Map showing campground location near Camden, South Carolina

Camper submitted image from Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp

Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp sits on Lake Wateree in central South Carolina, operated by the military and open exclusively to eligible service members and their families. Access is drive-in or boat-in, and the campground runs year-round with full hookups (electric, water, sewer) for RVs alongside tent sites. Reviewers note the bathhouses are clean and supply hot water. T-Mobile coverage is unreliable on site, though Wi-Fi hotspots are available to rent for $5 per day. Quiet hours are posted from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., though enforcement has been inconsistent on busier nights. Water equipment rentals are available on site. The Lake Wateree State Park Campground sits further up the lake for non-military campers or those wanting a public alternative. Campers who can access the facility will find lakeside sites at rates that are hard to match elsewhere in the region.

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Map & DirectionsMilitary Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp is located in South Carolina near Camden

Public Campground

Directions

FROM SHAW AFB: Travel north on Hwy. 441 to Fish Road (just past 5000 Area housing). Take left turn onto Fish Road and follow it until you reach the intersection of Fish Road and Hwy. 261. Go right onto Hwy. 261 and follow road until you reach the intersection of Hwy. 261 and Hwy. 521. Go left onto Hwy. 521 and continue north on Hwy. 521 through the town of Camden. On the other side of town take a left onto Hwy. 97 (Roses Dept. Store and Food Lion on the left and Seafood Hut restaurant on the right). Follow Hwy. 97 about 9 miles until you see the signs for Wateree Recreation Area, turn left onto Baron DeKalb Road and follow road around into the park. Alternate: Travel north on Hwy. 441 to Hwy. 521. Take left turn onto Hwy. 521 and follow the

Address

314 Lance Ave
Shaw AFB, SC 29152

Coordinates

34.38295029 N
80.72924097 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

37 min from Columbia, SC
49 min from Sumter, SC
58 min from Florence, SC
1 hr 12 min from Charlotte, NC

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the clean facilities, lakeside scenery, and affordable pricing at this military recreation area. Some visitors reported noise issues with late partying, and ant problems were noted in wooded areas.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Christopher B.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2021

Wateree Tent Camping

This was my family’s first time tent camping in the cold weather and it wasn’t that bad. 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. We would definitely go tent camping here again!

SiteLakeside tent area

Month of VisitNovember

Matt C.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 22, 2021

Tent camping

Did some tent camping in mid October. Had tons of fun and the park was really clean. Bath houses were nice and had hot water. T mobile service doesn’t work at all, but they have Wi-Fi hotspots for rent for $5 per day. Tent camping was $7.50 per night. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5, was because Quiet hours are supposed to be from 11-7, but there were people partying pretty late. Definitely should’ve brought some ear plugs. Check out our review https://youtu.be/j-5JBxOl3uE

SiteTent

Month of VisitOctober

Kristen B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

Tucked away

Very nice for camping or launching your boat! Camping from tents to cute cabins. Bunch of options to rent water equipment. 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 lol

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need military ID to access Wateree Recreation Area?

Yes, military identification is required to access Wateree Recreation Area. The facility is specifically designated for military members, making it a more exclusive and less crowded camping destination. The lakeside tent area is reserved for those with military credentials, which explains the controlled access and relatively quiet atmosphere even during peak camping seasons. This military-only policy applies to all facilities at the recreation area, including the campsites and water equipment rentals.

How much does it cost to stay at Wateree Recreation Area?

Wateree Recreation Area offers affordable camping options, with tent camping available for $7.50 per night. This budget-friendly price point makes it an excellent value, especially for a lakeside location. The recreation area may have different rates for other accommodations like cabins or RV sites. For the most current pricing information and to check if there are any seasonal rate changes, contact the recreation area directly before planning your visit.

What cabins are available at Wateree Recreation Area?

Wateree Recreation Area features cute cabins that provide a comfortable alternative to tent camping. These cabins are situated in a scenic setting near the lake, offering a rustic yet convenient accommodation option. The recreation area describes them as a step up from traditional camping. While specific cabin details such as amenities, size, and configuration aren't elaborated on, they are part of the diverse lodging options available at this military recreation facility. For cabin reservations, availability, and specific amenities, contact the recreation area directly.

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