Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground sits on the shores of North Carolina's largest Carolina Bay lake, offering both primitive and developed camping options across five well-spaced sites. Campers can drive directly to their sites, though sites 2-5 require a quarter-mile walk from the parking area to reach flush toilets and water fountains. The campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs, while maintaining a rustic atmosphere within the sandy pine forest.
The lake draws many visitors for its exceptionally shallow, warm waters that extend several hundred yards from shore. Anglers find good fishing opportunities, while the swimming dock provides easy water access from site 1. Multiple hiking trails wind through the area, ranging from a three-quarter-mile nature trail to a four-mile lakeside route. Courtney B. notes "It's rustic, but relaxing" while describing the sounds of bullfrogs, peepers, and owls throughout the night.
Sites maintain significant distance from each other, ensuring privacy even when the campground reaches capacity. Mosquitoes and horse flies can be persistent, particularly during warmer months. The visitor center features exhibits on Carolina Bay ecology. Site 5 previously housed a yurt but now offers a platform suitable for large tents.
For different camping experiences, The Pine Tree Retreat provides additional options about eight miles west.
Description
Lake Waccamaw offers four primitive group camping areas nestled beneath the trees. Our fifth campsite is a yurt campsite with a permanent tent. Picnic tables, fire circles and charcoal grills are located in the sites and pit toilets are located nearby. Please be aware that these are hike-in campsites that do not have water or electricity onsite. All campers must check-in at the visitor center or with a ranger before occupying a campsite and must display a parking pass for overnight parking in the parking area.
WHITEVILLE, NC
The front gate is closed and locked at posted closing times for your protection. There will be no exiting or entering the gate after this time and the combination will NOT be given out. All visitors not spending the night will need to be out by closing time. If you leave the park and do not return before closing time, you will not be able to re-enter. If you have an emergency, see camp host. Please notify camp hosts for emergencies only.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLake Waccamaw State Park Campground is located in North Carolina
Directions
Lake Waccamaw State Park is located in Columbus County, 38 miles west of Wilmington and 12 miles east of Whiteville. From US 74, follow park signs. Take Old Lake Road south for .5 miles. Turn left on NC 214 for approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Jefferson Road and follow this road for 1 mile until the lake is in sight. Take a left on Bella Coola Road, following this road for 3 miles where you'll enter the park gate on the left.
Address
1866 State Park Dr
Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450
Coordinates
34.25754309 N
78.48670067 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/2/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 2 min from Wilmington, NC
- 1 hr 34 min from Myrtle Beach, SC
- 1 hr 38 min from Fayetteville, NC
- 1 hr 43 min from Jacksonville, NC
