Apex's town motto is "The Peak of Good Living," and while that sounds like small-town boosterism, the data backs it up — the town has been rated one of the best places to live in America multiple times. It sits in the western corner of the Research Triangle, 15 miles from Raleigh and within easy reach of Durham and Chapel Hill. But the reason RVers stop here isn't the universities or the tech corridor — it's Jordan Lake.
This 13,900-acre Army Corps of Engineers reservoir south of Apex has multiple campgrounds with dump stations, sandy swimming beaches, and some of the best freshwater boating and fishing in the Piedmont. The American Tobacco Trail — a 22-mile paved rail-trail — passes right through the area. And historic downtown Apex, centered on Salem Street, is a genuine small-town charmer that made the National Register of Historic Places.
With 4 dump stations across the Jordan Lake campgrounds and practical proximity to everything in the Triangle, Apex earns a stop.
Dump Stations
Four dump stations serve the area, all at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area campgrounds — Poplar Point, Crosswinds, and Parkers Creek each have dump stations on-site.
Browse all Apex area dump stations
Where to Camp
Jordan Lake — Poplar Point
The largest campground at Jordan Lake. Dump station on-site. Loop E is first-come, first-served. $40/night with hookups. Book 6 months in advance for summer weekends — Poplar Point fills fast from April through October. Showers, restrooms, and lake access.
Jordan Lake — Crosswinds
Dump station on-site. $40/night with hookups. Reserve through recreation.gov. A slightly quieter alternative to Poplar Point with the same lake access.
Jordan Lake — Parkers Creek
Loops 3-4 are walk-up/first-come. Dump station on-site. $40/night with hookups. Your best bet if you didn't plan ahead — the walk-up loops give you a chance at a site without a reservation, but arrive early on Friday for summer weekends.
Goody's RV Campground (Moncure)
A small private campground in Chatham County near Jordan Lake. An alternative when the state campgrounds are full.
Jordan Lake
13,900 acres of reservoir with swimming beaches, boating, fishing, and forested shoreline. The lake is large enough for sailing and power boating, and the fishing includes largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. Multiple boat ramps and designated swimming areas. Fill your fresh water tanks before arriving — potable water at the campgrounds is for registered guests only.
American Tobacco Trail
A 22-mile paved rail-trail built on the former American Tobacco Company railroad line, running from Durham through Chatham County. The surface is smooth and flat — perfect for biking, running, or walking. The White Oak Church Road trailhead can handle vehicles with trailers and has 24-hour access, making it a good leg-stretching stop even if you're just passing through.
Historic Downtown Apex
Salem Street is the heart of historic Apex — a National Register district with a circa-1912 train depot, independent shops, restaurants, and the Halle Cultural Arts Center (three galleries, a theater, and community programming). Walkable and pleasant.
Parking note: Downtown street parking is tight. Larger RVs should park at the Walmart lot or a larger shopping centre and drive a smaller vehicle in.
Traffic & Navigation Warnings
The Triangle has grown rapidly, and Apex is in the thick of it. Some practical notes:
- Avoid US-64 and US-1 during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Commuter traffic is heavy.
- NC-540 (Triangle Expressway) is a toll road. Without a NC Quick Pass transponder, you'll be billed by plate at a higher rate.
- The Durham 11'8" low-clearance bridge (now raised to 12'4") is about 25 miles north. If heading into Durham, use I-40 or the Durham Freeway instead of surface streets near downtown. This bridge has destroyed countless overheight vehicles and has its own Wikipedia page.
When to Visit
| Season | Highs | Lows | What to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 72°F | 48°F | Dogwoods and azaleas. Lake warming. Campgrounds opening. Pleasant before summer humidity. |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 90°F | 68°F | Hot and humid. Lake swimming at its best. Book Jordan Lake 6 months ahead for weekends. |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | 72°F | 48°F | Comfortable. Fall colour in October. Crowds thin at the lake after Labor Day. |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 52°F | 30°F | Mild by northern standards. Some campground loops stay open year-round. Quiet lake season. |
RV Services
- RV Repair: D&H RV in Apex is the closest dedicated RV service shop. Appointment-only, closed weekends — plan repairs for weekdays.
- Fuel: Gas and diesel widely available along US-64 and US-1.
- Groceries: Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart in Apex.
Plan Your Apex Stop
Apex puts you on a 13,900-acre lake with three campgrounds, on a 22-mile rail-trail, and within day-trip range of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Just book Jordan Lake early — everyone in the Triangle has the same idea on summer weekends.
Browse all 4 Apex dump stations | All North Carolina dump stations
From the RVingLife Shop
