The best camping near Lake Wateree State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Wateree State Park adventure.

80% (6 reviews)
80% (6 reviews)

Enjoy on plenty of water-based activities with a name like Wateree.  

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Community favorites near Lake Wateree State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Wateree State Park

99%
(151)

Dennis & Melissa's Hidden Creek

12 sites · RVs, Tents230 acres · 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.
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$28.50
 / night
100%
(17)

White Stone Forge & Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Jaars, NC
Waxhaw Country at its best! Very secluded 16 acres that is sparsely wooded with mostly old hard woods. Very peaceful and quiet in Waxhaw, NC with farm animals to watch during your stay. We have goats, cows, mini donkeys, dogs, cats and a pony. We have bottle babies several times a year and offer feeding times. We are also starting to offer day trips for those who wish not to camp overnight. Message for more details on anything. Should have babies through September 2023 possibly longer we are waiting on more to be born. This is a special place, a happy place and our Haven. It’s not really a camp ground It’s an actual working farm. We have animals of all ages here. We Have goats, cows, donkeys, dogs, cats and a pony. You get to come and tent camp in the woods or be right beside our hay barn next to cows and goats. Walking to the bath/club house you can pet a cow or goat or two on the way. We almost always have some baby animals. And you can come cuddle them. And hike in the woods. Sit by a campfire or just plain have some peace and quiet. Yes we are pet friendly. Seeing, watching and petting the animals is free to all our campers. But they are so many extras so much to do free or a small fee. All campers have use of the bath/club house at no charge. You can shower and rest in the ac/heat. Also we have a tv and dvd player. Free to use by all campers We very much hope you will come join us on the farm! So much to do. Walk the 16 acres, sit and watch the farm animals. We having sitting areas around the outside of the pastures so you can sit and enjoy. You may pet the animals too. Just watch those fingers. We have a lot of youngsters here. And please never feed them. Nutrition is a big thing on the farm. All these are included in your campsites no extra charge. We do have extras you can purchase to do. But the above things are just for you to enjoy. Also take a moment and look at the Hipcamp website on a browser. App doesn’t always let you know what we are doing and what we are up to. Owners are empty nesters that raised their family here for over 25 years. The owners are also artist and crafters. The art is available to be viewed and purchased. We also offer craft classes for all ages from preschool to adults of all ages and the fee depends on the craft. The property is very near Cane Creek Park daily use for the public and a short 2 minute drive to the main entrance of Cane Creek Park. That's where the biking, hiking, walking, fishing and boating can be done. yes there is room for your boat to be parked at the site. Google Cane Creek Park Union County NC for information on the Park. Yes you can walk to the park as well just a little longer than driving. You can eat your meals and watch deer and rabbits among other wildlife visitors and you can view the farm animals from your camp sites as well. Whether it is for just one person or and couple or a family with children or older parents there is room for everyone. Our RV campsite is cleared and flat area already at the barn that has an RV hook up, electric only. You just dry camp (no sewer or water hook ups). Wheelchairs can be used around the Barnside RV site. There is room for a tent or another small camper with the RV site but will require an extra fee. This campsite we are working to make more private you can see a neighbors house on the backside only but we are working on a live privacy fence just going to take a little time for everything to grow. the neighbors are very quiet and keep to themselves. you will here the animals more than the neighbors. The bathroom is a short walk to the bath house and kitchen but a beautiful little walk and you see wildlife and the farm animals on your way. This is a spot you can come and hide if you want to. If you just want to get away and not be bothered this is the space for you. There is a bath house with toilet and shower free to campers. Also a kitchen available this extra does have a small fee to cover propane, water and electricity. There is a stove, frig, sink a place to sit for a couple of people to sit and eat. This is free to all campers. Please bring your own food, soaps, toiletries and towels. The bathroom and kitchen are an apartment over a detached garage so there is a flight of stairs no wheel chair access. We have farm animal adventures available as well. You can brush a goat, cow, donkey or pony. We also have a Farm Hand Experience check out the extras. No riding available just brush or pet these animals. Also a few times a year we have bottle babies that can be scheduled for our campers to feed them a bottle and play with them. Bottle feeding is not available year round so please ask ahead of time if we have them. We have rules that are a must to do these adventures. We will let you know ahead time if you schedule an animal adventure. Truly is a sanctuary here but you can easily commute to Charlotte Metro Area anywhere in Union and Lancaster County or surrounding areas. You can bring your boat plenty of parking here at the farm and many nice lakes around to fish or play. There is water at the property we just do not have it available to hook up to RV’s currently. So bring your water cubes and we can fill them for you. You can pitch a tent or bring an RV for this camping site. We are making more improvements every week. More campsites coming. We have fire pits. Yes pets welcome on leash or can run in designated areas. We are now offering day trips, farm hand experiences, romantic campfires, small group get together aka party. You do have to book on hipcamp as the Farm Day Trip and choose your Extras for your activities. No you do not have to camp over night. But for a day trip you must book here on hipcamp. Please message with any questions. Thank you
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$49.50
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(248)

Camping on Pipers Pond

2 sites · RVs, Tents32 acres · Eastover, SC
Learn more about this land: Watch the sun and moon rise over the pond from the grassy knoll in the edge of the woods or under the trees. Enjoy paddling around the pond, fishing and watching the ducks and geese during the day and relaxing around the fire pit at night. We offer 2 campsites on the pond on our private property. They are both slightly sloped.  Site 1 is on the grassy knoll overlooking the pond. It is sunny early in the day and gets shady as the day progresses. It is closer to the outhouse. Site 2 is under the trees and right beside the pond. It gets spotty sun throughout the day. We live through the woods past the campsites. An outhouse with composting toilet, potable water, picnic table, grill, fire pit, fire wood and trash can are provided. Please note that we do not offer a 30 amp camper hookup, only a 15 amp electrical cord running from our house that will run lights, but not a/c or heat.
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$36
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100%
(29)

Peaceful RV Camping W Lake Access

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · 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)
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Lake Wateree State Park 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.

Top points of interest near Lake Wateree State Park

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