Camping in Lake Waccamaw State Park

Popular ways to camp

Camper favorites near Lake Waccamaw State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag reservations at sold-out campgrounds.
Get notified the instant a site becomes available, for free.
Van icon
Find all the best options
Access 12k+ public and private campgrounds—from public parks to blueberry farms.
Star icon
Book with confidence
Reserve community-vetted spots reviewed by 62k+ happy campers.

Stories from the community

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Waccamaw State Park

99%
(68)

Canter Lakes Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Rocky Point, NC
Canter Lakes Farm offers waterfront camping on 47 acres. We are a private horse farm with beautiful swimming lakes and river access on site via “Sand Hill Creek” At canter lakes farm you can explore over 10 acres of water without ever leaving our property, and hike almost 3 miles of manicured trails here! If you’re an early riser you can witness the magnificent steam rolling in over the lakes, creek and cypress swamp while you sip your coffee at sunrise. Bring your paddle boards and cruise, or warm up with sunny yoga on your private dock. Kayak or John boats can explore the river bends from our property, or even make it out to the big wide cape fear. We are very close to two public boat ramps suitable for larger boats and jet skis. Holly Shelter boat ramp is literally 2 minutes away, Shelter Creek boat ramp is 10 minutes away. Both ramps have a fishing area and allow kayaks/paddle boards. Fishing is good on our ponds and the river year round, (bass, catfish, crappie, bowfin, gar, etc) in June hundreds of wild blueberry plants you can pick and eat. We also have prickly pear cacti for harvesting which you can cook the fruit and paddles over the fire and enjoy. If our trails aren’t enough and you want more adventure, just two miles away is the Holly Shelter game lands entrance where you’ll find thousands of acres for hunting, biking, hiking or horseback riding. And if you’re craving a beach day, Wrightsville beach is just a 30 minute drive away as well as is downtown Wilmington where you can enjoy walking the riverfront for shopping or dining. Stargazing galore! Surrounding the property is privately owned country land- this is a phenomenal place to be amazed by the stars. Photography lovers will be in heaven from the sunrises and sunsets golden hour is magical here! And with the diverse landscape there’s always something to capture. Tent camping or dry rv camping only at this time. Hot Shower, sink and full size toilet are provided in the bath house. No feeding of the horses allowed, or entering fencing. campers are welcome to visit or partake in farm experience with permission. If you’re looking for a yummy bite to eat we recommend chilitos, about 10 minutes away, for some authentic Mexican food! •Nearest gas station, grocery store and restaurants are in Rocky Point, just 12 minutes from us. •Wrightsville Beach - 30-40 minutes depending on traffic •Surf City/Topsail - 35 minutes •Hampstead- 15 minutes •Jacksonville - 38 minutes •Downtown Wilmington - 30 minutes (riverfront/live oak bank pavilion) •urgent care address: 7910 US hwy 117, Rocky point. (10 minutes from our farm) “novant health express care”.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$47
 / night

Camp Near Wilmington

1 site · RV1 acre · Leland, NC
Partially cleared private land with a gravel parking spot. Glamp in your rv and enjoy the countryside. Yes! Only 15 minutes away from downtown Wilmington. Go walk the riverfront, take a riverboat ride, visit a brewery and definitely go to see the battleship! This site is also a short drive to Wrightsville Beach approximately 20 minutes. (Going In yet another direction) The land is a twenty minute drive to charming Southport with shops, restaurants and the chance to see dolphins! Several movies have been filmed in the area. Also nearby you can go to see the Oak Island lighthouse. You can take the ferry from Southport to Bald Head island, ride golf carts and see the Bald Head Island Lighthouse and learn about saving turtles. Visit Carolina Beach (also known as Pleasure Island) which has a boardwalk, arcades, Brit’s donuts and the marina which offers boat cruises. Kure beach is and Carolina beach are both within about a thirty minute drive. On down the road from Kure beach is Historic Fort Fisher and the NC Aquarium. Adventure awaits at whichever direction you choose. Please note that this camp site has no septic, no electric. You can camp with an RV and a generator. There’s no dumpster. Please keep site clean. There is a Community dock nearby (in walking distance from the site) that takes you through a trail in the woods and all the way to a beautiful view of the river! The site is tucked in with farmland but a short drive to conveniences. Lyft rides are available from the site to nightlife in downtown Wilmington!
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(161)

