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The best camping near Lake Wateree State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Wataree adventure.

80% (6 reviews)
80% (6 reviews)

Enjoy on plenty of water-based activities with a name like Wateree.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Wateree State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Wateree State Park

97%
(177)

Private Oasis In The Forest

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Lancaster, SC
Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others!
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(162)

Rosewood Farm and Agripark

100 sites ¡ Lodging200 acres ¡ Winnsboro, SC
Rosewood Farm and Agripark is my home. I honestly had about the most amazing childhood one could have on this very land! We hunted, fished, made mud pies and played outside for hours, as long as we were in shouting distance for supper time! I am so fortunate to be the daughter of two amazing parents, who had a dream to build a working farm from nothing more than a logging trail in the woods. They built a 3 story, 10,000 square foot house by themselves- while raising a family! We have 200 acres of farmland that features rolling hills, multiple ponds, creeks, farm animals, show horses and countless wildlife viewing opportunities. Wild turkey and deer roam free all over the farm, coveys of dove fly out from the pastures and trails, and coyotes howl in the night. Listen to the frogs croaking, crickets chirping and whipporwhills calling every evening under a magical blanket of stars. Take a guided horseback ride or nature hike through the trails that meander through the woods around the park. Our newest venture is to offer primitive camping and some cabin rentals around our 60 acre Agripark! For those wanting to step it up a notch, we have erected a large concrete floor, covered event barn (for parties, family reunions, weddings, cowboy church, etc..,) and also a huge petting zoo barn with an area behind it for pony rides and 4-h/FFA functions. Also, a special historic Iron Horse miniature train and one mile of track has been purchased to go around the park! A greenhouse is being erected next, that will teach people about aquaponics and hydroponics! We have a rock wall, jumping pillow and many inflatables for the littles to enjoy too! Many things are on the immediate horizon for this special property. While we are under heavy construction at the moment in some areas of the park, many amenities are currently available. Why not unplug from the daily grind and spend time with those that matter most? My goal is to make this land as magical for your family as it has been for mine!
from 
$80
 / night
100%
(18)

Beautiful Lake Camping

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Great Falls, SC
Lake Wateree, a 13,250-acre lake with unspoiled natural views, was created by the damming of the Wateree River in 1920. It is located about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, just east of I-77. The lake is owned and managed by Duke Power and is surrounded by three counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. One of South Carolina's oldest man-made lakes, Lake Wateree is known for crappie, bass, catfish, and bream fishing. The 242 miles of shoreline include a bird refuge, the Lake Wateree State Recreation Area and State Park, and Carolina Adventure World for Recreational ATV and dirt bike riding. All these amenities are only a few miles from this site. There are many eclectic little towns to visit and shop when you are not spending time swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle boating, fishing,or just sitting around the fire or hanging out on your own private dock and island. Learn more about this land: Lakefront RV site with private dock and lots of amenities. Acres of solitude and nature. The ideal getaway unlike any other. This is your own oasis on a large cove with a private island and an expanse of nature that opens up to the lake. Bring your boat, there is a nearby boat ramp. Pets must be contained or leashed at all times. Pets are welcome but one must adhere to the leash rule for safety. Though this site has an open ambiance, there are other homes in the area with their own pets and there are large birds of prey.
from 
$75
 / night
98%
(44)

Lucky Farms Under the Stars

16 sites ¡ RVs, Tents15 acres ¡ Edgemoor, SC
Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our private woods with your own fire pit or set up your camper alongside our trees. 6acres of wooded area with walking trails to forage and explore and 7acre field for playing. My husband and I both love to cook/bake so if you're up for dinner by the fire getting to know new people, we highly recommend our Saturday Dinner in the lobby. We also have private fire pits set up at most of the sites if you'd prefer to keep to yourself. -grills, charcoal or gas, are available upon request. We're more than happy to customize your experience if you have something special in mind. If you want to hang out and have a good time getting to know new people, we can make that happen. Or if you'd rather be left alone for some peace, were good with that too. Instagram: LuckyFarms.LiveHappy
from 
$20
 / night
87%
(15)

