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Lake Wateree State Park Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations on the shores of Lake Wateree with several lakefront sites that welcome leashed dogs. The campground features paved, spacious sites with fire pits, water, and electric hookups where campers can bring their pets. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina allows pets throughout their two distinct camping areas—the heavily wooded Riverside section offering abundant shade and the newer Taylor Creek area with more open space ideal for dogs needing room to play. Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area accepts pets at both their RV sites and lakeside tent camping areas. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies and require owners to clean up after their pets. Bathrooms and shower facilities at these parks remain consistently clean according to visitor reports, making longer stays with pets comfortable. The campground store at Lake Wateree stays extremely well-stocked with pet supplies for campers who forget essentials.
Pet owners find numerous trails and shoreline areas for walking dogs around these campgrounds. Lake access points provide opportunities for dogs who enjoy swimming, though owners should check for specific dog swimming areas at each location. The campgrounds' picnic areas and fire pits accommodate evening relaxation with pets. Weather considerations include hot summer temperatures requiring extra water and shade for dogs, while mosquitoes can be problematic in wooded areas despite bug spray use. Sites with dense forest backing provide extra privacy for pet owners concerned about reactive dogs. Most locations maintain quiet hours beginning at 11 pm, helping manage barking issues. Andrew Jackson State Park and Sesquicentennial State Park offer additional pet-friendly options within reasonable driving distance, each with their own trail systems suitable for dog walking. The parks' relative isolation means campers should bring sufficient pet food and supplies as the nearest stores can be 25 minutes away.
"Fishing is typically outstanding for bass, cats, crappie, and carp. Equestrian trails are everywhere and are good for hiking, a few trails are a bit rough for bicycles though"
"A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off. I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours."
"This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days."
"This is a park on the East side of Lake Wateree. Not far off l-77. Has what you need. Full hookups picnic table and a fire pit. The owners are trying hard to improve the park."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The lakeside tent area provided beautiful scenery with access to restrooms and showers. It wasn’t too crowded as it was military members only and you can’t beat the price for a lakeside spot."
"There's alot to do here and tons of other outdoor activities within a few minutes' drive, and there's a guide book that lists it all."
from $40 - $110 / night
"This is a unique opportunity in a unique location! Hiking, fishing, and boating are also available, in addition to wildlife watching and nature study."
"Super close to Lake Robinson."
"After you drive down a long sandy rutty road you come to the farm. A little oasis for the road weary. Mostly long term trailers are here but the do have tent camping."
"Far away from city lights so great for stargazing."
"There was some trash from previous campers littered around the site when we arrived. Please don’t be a litterbug!"
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
"This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"
"The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."
"The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."
"Tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC this park has a lot to offer, hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking its great. It's our favorite little get away."
"My dog enjoyed the pond for swimming. Sites were decent and we felt we had privacy. Driving into the park was beautiful. Big huge trees and winding roads. There are not many tree in the camping area."
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
ScoutThis is a restricted use Army Travel Camp managed through MWR. It is open only to those holding military ID cards.
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutWe stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
GuideThis is a great spot for a quick overnight or chill spot to camp in a pinch! Easy access, road not too bumpy or rough, very flat in parking lot for posting up. We arrived after dark and it was quite easy to navigate.
Although we didn’t stay to do the Palmetto trail hike, it was gorgeous and tranquil in the morning. Despite not having amenities, there were 2 clean port a potties right in the lot.
Overall was quiet however there were about 4 trains that rolled by in the evening (quite loud) but didn’t wake us up late at night or early in the morning. There are a lot of frogs as well but not so loud that it disturbed our slumber.
Cell service was good and had no problem texting or using internet.
Would definitely stay again!
TravelerStayed here overnight in a 2WD van in the middle of winter. Access was easy overall, though the road isn’t smooth and there’s a steep-ish incline up into the lot— still no problem in 2WD. The site itself is level with a good amount of space, easily fine for vans and tents. Probably not ideal for very large rigs. No one else stayed overnight when I was there, but people do come through during the day. Cell service was very limited, but Starlink worked great. There are train tracks right next to the site, and trains do pass by, so expect some noise. There are also blue flashing security towers around the area— not sure if there have been issues in the past, but I felt safe during my stay. Right next to a river, with porta-potties available and designated tent pads. Overall a solid primitive spot for a simple overnight or short stay, especially if you’re self-contained.
