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    McLaughlin Park

    5.0 (1 review)

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    5 years ago

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    Jones Lake State Park

    Jones Lake State Park

    4.1(16 reviews)
    41.1 mi

    Jones Lake State Park is a peaceful well‑kept place to camp and explore. The campground is small…read morebut usually easy to get a spot in, and the whole area is taken care of really well including the bathhouse, which is clean and maintained better than a lot of larger parks. The trail around the lake is an easy but rewarding walk. There's no elevation to worry about, just about five miles of flat, quiet trail with plenty of scenery. It's the kind of hike where you can relax and enjoy the water, the trees, and the quiet without feeling rushed. Just make sure you bring bug spray this is a large lake with standing water which is a perfect breeding ground for bugs. The park also has a fishing dock and a small boat launch that's perfect for kayaks and similar setups. One of the best things about Jones Lake is how quiet it is. You're away from crowds, away from noise, and it actually feels like you get space to breathe. Interesting fact (at least to me) Jones Lake State Park was established in 1939, and it holds an important place in North Carolina history. It was the first state park developed specifically for Black Americans during segregation its cultural significance is still a big part of its identity today. The nearby town of Elizabethtown has a quaint little downtown with a few local restaurants. There's not a ton going on, but it's a pleasant place to stop before or after your time at the park.

    This was the first state park that we took our camper to and it went really well. It was easy to…read morereserve online but book early if you want an electric/water hookup. I booked a week before so we had a primitive site. The sites are spacious, clean and well-spaced out with plenty of recycling and trash areas. It was contactless check-in so we just pulled in. The bathhouse was also clean and large. Our site, #19 was listed as partial shade but it only got shade late afternoon. Next time, I'd probably choose another site but it was hard to tell from the photos online. We walked the Bay trail which was 4 miles. The path was a mix of woods then a sandy open path. Only about 1miles is near the lake and some areas were really muddy. It had good signage along the way. The fishing pier was also a nice spot for lake views. They also have a swimming area and kayak/canoe rental but wasn't open mid-April. There are tons of picnic tables and shelters here and plenty of parking for guests. We'd definitely come back here.

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    Jones Lake State Park
    Jones Lake State Park
    Jones Lake State Park

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    McLaughlin Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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