The Goodson Forest Estate

273 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:Experience the Garden of Eden. This forest is in a safe environment with all it's beauty and Glory. Get lost without getting lost. Civilization on every side. Paradise within. Come see and feel the love. Positive Energy. 
from 
$35
 / night
100%
(189)

Camping on Pipers Pond

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Eastover, SC
Learn more about this land: Watch the sun and moon rise over the pond from the grassy knoll in the edge of the woods or under the trees. Enjoy paddling around the pond, fishing and watching the ducks and geese during the day and relaxing around the fire pit at night. We offer 2 campsites on the pond on our private property. They are both slightly sloped.  Site 1 is on the grassy knoll overlooking the pond. It is sunny early in the day and gets shady as the day progresses. It is closer to the outhouse. Site 2 is under the trees and right beside the pond. It gets spotty sun throughout the day. We live through the woods past the campsites. An outhouse with composting toilet, potable water, picnic table, grill, fire pit, fire wood and trash can are provided. Please note that we do not offer a 30 amp camper hookup, only a 15 amp electrical cord running from our house that will run lights, but not a/c or heat.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(12)

Norman Farms

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Richburg, SC
Come visit our homestead and experience the beauty of nature. Our property is home to many fruit trees, including peach, fig, persimmon, and mulberry. We also have blueberry bushes and other fruit trees such as apples and plums. Our farm is home to sheep and chickens, so you can experience the joy of interacting with these animals. We have a spot for one RV and multiple spots for dry camping, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. Come pick mulberries in our orchard or learn about the variety of plants in our greenhouse. We are located in Richburg, SC, which is a beautiful rural setting that you won't want to miss. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of our homestead.
from 
$20
 / night
100%
(7)

Wateree Recreation

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Ridgeway, SC
Learn more about this land: All 3 campsites have firepits. The first site (Hill View-edge of woods) has an emergency shelter in case of rain. The second sight (Gully View) is in the woods. The 3rd site (Branch View) is in the deep woods by a creek. All 3 have water barrels and benches. It is 10 minutes to South Carolina's oldest inland city, historic Camden and 6 minutes from Lake Wateree (about 240 miles of shoreline). Activities include hiking, bird watching (binoculars and book available), artifact hunting, and targets for knives, axes, archery and short-range weapons. Botanical and historical tours are available.
from 
$40
 / night
93%
(35)

Kaleidoscope Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents33 acres ¡ Columbia, SC
Our land is family land that has been untouched for years but we are restoring back to a farm and horse rescue. There is an old cemetery here, creeks, hills and valleys. It's beautiful. Wildlife can be seen in the woods. The highway used to run through the woods many years ago but got moved. Learn more about this land: We have 38 acres with hills and valleys. There is an old dirt and gravel road lined with trees, a natural spring that usually has water, large rocks, a very old cemetery, wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers and blackberries depending on the time of the year. Our house and land have been in my family over 100 years. Lots of history! Come out and visit and enjoy nature! Deer and turkey are active now too! We have grills for you to use, a picnic table, swings and fire pits.
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$25
 / night
100%
(59)

Christina's Paradise

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents5 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:Enjoy your stay at my cozy paradise. Take a swim in the pool or a morning walk around our circular driveway. 10 laps equal 2 miles, Or just enjoy your quiet time at the adult swing section.
from 
$75
 / night
99%
(98)