ScoutClean, safe, road noise all night, showers are clean, water is kinda warm. Site was level
TravelerThe park is impeccable! This has set a new standard and all future state campgrounds across the USA will be compared to here. The bathrooms as well as the entire is exceptionally clean. Playgrounds and soccer field (soccer balls provided) Hiking/biking trails. Our camp hosts Kermit and Anita were phenomenal. If I had find one negative it would be the state is really proud of their firewood, I thought it was overpriced especially since I’m from out of state and was at their mercy.
ScoutI live 10 minutes from Sesqui and visit the dogpark daily. I stay in the campsite are in my 20ft Travel trailer 2 or 3 times a year. Staff is responsive to camper needs. Plenty of drive-through, front entry and back-in sites, all with power and water. Excellent shower and toi l et buildings. Privacy and low noise are consistent. Price is low for us seniors and disabled. Small lake for paddle boating and fishing.
Lake Wateree dominates the camping landscape near Kershaw, South Carolina, with over 13,000 surface acres and 242 miles of shoreline providing diverse camping options. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters where freezing temperatures are rare. Multiple campgrounds in this region offer paved sites with water and electric hookups positioned in varying degrees of shade.
Hiking trails for all abilities: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground offers several trail options around its small lake. "We looked at the museum and schoolhouse. The only downside is that you could hear the traffic at the campsites," notes Rachel R.
Kayaking on Lake Wateree: Bring your own or rent from nearby facilities. "We load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours," shares Emily B. from Cane Creek Park, which offers similar water recreation opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: The lakes provide excellent fishing for multiple species. "We caught a ton of muscles and ate them. Several in our group enjoyed them very much," shares Jen G. who stayed at Lake Wateree State Park.
Free mini golf: Cane Creek Park offers complimentary putting. "The mini golf is free and a blast," according to Sarah B., who has visited multiple times with her family.
Shaded, private sites: Lake Wateree State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural barriers. "Sites are very shady and every site is surrounded by trees, so you don't feel very close to the other campers," explains Harry H.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive consistent maintenance. "Wow, this place is nice! The bathroom/Shower house is always clean! I love Wateree State Park," reports Melissa, highlighting a feature valued by many campers.
Well-stocked camp store: "The park is about 25 minutes from any stores, but they keep their shop extremely well stocked," notes Jen G., who appreciated this convenience during a summer stay with eight children.
Quiet evenings: Most parks maintain peace after dark. "Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11," shares Ramona K., who camped at Lake Wateree despite mosquito challenges.
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the area. "No WiFi until you're about 15 minutes from the park," warns one Lake Wateree State Park camper. Another notes, "No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that's not a bad thing!"
Distance from supplies: Stock up before arriving. "This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday's in the county," advises Ramona K.
Seasonal considerations: Humidity impacts comfort levels year-round. "Despite being there during the hottest part of the year, we stayed comfortable and had a great time," shares Jen G. about her Lake Wateree State Park experience with children.
Insects: Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area campers note: "The only real downside to this place is the tons of ants in the trees and areas on the ground. Makes using a hammock irritating at times."
Shallow swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones for younger children. "The water is pretty shallow, so the littlest ones had plenty of space to play and swim without us having to worry," explains a Lake Wateree State Park camper.
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment. "Playgrounds and soccer field (soccer balls provided)" mentions Helena B. about amenities at Lake Wateree State Park that kept children entertained.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The parks offer chances to spot native species. "I enjoy doing the trails and spotting dear," shares Ruth J. from Sesquicentennial State Park Campground, which offers additional pet-friendly camping near Kershaw, South Carolina.
Holiday activities: "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," notes Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park's special programming during peak times.
Site selection for larger rigs: Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina offers two distinct camping areas. "This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days. Taylor Creek is newer with less trees providing lots of open space and great for Solar regeneration," advises Chad L.
Wi-Fi availability: Quality varies between parks. "Also had better than average/strong Wi-Fi!" reports Charles F. about Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. "Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok," shares Rachel R. about her Andrew Jackson State Park experience.
Dump station timing: "Long line for dump station," warns Swain K. about Lake Wateree State Park, suggesting early departure to avoid delays when the campground is at capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kershaw, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kershaw, SC is Cane Creek Park with a 4.4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kershaw, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 dog-friendly camping locations near Kershaw, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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