Jordan Recreation Area, Jordan, AR

Introduction / Overview: The Ultimate Norfork Lake Basecamp

For Arkansas families, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts, the Jordan Recreation Area Campground is truly where the fun begins on Norfork Lake. Far more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent, this destination combines a high-quality campground with the full-service convenience of a lakeside marina, creating an all-in-one vacation hub that is beloved by locals who return year after year. As one enthusiastic customer noted, they are there "EVERY summer!" because of the amazing array of offerings.

Nestled in the rolling hills and forested areas of the Ozark Mountains, the Jordan Campground provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. It serves as an ideal base for exploring Norfork Lake’s clear waters, which are nationally famous for their scuba diving, fishing, and boating opportunities. With direct access to Jordan Marina, campers are never far from everything they need for a memorable lake adventure, from essential supplies to a full-day's worth of water activities. This location is designed for those who want to maximize their time on the water and create lasting family memories right here in Arkansas.

Whether you're looking to anchor your rig near the water's edge, rent a boat for a day of tubing, or explore the legendary underwater rock formations, the Jordan Recreation Area is positioned as the central point for your Ozarks aquatic getaway.

Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Convenience in the Ozarks

The Jordan Recreation Area Campground is situated on the eastern side of Norfork Lake, providing visitors with picturesque views and easy, direct access to the water. The location is remote enough to feel like a true escape into the Arkansas wilderness yet connected enough to be easily reached by vehicle.

Address: 2923 Jordan Landing Rd, Jordan, AR 72519, USA

The campground is located approximately three miles from Highway 177, at the end of Jordan Landing Road (Baxter County 70). This positioning ensures that traffic is primarily composed of other campers and lake visitors, maintaining a quiet, recreational focus.

Key accessibility benefits include:

Direct Lake Access: Campers are right on Norfork Lake, with an on-site boat launch to get personal watercraft into the water quickly.
Proximity to Attractions: The campground is conveniently located near Norfork Lake’s famous features, including the natural white-sand beach of Sand Island, which is only accessible by boat, and numerous rock-exploring coves ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Mountain Home Drive: While providing a secluded experience, the main services and supplies of Mountain Home, AR, are a reasonable drive away for major grocery or supply runs.
Pristine Waters: Being situated on Norfork Lake means immediate access to some of the cleanest, clearest water in the Ozarks, perfect for all water-based recreation.

Services Offered at Jordan Campground and Marina

The combination of the campground and the adjacent Jordan Marina ensures a comprehensive suite of services that cater to every camper’s need, from utility hookups to full recreational support.

Campsites with Utilities: The campground features approximately 30 campsites with water and electric hookups, essential for RV and trailer camping comfort.
Tent Camping: Primitive, non-reservable tent camping sites are available for those seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is located upon entering the campground for convenient RV waste disposal.
Restrooms and Showers: Centrally located facilities with flush toilets and showers are provided for the convenience and comfort of all guests.
Full-Service Marina: Jordan Marina, located next door, is a massive amenity, offering fuel, overnight boat slips, houseboat slips, and a full convenience store for snacks, ice, and camping necessities.
Food Service: The marina features casual dining options, serving up treats like pizza, ice cream, and slushes—a perfect treat after a long day on the lake.
Recreational Rentals: A wide variety of rentals are available from the marina, including pontoon boats (some with upper decks and slides), ski boats, large pontoons for groups, jet skis, paddle boards, and fishing boats.

Features / Highlights: Dive, Fish, and Play

The biggest highlights of the Jordan Recreation Area are tied directly to the exceptional quality of Norfork Lake and the unparalleled access provided by the on-site marina.

Diving and Snorkeling Hub: The area is widely recognized as a top scuba diving destination, hosting a PADI full-service dive shop with equipment rentals and lessons. Divers flock here for the over 30 dive sites, including natural formations, underwater playgrounds, and a fun, submerged school bus.
Family Adventure Center: The marina and campground are extremely family-friendly, offering fun items like pontoon boats with slides, jet skis, and an annual underwater treasure hunt, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
The Bluffs and Coves: The natural bluffs in the area offer spots for safe, water-level dependent 'cliff jumping' and provide numerous coves with abundant rocks, perfect for snorkeling and exploring the incredibly clear lake bottom.
Sand Island Access: The campground is a prime spot for launching your boat to visit Sand Island, the lake’s only natural white-sand beach, a highly popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Water and Electric Sites: A solid percentage of sites offer the necessary electric and water hookups, providing the desired comfort level for modern campers while being immersed in nature.
Exceptional Fishing: Norfork Lake is renowned for its fishing, and being based at Jordan provides immediate access to its deep waters, teeming with various sport fish.

Contact Information

Reservations for campsites and rentals are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer season, due to the site's immense popularity among Arkansas vacationers.

Address: 2923 Jordan Landing Rd, Jordan, AR 72519, USA

Phone (Jordan Marina/Campground): (870) 499-7348 (Also listed as Mobile Phone: +1 870-499-7348)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Local Arkansas Users

The Jordan Recreation Area Campground is perfectly suited for Arkansas locals because it provides an accessible, yet fully immersive, Ozarks lake experience. For families, the convenience of having both a campground and a full-service marina in one location—offering everything from ice cream and pizza to boat rentals and dive gear—makes vacation planning effortless. It allows you to spend less time driving and more time creating those irreplaceable summer memories on the water.

For the serious local fisherman or water sports enthusiast, Jordan offers a strategic, well-equipped basecamp with a boat launch and essential hookups, ensuring your focus remains on the lake's world-class activities. The community feel, the stunning clarity of the water for diving and snorkeling, and the guaranteed fun factor of the marina’s rentals make this a consistently sought-after destination. The Jordan Recreation Area is more than just a campground; it’s a treasured, family-friendly summer tradition in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks.