Lake Waccamaw sits within a 10-mile-wide natural depression known as a Carolina Bay, formed thousands of years ago. The lake maintains a shallow depth of approximately 7.5 feet and covers 8,938 acres with sandy shores and acidic waters. Campgrounds surrounding Lake Waccamaw offer diverse terrain from pine forests to open lakefront settings, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The shallow waters around Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provide accessible fishing. According to one camper, "We kayaked and fished while we were here. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty." Sites are primitive but well-maintained.
Water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Daddy Joe's offers extensive water recreation for families. A visitor notes, "Plenty of stuff to do and the ability to relax when needed! My son loves it and we go here regularly! Super friendly staff!" The park includes splash pads and swimming pools.
Beach exploration: Holden Beach RV Campground provides convenient beach access. "This is a really nice campground the staff is very friendly and helpful camp is clean I will definitely stay at this campground again," reports a recent visitor. A free trolley takes campers to nearby beaches and restaurants.
Bird watching: The natural areas around Lake Waccamaw attract diverse bird species. Campers at Brunswick Beaches RV Resort mention hearing "many bird songs at sunrise and Whip poor will calls at sunset every night." The nearby Bird Island nature preserve is accessible from Sunset Beach for day trips.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Waccamaw State Park offers well-spaced camping sites. A camper explains, "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night. We had two neighbors during our stay but never heard or saw them, except when coming and going from the site."
Full hookups and amenities: CarrollWoods RV Park at Grapefull Sisters Vineyard provides comprehensive facilities. "Beautiful, family owned campground. Large spacious and clean well organized sites. Picnic tables and BBQ grills on sites. Pull throughs. Winery with taste testing hours and wine to purchase," writes a satisfied visitor.
Shaded camping spots: Many campers appreciate the tree cover at Brunswick Beaches RV Resort. A recent visitor described it as "a relaxing, natural campground" with "ideal shaded sites, close to beaches, fishing, and good food." Sites feature concrete picnic tables and fire rings.
Clean facilities: Carolina Beach State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The campsites at this park are some of the cleanest sites I have camped at. We never see any trash on the ground or out on the trails. The bath house is always clean and stocked even in the winter," explains a regular visitor.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, requiring preparation. One camper at Lake Waccamaw State Park advises, "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" Insects become more problematic during warmer months.
Site access challenges: Some camping areas require significant walking. A Lake Waccamaw visitor cautions, "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area. I didn't read the key on the map, so that's my fault for not knowing."
Bathroom facilities vary: Cypress Ranch Glamping provides toilets and showers but lacks full hookups. Consider this when planning longer stays. At Lake Waccamaw, "The pit toilet had a healthy population of spiders, but the campsite was an easy walk to flush toilets and water fountains."
Driving conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. At Brunswick Beaches RV Resort, "Road into camp is incredibly narrow. 2 vehicles can't fit; one has to pull over to the side to let another pass by." Plan arrival timing accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Shallow water areas are ideal for children. Lake Waccamaw offers "a beautiful dock and clean lake. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters." This gradual depth change provides safe swimming areas for younger family members.
Playground access: Willow Tree RV Resort features extensive play areas. "Amenities included nice swimming pool and hot tub. Volleyball net and basketball hoop on each end of pool. Shuffleboard, corn hole, sand volleyball," reports a visitor, making it suitable for families with varied interests.
Entertainment options: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Lake Waccamaw often include recreational facilities. At Jellystone Park, campers enjoy "plenty of activities for the kids and adults! Nice clean bath houses, paved roads all the way through and the sites we're great!"
Campsite selection: For families with pets, request sites away from common areas. A visitor to Brunswick Beaches notes they have "nice places to walk along the pond, and grass areas all around the campground. The dog park is nice for some off leash time."
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Many campgrounds offer level sites with full hookups. At Holden Beach RV Campground, "sites are far enough apart you don't get interrupted by the neighboring campsites but the campground isn't so big you have to drive everywhere."
Utility reliability: Water pressure and electrical supply remain consistent at most sites. A CarrollWoods RV Park visitor noted "2-0/30/50 amp service" was reliable and "T-mobile phone and hotspot work well, ATT hotspot ok" for connectivity needs.
Access considerations: For larger RVs, consider approach routes carefully. At Brunswick Beaches RV Resort, formerly a KOA campground, "sites are level and not too close to one another" but access roads may be narrow.
Seasonal planning: Consider shoulder seasons for more comfortable camping. A Carolina Beach visitor mentions, "I really enjoy camping here in December and January. Less people and the park is so nice," avoiding the summer crowds and heat that affect the Lake Waccamaw region.