Dennis & Melissa's Hidden Creek

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents230 acres ¡ Hartsville, SC
Our 230+ acre family cow farm most of which was purchased 60 years ago by my father and mother. My two siblings and me were raised here and later bought joining land that now makes up the 230+acres. We all still live on the farm with our families. We all enjoy the peace and quiet that you will find here. Sounds of our cows, wildlife and the occasional rumble of a distant train is all you will hear on our farm. Our Hidden Creek is fun to hike to and cool your tired feet.Learn more about this land:Enjoy your privacy on our 40+ acres of farm and forest trails. 10 minutes from groceries and gas, 15 minutes from a small town. We are surrounded by farmland and forest. There are a few different attractions 5 - 10 minutes away (lake Robinson) it has a boat landing and plenty of fish, (Carolina Sandhills national wildlife refuge)it has plenty of hiking trails and roads perfect for bicycling, small mountain called (Sugarloaf Mountain)perfect for hiking. Local peach/strawberry farm (McLeod farm) with produce/gift shop/free museum/restaurant called (Big's), they have pick your own strawberries in the spring and early summer. In nearby Hartsville and Cheraw there are several golf courses and places for Kayak rentals. Neptune Island waterpark in Hartsville.   We have a hidden Creek that is fun to hike to by way of a trail. Small pond for fishing, plenty of room for hiking and bike riding ( grassy, sandy, rolling hills). Beautiful hills to camp on and watch an unobstructed view of the Carolina sunset and sunrise that peak through wooded acreage. Choose a tent camp location or pull/drive your RV/camper right near our cow pasture and watch the cows graze. Fresh drinking water at campsites. Bathroom and sun heated shower. Pick wild blackberries in early summer and wild grapes in late summer early fall, and we may share some of our home made jellies with you. We welcome family groups year round. At night enjoy the sounds of wildlife while watching the highly visible twinkling stars and tracing the many constellations and if lucky see a shooting star or two. 
from 
$30
 / night
92%
(13)

Too Many Oaks Plantation

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Swansea, SC
We have 21 acres in the sand hills of Calhoun county just outside Columbia S C. Apply named Too Many Oaks Plantation, a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy time in your hammock reading by day and a roaring bonfire by night, We are planting a small mixed fruit orchard and building a chicken coop and garden to enjoy fresh eggs and whatever is in season. Close to Columbia ( 30 minutes ) for a nice trip to the zoo or a float down the Saluda River with Adventure Carolina. A perfect mix of nice and quite but still close to town.
from 
$25
 / night

The best camping near Lake Wateree State Park guide

Overview

About

Travel to Desportes Island 4 miles north Ridgeway for fun at any time of year. Fishing and boating rule the day thanks to a tackle shop, refueling dock, and boat ramp on-site. Cast your line alongside pros, because this lake hosts numerous fishing tournaments every year.

Choose from bream, catfish, crappie, and bass. Land a trophy of all four species if you find a sweet fishing spot. The lake covers 19 square miles and there's plenty of room for everyone. If you don't have a boat, you can fish from the shore of the state park.

Discover the Desportes Island with the 2.3-mile loop trail. Scout out your perfect fishing spot not far from your campsite, and see plenty of trees on your hike.

Explore the north side of the lake to encounter Great Falls on the Catawba River. Whitewater enthusiasts love to shoot the rapids here.

The campground harbors 72 paved sites for both RVs and tents. Fifteen sites have waterfront views, so the lake's waves can lull you to sleep.

Notable campgrounds

  • Waterfront Campsites - Enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Wateree right from your tent or RV at one of the 23 waterfront campsites.
  • Paved RV Sites - Set up your home away from home on one of the 100 paved sites, designed to accommodate even large RVs with ease.
  • Wooded Campsites - For a more secluded camping experience, choose a spot amid the park's wooded areas, offering both privacy and shade.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your preferred campsite, especially if you're eyeing one of the popular waterfront spots.
  • Consider visiting during the off-peak season for greater availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on the park's website for any last-minute cancellations that could open up a spot.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Lake Wateree is fully booked, as the surrounding area offers additional opportunities.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Wateree State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winter visitors can enjoy quieter surroundings, but note that the tackle shop operates on reduced hours and the lake level may be low due to dam construction.

Know before you go

  • Check the latest park news for updates on lake levels and construction that may affect your visit.
  • Park hours are from sunrise to sunset, with the office open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and 7am to 5pm on weekends.
  • Admission fees are $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors, and $1 for children aged 6-15; those 5 and under enter free.
  • Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas, but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
  • Remember, there is no wifi available in the park, so plan accordingly for a digital detox.

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