If you're like most people, then the anticipation of the first camping trip of the season sends chills of excitement up your spine as the weather warms up each spring. There's nothing more satisfying and nostalgic than re-creating all those summer camping trips we took as kids to beautiful campgrounds in North Carolina - or the many more magical weekends we spent on similar trips with our own children. One great spot for such an activity is to partake in a little Jordan Lake Campground. Let's take a look at Poplar Point Campground in North Carolina, where you can join 2000 of your closest friends for some fantastic Jordan Lake camping.

If you were raised here in the Tar Heel State, then chances are good that you've spent a weekend or two somewhere on Jordan Lake if you're a camping enthusiast.

The nearly 14,000-acre lake was created 45 years ago and has since become a major source of summer recreation for natives and visitors alike. Some may say that a day at Jordan Lake is like a day in paradise.

In 1982, more than 5,000 acres along the shores of Jordan Lake were turned into a North Carolina State Park.

Today, the state park has numerous access points all around the lake — and one of them, in particular, transforms each summer into the size of a small town.

With 579 lakeside campsites, the Poplar Point Access campground at Jordan Lake is by far the largest of the campgrounds surrounding the lake. So it is safe to say there are plenty of Jordan Lake campsites at this campground.

At capacity, assuming each campsite has at least four persons, Poplar Point has an ever-changing population of 2,316 people, and that doesn't even include any four-legged family members.

Given the sheer size of the fun-loving crowds that descend upon Poplar Point each summer — combined with the lack of urban comforts like restaurants, stores, and other distractions...

It's probably a bit more accurate to say Poplar Point turns into a giant summer camp each year. It's a safe haven for retreating back to a time when life was simpler and we awoke each morning with no plans but to enjoy life to its fullest.

Camping at Poplar Point affords some of the very best views of Jordan Lake.

Most of the waterfront sites are those without electricity and one can truly get a sense of literally unplugging for the weekend.

The sites are spacious and you can always count on meeting a few new people with whom you, at the least, have a love for the great outdoors — and camping — in common.

As for amenities, Poplar Point boasts more than one place where you can dip your toes (and more) in the water.

The parks system doesn't promote swimming because there are no lifeguards on duty (swim at your own risk!), but a visit to the sandy shores of Dolde Beach is a perfect way to spend the day. Poplar Point also boasts a couple of boat ramps that are for the use of camping guests only. Picnic shelters are in place, as well as playgrounds for the kids.

This map of JUST the Poplar Point Campground at Jordan Lake gives you an idea of how much the population swells during the summer months after the campground opens the gates for the season.

Even though there are 579 campsites, you'll want to get reservations early if you want to be a part of the unofficial small town at Poplar Point this year! While looking for places to camp in North Carolina we would suggest you keep this one on your radar.

Get an overview of what’s available at Jordan Lake:

I guess you could say this place is very "Poplar!" Poplar Point Campground at Jordan Lake is open seasonally. Some loops in the campground open as early as March, while others don't open until mid-May. Some sites are available for reservations in advance. Other sites are set aside for walk-up only. If you are in need of a camper then please reach out to our friends at RV Share to rent one for your trip. Now who is ready for some Jordan Lake camping?

Has anyone been camping at Jordan Lake before? Let us know what you think.

If you're planning multiple camping trips this season, don't pass up a chance to spend the weekend tubing at this river campground in North Carolina!