Green Acres Private Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRIC or NO WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO ELECTRICAL OR WATER HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Primitive Tent and Boondock Camping NO HOOKUPS Portable Pottie Available To Rent Located minutes from Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach and Calabash! Located Between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach! Minutes away from Beaches, Attractions, Shops and Dining! Private and secluded grass-covered fields perfect for Boondocking and Tent Camping. Each site has a Picnic Table, Umbrella, Firepit and Complementary Citronella Oil Lamp. Pets are welcome! 5 gal Camp Showers available to Rent. Communal BBQ Grills. (Charcoal Not Included) Portable Pottie Available To Rent. Goods and Supplies available for Purchase or Rent during booking checkout. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!! For upcoming event schedules, specials and discounts! NEARBY DUMP STATIONS: *Brunswick Beaches Camping Resort 7200 KOA Drive Southwest Sunset Beach, North Carolina 28468 1-910-579-7562 M-Sat. 9am-4:30pm, Sun. 9am-2:30pm $20.00 Fee ____________ *Myrtle Beach State Park Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575 1-843-238-5325 Water: Yes $5.00 Fee ____________ *Willow Tree Resort 520 Southern Sights Drive Longs, S.C. 29568 1-866-207-2267 $15.00 Fee ** Trailer Campers, Please Spray Your Undercarriages, Tires And Ground Supports With Outdoor Ant Spray Before and Upon Arriving.**
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
88%
(25)

Wander Inn Campers, Backpackers, RV

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Rocky Point, NC
Located right off of i-40 exit408; on HWY 210, Wander Inn and kick it like a local; hippest beach vibes, charming amenities, chill spots, shade trees, hammocks, etc. Welcome to the long lost, not even a town, of Rocky Point; a ghost of a town in the middle of everything🤙🏼🏕❤️😃🪵👍🏼❄️🛁 ******New for the 2023 Season******** Indoor hammock lodging. :) Indoor kitchen and toilet Indoor claw foot tub 🛁 *** (Looking for a long-term stay? Inquire within!)***** ****Also, we have NEW INDOOR VACATION RENTALS available for day/week/month rates starting June 2023!!!)******** Drop your stuff and head to the beach! Lounge in the shared spaces! Sweet communal kitchen and outdoor shower to make yourself at home! Wonderful location that is close to everything but secluded enough to enjoy nature! In just 20 minutes, you can be relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Wrightsville, Topsail, or Carolina Beach. In town, you'll also find a plethora of local and chain restaurants, bars, breweries, and clubs including axe throwing at “Axes n allies”. And for the kiddos, you'll find water parks, trampoline parks, arcades, go-cart racing, batting cages, lazer tag, and more! Soak in the sunshine; in one of our many hammock spots or the ultra comfy lawn furniture. Feel free to enjoy the whole property on foot and roll around in the grass if you feel like it! Shade trees everywhere for your enjoyment as well! Enjoy tons of biodiversity here at WanderInn. We have a multitude of native species to observe including edible herbs, pecans, and mulberries, Native wildflowers and pollinators, old growth trees, mushrooms and more. Many of the plant species are labelled throughout the yard making a walk around the property an enjoyable relaxing experience as well as a possible learning opportunity for nature lovers. Our property maintains a country feel, while still located just a (5 min.) bike ride or (2 min.) drive from: Gas, Food Lion, McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Wendy’s, Subway, Jade Garden, and (2) Mexican Restaurants. Other amenities located right nearby include Advanced Auto, Rocky Point Hardware Store, Tractor Supply, R.P Nail Salon, Veterinary Office, Gym, a small Farmers Market, and a truck stop. Just a 15 minute drive to the Historic town of Burgaw, North Carolina. Home of the annual Blueberry festival, which garners over 20,000 festival-goers each and every June. There, you’ll find a variety of unique antique shops, coffee, clothing, and food shoppes. As well as many historic homes, walking and bike trails, and an old train depot. Prefer the river? WanderInn is located just 10 minutes from several public accesses to the NE Cape Fear River. All types of boat, kayak, jet-ski, and board rentals nearby. On site: (1) surfboard for rent and (1) canoe coming soon. Or, BYOB (bring your own boat), we have plenty of space to turn around in the yard! Take a country drive to the nearby town of Atkinson, NC, where you can take a breathtaking walk or bike ride through the Moore’s Creek National Battlefield. No bikes, no problem - bike rentals found here. Located just 20 minutes from Wilmington International Airport. Whew - that was a-lot! Thanks for reading and let us know if you have any questions! Come on out and let us show you Rocky Point through the eyes of a true local.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$28
 / night
97%
(18)

