps to take you out onto the lake. The lake is also set up perfectly for those who want to paddle board and kayak as well!
At the beaver dam access, those who enjoy trekking the great outdoors can enjoy outdoor trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. It also can take you over to a more quiet and settled part of the lake for those who love to fish. Another great trail for hiking is the mountains to sea trail. This is a long network of trails that goes on for miles and surrounds the beautiful areas of falls lake.
Beaverdam
14600 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
B.W. Wells campground
1630 Bent Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Highway 50
13900 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Holly Point campground
14424 New Light Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Rolling View
4201 Baptist Road
Durham, NC 27703
Sandling Beach
14601 Creedmoor Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Shinleaf campground
13708 New Light Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake is another beautiful state recreation area located around the triangle area. It has 14,000 acres of undeveloped land consisting of over 1,000 camping areas, seven beach accesses with boat ramps for a day on the boat, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more! Jordan Lake is also home to beautiful hiking trails that are an easier hike for families of all ages. On these hikes, you have an opportunity to see some of the most serene sights and even stumble upon some wildlife such as osprey and bald eagles.
Crosswinds campground
389 Farrington Road
Apex, NC 27502
Ebenezer Church
2582 Beaver Creek Road
Apex, NC 27502
New Hope Overlook
339 W.H. Jones Road
New Hill, NC 27562
Parkers Creek campground
Parkers Creek Beach Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Poplar Point campground
558 Beaver Creek Road
Apex, NC 27502
Seaforth
Seaforth Beach Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Vista Point campground
2498 N. Pea Ridge Road
Pittsboro, NC 27312
White Oak recreation area
White Oak Beach Road
Apex, NC 27523
Lake Norman
Located just outside of Charlotte, this lake is perfect for a quick day trip or even a vacation with your loved ones! Lake Norman is known as North Carolina’s largest man-made lake and is perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, and any other water activities you love to enjoy! If you decide to stay for more than a day, there is so much to do in the historic surrounding area in Cornelius with different shops and boutiques, restaurants, and more! If you are new to the lake life and want to experience some time on a boat, they have boat rentals available in the area for you to try!
Lake James
Yet another gorgeous North Carolina State Park to visit this summer is Lake James located in Nebo, North Carolina! This secluded and peaceful area is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing in their CLEAR waters that cover the 6,812 acre lake. The park also consists of 33 campgrounds spread out throughout the park.
If you love to hike, they have that too! At Lake James there is about 25 miles worth of trails and about 15 of them are open to mountain biking! At the Paddy Creeks access they have paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks available for rental!
Paddy’s Creek Access
7321 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Catawba River Access and Park Office
2785 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Mailing address
P.O Box 340
Nebo, NC 28761
Hidden Cove Boat Ramp
3381 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Canal Bridge Boat Ramp
9182 N.C. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Kerr Lake
This state recreation area contains 50,000 acres of a reservoir that starts in North Carolina and stretches all the way to Virginia. There are over 100 camp sites in the state park that offer an incredible outdoor experience. There are also several beaches for swimming with boat access to provide the perfect day on the lake!
Satterwhite Point
6254 Satterwhite Point Road
Henderson, NC 27537
J.C Cooper Campground
20 Shoreline Lane
Henderson, NC 27537
Bullocksville
3050 Bullocksville Park Rd
Manson, NC 27553
County Line
200 County Line Park Road
Manson, NC 27553
Henderson Point
1427 Reverend Henderson Rd
Henderson, NC 27537
Hibernia
2041 Hibernia Road
Henderson, NC 27537
Kimball Point
460 Kimball Point Road
Manson, NC 27553
Nutbush Bridge
North Entrance
115 Jack Wade Farm Lane
Henderson, NC 27537
South Entrance
135 Jack Wade Farm Lane
Henderson, NC 27537