Camping at Lake Wateree State Park in Ridgeway
Camping at Lake Wateree State Park in Ridgeway
Lake Wateree State Park offers an excellent camping experience for those looking to relax by the water while enjoying the natural beauty of Ridgeway. With well-maintained campsites, convenient amenities, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, this park is an ideal destination for campers of all experience levels. Whether you're planning a weekend trip with family or a solo getaway, you'll find plenty to appreciate at this scenic location.
Adventure Guide to Camping at Lake Wateree State Park
1. Lakefront Campsites
- Location: Throughout the park, some sites directly overlook Lake Wateree.
- Why It’s Special: These campsites provide excellent lake views, easy access to fishing, and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Key Features: Electric and water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hooks. Most sites accommodate tents and RVs.
- Local Insight: Reserving a spot early, particularly those closest to the lake, is essential, especially in warmer months.
2. Boat-In Camping
- Location: Accessible only by water within the park.
- Why It’s Special: A unique way to experience nature by camping away from the traditional sites. Adds an element of adventure and tranquility.
- Key Features: Primitive camping with no hookups, perfect for kayak and boat enthusiasts.
- Local Insight: Bring all necessary supplies since amenities like restrooms and potable water are not available at boat-in sites.
3. Hiking and Wildlife Viewing Near the Campground
- Location: The Desportes Island loop trail and shoreline areas.
- Why It’s Special: Easy access to hiking trails and opportunities to spot deer, bald eagles, and other wildlife along the water.
- Key Features: Well-marked paths, designated viewing areas, and interpretive signs highlighting local flora and fauna.
- Local Insight: Early mornings offer the best chance to see wildlife before other campers become active.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is busier, especially on weekends.
- What to Bring: Bug spray, firewood (or buy at the park store), warm layers for cooler nights, and fishing gear.
- Driving Directions: From Ridgeway, take US-21 South to SC-34, then follow the signs to the park (approx. 20 minutes).
Adventure Map
Reviews
tsue5 months ago
This was our 1st time going to lake wateree we stayed in the new area of the campground and it's a nice campground but you don't have much shade luckily it wasn't too hot. Out of all the campgrounds we've been to although it's nice if you like privacy then I would recommend the 1st area not the new section but they absolutely hands down have the best bathhouse I have ever used there's 7 separate bathroom and shower combo rooms with a door which was very nice.
Joseph Marchese6 months ago
What an amazing park! There is so much to do and a great way to connect with nature. The park is only 45 minutes away from Columbia and about an hour from Charlotte. The campsites are all very well maintained with electric, water, sewer, etc. Ranger Russ is also always ready to help. I highly recommended visiting this park for a day or camping there if you want to get out to nature but still have modern conveniences available!
Gary Stevens6 months ago
Yet another great SC State Park on a lake!
We camped here for 3 nights in late July. It’s the 2nd SC State Park we’ve camped at. They are very nice facilities and Lake Wateree is no exception. They have 2 campgrounds suitable for RVs or trailers.
The largest campground has 72 sites all with water and electricity hookups but no sewer (there is a dump station). Many of the spots are on the water.
The other campground has 28 spots with full hookups — but it is a newer campground so all the trees are small and there is no shade. None of the spots are on the water. The spots in the newer campground are also much closer to each other.
So, when we go back, we will again stay in the older campground because of all the shade and a bit more privacy. There is also a nice boat ramp, and there are boat tie-down spots adjacent to some of the campsites. A beautiful spot for camping and boating!
Heather Greene5 months ago
This is a nice place. No cell phone service for Verizon customers and a little for at&t customers. There is a little store and restrooms down by the water. We enjoyed ourselves!
Becca 811 months ago
Great, clean campground and park. We stayed in the Taylor Creek campground and loved it! The bathhouse was heated and very clean with 7 individual bathrooms with showers. The Tackle Shop had everything you need for fishing, camping, etc. There's a great little food truck that comes out on the weekends that sells burgers, hotdogs, fries, onion rings, etc. The main campground was clean and had plenty of great sites. Great place foe kids and pets! Will definitely stay here again! Just be sure to get your groceries before arriving -- the closest big grocery store is 30 miles away.
