Lake Waccamaw State Park

Trails Status

Hiking Trails

Open

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

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.

Photo Gallery