A Tranquil Town Creek, Winnabow, NC

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Leland, NC
Three acres of dispersed camping availability ideal for RVs, or your own tent. No RV hook-ups. Located on Town Creek with water access and centrally located for your New Hanover and Brunswick County adventures! Where? Winnabow, NC 34.1601120, -78.0936740 On site amenities: Port-a-potty and trash can. We can also guide you to fresh water or arrange for 5-gallon increments if you need for washing hands or dishes. (Solar camp shower coming soon) Where to eat and what to do? • 5 miles from Leland, NC restaurants and grocery stores - please inquire for a list of recommendations (Leland has some gems!!!) • 11 miles from the USS North Carolina Battleship • 12 miles from Historic downtown Wilmington and even more fine dining options. Choose your own beach adventure! We are an equal distance from the best beaches in New Hanover and Brunswick county, NC • 22 miles from Wrightsville Beach (New Hanover) • 22 miles from Oak Island (Brunswick) • 18 miles from Southport. (Brunswick) • 18 miles from historic Moore’s Creek National Battlefield - the site of the first victory of the Revolutionary War. • 61 miles from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (1hr 15min drive) We keep the 2-acre open field mowed and clear for dispersed camping, with options for full sun, or partial shade for those warm afternoons. Park your RV, or pitch your own tent on level ground and enjoy water access for your personal canoe or kayak (at your own risk.) On site leisure activities: Horseshoes (disc golf on request) fresh water catch and release fishing. Come enjoy primitive Eastern NC camping at its finest - pack it in/pack it out applies for our guests. Again, we do have a trash bin on site. Easy Access off US 17 Benson Road NE. A privately maintained Dirt Road located off Zion Church Road - driving through the grass is also an option if you don’t feel comfortable driving the dirt road.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30.88
 / night

Other options near Lake Waccamaw State Park

Camping in Lake Waccamaw State Park guide

Overview

About

Lake Waccamaw State Park is one of those places you go to just to look around. That’s not to say there aren’t activities to do here, but the nature and wildlife are so stunning that little else is going to be more exciting than simply taking in your surroundings. Lake Waccamaw is one of the most ecologically unique places in the world. Many endemic species of plants and animals call this, and only this place, home. Talk about spreading your wings, these guys haven’t left home for millions of years!

No trip to Lake Waccamaw is complete without checking out the Green Swamp, which contains a few of the area’s rarest plants and animals. When you’ve finally explored to your heart’s content, you can try your hand at fishing or grab yourself a campsite. You may not be one of the endemic species, but you can pretend for a night.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Lake Waccamaw State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are quieter but cooler, so pack accordingly.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and bring insect repellent to enhance your comfort amid the wilderness.
  • Ensure you have a valid fishing license if you plan to fish in the park's waters.
  • Day-use areas are open from 8:30am to 5pm, so plan your activities within these times.
  • Accessibility varies across the park; contact the park office for specific information on accessible trails and facilities.
100%
2 ratings · 1 review
  1. Lake Waccamaw State Park