Lake Waccamaw State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

Camping

Activities

Trails

Facilities

About the Park

Map of North Carolina with a star indicating the location of Lake Waccamaw State Park

Located in Columbus County 40 miles west of Wilmington, Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shores of the largest Carolina bay. There are 500,000 of these mysterious craters, and the lake is one of the few that contains open water instead of vegetation. A limestone bluff reduces the lake's acidity, making it an ideal home for several aquatic species that are found nowhere else in the world. A pedestrian bridge over Waccamaw Dam allows visitors to travel the lake's entire 14-mile shoreline. 

Camping

  • Tent sites (including backpacking)
  • Group tent sites
  • Firewood

Activities

  • Hiking (10 miles)
  • Paddling
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking

Amenities

  • Boat ramp
  • Auditorium and classroom
  • Visitor center and exhibits
     

A second boat ramp managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is located on the northwest part of Lake Waccamaw.

Plan Your Visit

Address

1866 State Park Drive, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450

GPS: 34.2790, -78.4654

 

Current Weather

28450 Lake Waccamaw, NC

Maps

Fees

There are no fees required to access Lake Waccamaw State Park for day use. Fees are charged for camping, certain event permits, and facility reservations.

Pets

Pets are allowed at the park and at campsites. They are not permitted inside buildings. Pets must be on an attended leash of no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Park Hours

Tab/Accordion Items

Month

Hours
January 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
March 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
April 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
May 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
June 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
August 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
September 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
October 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Open daily, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Education

Ecology & History

Videos

Field Trips

Learning Materials

Additional Links

Scheduled Events at Lake Waccamaw State Park

Park staff lead regularly scheduled interpretive programs that allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful. Learning opportunities are available for all ages. Most events are free, though some may require pre-registration.

Host Your Event at the Park

Make your special occasion naturally wonderful. State parks are great places for birthday parties, reunions, weddings, and more. Learn more about event permits and fees on the Facilities page.

Park Rules

Jobs

News

Park Planning

Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends

Join, volunteer or donate! The Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends promotes, supports, and advocates for Lake Waccamaw State Park through organizing volunteer efforts, educating visitors, hosting events, and fundraising.

Friends of State Parks

Friends of State Parks is a nonprofit citizen organization supporting, promoting, and advocating for the North Carolina State Parks system as a whole. The group helps provide funding for Junior Ranger and Youth in Parks – Environmental Education programs, as well as grants for state parks projects.

Photo Gallery