AROUND LEE BAYSDEN POND
March-October Office/Store opened most Saturdays and Sundays or open by Camping or Rental Reservations. We meet and greet all Camping and Cabin Reservations. (Camping and Cabin Reservations available year-round). The camp store is originally the Kitchen to the Baysden Home. You can still see Mr. Lee Baysden signature inside featuring his pay pond open date as June 1956. Inside we have basic fishing gear, Nightcrawlers and Redworms (Mike's Baits), fishing poles, pictures, drinks, ice creams, firewood, JCO Merchandise, and more. Fishing passes available through our easy pay system. ALL GUESTS MUST HAVE RESERVATIONS (Including Fishers, photographers)
We are privately owned and operated.
GUIDED HUNTS
Note: Guide services are currently paused as we are working towards further expanding and advancing the campground and may be looking for other hunt locations/leases.
As a Guide Service and the start of our business, we do offer seasonal guided hunts, mostly waterfowl. November-March. These are by reservation only and could be hosted around lake or on other leased properties. We have a preserve license and licensed and insured guides. Please email us to be added to our hunt information lists. We do have an in-house taxidermist, Scott Tabor of Troublesome Creek Taxidermy. We have a contact for a mobile butcher as well.
KAYAK & BOAT RENTALS
We welcome all guests to bring your kayaks and trolling boats out to the lake for a day or weekend of fishing or paddling around. No fees for camping guests. Boat Launch fee for non campers is $5.00 plus fishing pass fee. Kayaks launch free with JCO fishing passes.
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Rentals: We have several single kayaks at rates of $8.00/Hour or $40.00/Full day. (2) Canoes, (1) Tandem Kayak, (1) Peddle Boat, (1) Paddle Jon Boat at rates of $10.00/hour or $50.00/Full day rental. (These rates do not include the fishing passes) Rentals available by reservations ONLY.
FISHING & PASSES
Lee Baysden Pond offers many types of fishing. However, many guests love to enjoy our Monster Bass Fishing. Whether on Boat or Bank see if you have what it takes to catch one of our prized fish! Known species include Bass, Catfish, Bowfin, Bluegill. Crappie, Bream, and more. We had a NC Biologist out in May 2023 for fish surveys and pond management. We are catch and release only. Must have valid NC Fishing License and follow all boating and fishing regulations. We also have a JCO Pro Fishing team that helps us with tips on fishing, provides pictures for social media, helps with tournaments/events, and pond management projects.
JCO Fishing passes available online (message us on Facebook, email us, text us, or send us a message through the website to get into our email invoicing system for easy passes and payments. Once you are in our system you can receive newsletters and event information too.) for non-campers at a daily rate. Hours are sunrise-dark. Ages 14 and up $10.00, ages 6-13 $5.00, and ages 5 and under always FREE.
Places to Check Out
If you are looking nearby places to visit while you stay, we have several recommendations. At JCO created our own tourism circuit. The Country Barn, a local Mennonite run store with sandwiches, treats, and so much more. Mike's Farm, restaurant, winery, NC products barn, gift shop, hayrides, events and more. Duplin Winery, take a tour, wine tasting, and restaurant. Huffman's Vineyard has a food truck and events on weekends. Walton's Distillery for moonshine samples and tours. Southern Breeze Seafood Truck and Market and Richlands Cajun market also just minutes away. Try the Farmhouse in Beulaville or Triple C Sweets in Richlands for Mason jar Ice Creams and Shakes. Take a drive to Jacksonville for the only waterfront dining at Capt. bob Beck's Marina Cafe and book a boat Charter with Just Got Reel. The Marina Cafe also offers Sunset Cruises. The Military Memorials in Jacksonville, Nc is a sight to see. Take a short drive to the beach. We are 45 minutes from Surf City, NC and only an hour to Wilmington, NC. There are many other great small businesses within the area we could recommend visiting or eat at! Check out our detailed Blog for more information!
JCO's Float Cabin boasts warm wood colors, textures, and a fishing theme. Covered front porch with chairs and tiki lights, Full Bathroom, and Kitchenette. Queen Bed, gas logs, and TV/Wi-Fi included. Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and paddle out on the Canoe included. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or seeking a peaceful place to unwind. This cabin is sure to be what you need.
Congratulations: The Terry's
Ditch the long guest list and choose gorgeous backdrops of the Lake and A-frame Cabin. Available for your honeymoon stay and wedding pictures within our Canoe. We have a list of preferred vendors and collaborators to make your Nature Inspired Wedding Special. We would love to consult you on your wedding desires!
Photography Credits:
Keypoint Media