North Carolina State Parks

Lake Waccamaw

1866 State Park Drive Lake, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 · (910) 646-4748 · E-mail

The cool, tea-colored waters at first appear similar to other lakes in the area, but Lake Waccamaw is one of the most unique bodies of water in the world. You will find here species of animals found nowhere else on the planet, rare plants and endangered animals.

At Lake Waccamaw, you can view one of the greatest geological mysteries of the eastern United States—the phenomenon of Carolina bays. Limestone bluffs along the north shore neutralize Lake Waccamaw's water, making the lake different from any other Carolina Bay. Nearby, you can catch a glimpse of a botanical wonder—the Green Swamp.

From its sandy shorelines to its tree-lined natural areas, Lake Waccamaw offers peaceful surroundings, an intriguing natural history and fun in the sun.

Boating

Boating is a popular pastime at Lake Waccamaw. There is no boat access in the park, but two free public boat launch areas are available nearby. One is maintained by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) while the other is operated by Columbus County. Powerboats and sailboats may be launched from the boat ramps, but parking is limited. Lake Waccamaw is park property; all park rules apply.

Camping

The adventuresome camper will find plenty to enjoy at Lake Waccamaw's four primitive group camping areas nestled beneath the trees. Picnic tables, fire circles and pit toilets are located nearby. All supplies, including drinking water, must be packed to the sites.

Organized groups may make reservations. Otherwise, campsites are available on a first-come basis. Register at the visitor's center for a camping permit.

Fishing

Fifty-two species of game and non-game fish swim in Lake Waccamaw. The WRC stocks the lake with largemouth bass, bluegill, shellcracker and redbreast sunfish. All regulations of the WRC are enforced.

Hiking

Lake Trail: The longest trail in the park, Lake Trail begins at the visitor's center and follows the lakeshore to the Waccamaw River. The trail passes through a variety of ecosystems during its five-mile course. Marked by white blazes, Lake Trail cuts through a pine forest, past one of the oldest stands of cypress trees in the area, under towering hickory trees, alongside grass beds in the lake that provide cover for a variety of fish species and beside sandy beaches perfect for picnicking or pausing to gaze across the lake.

Sand Ridge Nature Trail: The Sand Ridge Nature Trail is a .75-mile loop that begins and ends near the picnic area. Guides for this trail are available in the picnic area. From the trail, hikers can view reindeer moss, Spanish moss, reindeer lichen, pond pine, longleaf pine, turkey oak, laurel oak and hickory. Trees are marked to help identify the route.

Pine Woods Trail: A 2.5-mile trail that winds through the park from the picnic area to the visitor's center allows hikers to view the diverse plant life found at Lake Waccamaw State Park. Common plants along this trail include longleaf pines, bay trees and turkey oaks. With a careful eye, hikers can even spot Venus flytraps. Because the flytraps are a rare species, they should not be disturbed.

Loblolly Trail: Marked with red trail blazes, Loblolly Trail is a one-mile loop. Similar to the Pine Woods Trail in content, this loop begins and ends at the visitor's center.

Boardwalks: A gravel path from the picnic area parking lot winds through the picnic ground and leads to a 700-foot boardwalk from which hikers can get a closer look at the various plants of the bay forest bordering the lake. The boardwalk ends at a 375-foot pier perfect for fishing. An additional accessible boardwalk that traverses the bay forest is located near the visitor's center and is complete with two sun shelters.

Picnicking

Picnic tables and grills are conveniently placed beneath large oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Drinking water and restrooms are nearby. The picnic area and the restrooms, as well as some picnic tables, are accessible for persons with disabilities.

For more information visit: North Carolina State Parks - Lake Waccamaw State Park