Best Camping in and near Lake Wateree State Park

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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Wateree State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Wateree State Park

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Lucky Farms Under the Stars

16 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Edgemoor, SC

Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our private woods with your own fire pit or set up your camper alongside our trees. 6acres of wooded area with walking trails to forage and explore and 7acre field for playing. My husband and I both love to cook/bake so if you're up for dinner by the fire getting to know new people, we highly recommend our Saturday Dinner in the lobby. We also have private fire pits set up at most of the sites if you'd prefer to keep to yourself. -grills, charcoal or gas, are available upon request. We're more than happy to customize your experience if you have something special in mind. If you want to hang out and have a good time getting to know new people, we can make that happen. Or if you'd rather be left alone for some peace, were good with that too. Instagram: LuckyFarms.LiveHappy

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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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(198)

Private Oasis In The Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Irwin, SC

Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others!

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Dennis & Melissa's Hidden Creek

12 sites · RVs, Tents230 acres · Hartsville, SC

Our 230+ acre family cow 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 230+acres. We all still live on the farm with our families. 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 fun to hike to and cool your tired feet.Learn more about this land:Enjoy your privacy on our 40+ 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 sun 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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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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Too Many Oaks Plantation

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Swansea, SC

We have 21 acres in the sand hills of Calhoun county just outside Columbia S C. Apply named Too Many Oaks Plantation, a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy time in your hammock reading by day and a roaring bonfire by night, We are planting a small mixed fruit orchard and building a chicken coop and garden to enjoy fresh eggs and whatever is in season. Close to Columbia ( 30 minutes ) for a nice trip to the zoo or a float down the Saluda River with Adventure Carolina. A perfect mix of nice and quite but still close to town.

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Prices Bridge Inn & Campgrounds

7 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Leesville, SC

We have an absolutely gorgeous 12 acres of mostly wooded and/or lakefront land on the West end of Lake Murray (Saluda River). Me, my wife, and three kids live and work on a 20 acre forest nestled in the backwaters of Lake Murray. Behind Prices Bridge, we have what nature lovers refer to "OH MY GAWD"... Our land forms a peninsula, which is very private, secluded, and SAFE. If you want to refresh, recharge or spend quality time with family or friends, we'd love to host you. *Prices Bridge being a low bridge also means if you bring a large boat you may need to use the marina or any of the free boat launches within a mile of our site... kayaks, canoes, john boats all fit under. :-)

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Deckle Edge Farm

2 sites · Tents22 acres · Blythewood, SC

We are a small family farm on 22 acres with hardwood forest, blackberries, chickens, and goats. We are only 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, SC, and 20 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Monticello. Enjoy forest bathing in our woods, laughing at chickens, or helping out around the farm. We have primitive camp spots and lots of firewood!

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(34)

Norman Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Richburg, SC

Come visit our homestead and experience the beauty of nature. Our property is home to many fruit trees, including peach, fig, persimmon, and mulberry. We also have blueberry bushes and other fruit trees such as apples and plums. Our farm is home to sheep and chickens, so you can experience the joy of interacting with these animals. We have a spot for one RV and multiple spots for dry camping, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. Come pick mulberries in our orchard or learn about the variety of plants in our greenhouse. We are located in Richburg, SC, which is a beautiful rural setting that you won't want to miss. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of our homestead.

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(57)

Utopia Farm Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Leesville, SC

My husband Ray and I purchased this property in 1982 when we made this our home. We raised two wonderful children who have moved on to pursue their own careers. Now we are retired and enjoy farming and ranching. We are a couple of miles away from Lake Murray, built in 1920's, and displaced thousands of families, farms, towns, churches, and schools. There are still homes, graveyards, Wise Ferry Bridge still underwater. A B-25 Mitchell plane crashed into the Lake during WWII. Our traffic circle was accidentally bombed one Oct. night in 1944. Learn more about this land: We are a working farm of grass-fed beef, free-range laying hens and ducks, seasonal vegetables; fruits, honey hives, goats, donkeys and horses. We are surrounded by families who have lived on their land for many generations. No subdivisions. Great place to star gaze without street lights. We have 2 sites with water and electricity for camping. Our large barn has a full kitchen, full bath and den area for campers to share. Yet, we are just a few miles from 2 boat ramps on Lake Murray which offers fishing and boating. Also, we are just 30 miles from metropolitan Columbia, historic Newberry, and 15 miles from the town of Lexington, SC. The Capital City of Columbia, just 30 miles east, offers Riverbanks Zoo, Richland County’s Congaree National Park, Saluda Shoals Park, EdVenture Children’s Museum. The Newberry Opera House is 36 miles away and The Big Mo Drive-in Theatre is in Monetta, 13 miles. Indian Trail Public Golf Course is 15 miles in Leesville. Or just hang out at the farm, view the animals, or fish in our pond. We have stalls available for equestrian travelers and a trail around the property to walk or ride your horse. Pets must be on lease or voice control and poop scooping is not an option. No WiFi yet.

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Wolff Woods

3 sites · RVs, Tents18 acres · Bethune, SC

Wolff Woods is 18 acres of pine forest, grassy fields, and other trees and shrubs. There are multiple areas of the property to set up camp whether you want to be covered by trees or want to play in the grass and gaze at the stars, Wolff Woods is the place to be. The property is surrounded by fields and is very private. There are also multiple entrances to the property, perfect for RVs or smaller vehicles. We also have a backyard swimming pool that campers are welcome to use upon request. We are pet friendly and just kindly ask that you give us a heads up before arrival so we can put our own dog away. We hope to see you soon. :)

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Christina's Paradise

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Hopkins, SC

Learn more about this land:Enjoy your stay at my cozy paradise. Take a swim in the pool or a morning walk around our circular driveway. 10 laps equal 2 miles, Or just enjoy your quiet time at the adult swing section.

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.