Description
Lake Waccamaw State Park features a 9,000-acre fresh water lake with camping, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Lake Waccamaw is the largest natural coastal lake between Maine and Florida.
Lake Waccamaw is the home to the Waccamaw Siouan tribe. According to tribal legend, Lake Waccamaw formed as the result of a meteor crashing into Earth. This created a large crater that filled with water from the surrounding swamps. Because of this the Waccamaw Siouan are known as the “People of the Falling Star.”
A sacred site known as, Indian Mounds, sits on the east shore of Lake Waccamaw. According to lore, it is said nothing will grow on one of the mounds.
Lake Waccamaw is known for a phenomenon that happens on hot summer afternoons when a blue wave can be seen rolling across the lake from the southwest to the northern shore. Happening from around four o’clock in the afternoon and continuously rolling through the night.
Recreation
Lake Waccamaw State Park features a 9,000-acre fresh water lake with camping, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Boat ramps are available for non-motorized boats.
There is a pedestrian bridge with a fishing platform that connects to the State Park’s Lakeshore Trail creating a 14-mile loop around the lake.
Flora and Fauna
American alligators and Venus flytraps can be spotted along the shores of Lake Waccamaw.
Geography
Lake Waccamaw State Park sits on the shores of the largest Carolina bay—one of 500,000 mysterious craters found along the east coast.
Lake Waccamaw is the largest natural coastal lake between Maine and Florida.
Amenities
- Tent sites
- Group tent sites
- Firewood
- Boat ramp
- Auditorium and classroom
- Visitor center and exhibits
