The best camping in Lake Wateree State Park, SC

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Camper favorites near Lake Wateree State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Dennis & Melissa's Hidden Creek

99%
(185)
41mi from Lake Wateree State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Hartsville, SC
Our 400 acre family cow and pine tree 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 400 acres. We all still live on the farm with our families 1.4 mile down a dirt and gravel road. 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 a short fun hike to cool your tired feet. Wide hiking paths all the way around our property if you would like a long hike. Learn more about this land: Enjoy your privacy on our 400 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 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night

Rosewood Farm and Agripark

99%
(185)
15mi from Lake Wateree State Park · 100 sites · Lodging · 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 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 greenhouse is being erected next, that will teach people about aquaponics and hydroponics! 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$80
 / night

Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

100%
(37)
49mi from Lake Wateree State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Charlotte, NC
This 2.5 acre, partially wooded lot is located on a secluded cove of Lake Wylie. Campers can enjoy the lakeview, lake access, a spacious dock, swimming area, fishing, kayaking, and other lake activities! [This camping spot includes a communal or private fire pit as well as access to a gas grill.] Additionally, this lot is within driving distance to many local attractions listed below. This property is BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)! There are 2 boat landings within 5 miles of the property, campers are more than welcome to tie up their boat to the on-site dock and park their trailer on the property. Pets are welcome, however note that the property owner has a cat and small dog on site. Pets need to be well behaved and not aggressive to other animals. Cleaning up after your pet in the lawn areas is required. The property owner (Teresa) lives on-site in a cabin between the camping pad and the lake. Local attractions within driving distance include: -Copperhead Island (5 miles) -McDowell Park/Nature Preserve (5 miles) -Carowinds Theme Park (5 miles) -Charlotte Premium Outlets (5 miles) -Whitewater Center (10 miles) -David Stowe Botanical Garden (15 miles) -Uptown Charlotte (15 miles) -Charlotte Motor Speedway (25 miles)
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night

Other options near Lake Wateree State Park

The best camping in Lake Wateree State Park, SC 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.
80%
6 ratings · 2 reviews