Lake Wateree State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- $3 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed6-ft leash
- Camping
- 100 campsites
- Official site
- southcarolinaparks.com(803) 482-6401
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Alert Park NewsPARK ADVISORY We are currently hiring Seasonal Assistant Rangers. For more information and to apply, email us at lwatereesp@scprt.com.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Fairfield County, about 17 miles northeast of Blythewood, Lake Wateree State Park covers about 296 acres.
The park supports historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are 100 campsites across 2 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
| Office | Daily | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Sunrise to sunset, daily.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| $3 adults; | $3 · adult |
| $1.50 SC seniors; | $1.50 · senior |
| $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free | $1 · child |
Official wording
$3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
South Carolina park passes
- ALL Park Passport — $99 Details
From the South Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- SC State Parks reservation system (reserve.southcarolinaparks.com)
- Phone
- 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed · leash up to 6 feet
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites with Elec. & Water | 72 | Standard Sites with Elec. & WaterShowersRVs up to 40 | — |
| Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, Sewer | 28 | Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, SewerShowersRVs up to 40 | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping Information: Each site is paved and has individual water and electrical hookups, and picnic table. 28 campsites have 50 amp electrical, water and sewer hookups. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. 50 sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, others up to 35 feet. Eight sites are pull-through, while 23 are waterfront.
Standard Sites with Elec. & Water: 72 campsites
Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, Sewer: 28 campsites
Primitive Group Area: The Primitive camping area is an ideal spot for organized groups up to 50. An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected official.
The area includes a water source at the primitive parking lot, and there are multiple fire rings in the primitive area with picnic tables. The nearest restroom facility is a short walk to the Taylor Creek campground bathhouse. You would leave the primitive parking area, turn right, walk up the road and turn left into Taylor Creek campground.
Reservations are accepted. To make your reservation call the Tackle Shop at 803-482-6401.
Minimum rate for primitive site is $15-20 per night.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
FishingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingBikingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingHistoric sites and toursCampingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Trail | 2.3 mi | Easy | Length: 2.3 milesHiking Trail |
Trail descriptions from the park
Nature Trail
Length: 2.3 miles
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: From the trail entrance off the park road, or from the parking area, begin this short, level, easy-walking, out-and-back nature trail. Several spur footpaths lead to the scenic lakeshore on this quiet, shady, peninsula. Watch for a variety of snakes and other wildlife including great blue heron, woodpeckers, and song birds. A short loop at the end of the trail turns you back to retrace your steps.
Swimming
Swimming: The park has a swimming area that is swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are on duty. The area has a sandy bottom and deepens slowly and gradually.
Boating and paddling
Boating and Boat Access: One boat ramp with two lanes provides private boat access to Lake Wateree.
Canoe/Kayak Rentals: Kayaks are available for rent year round. Rentals include life jackets and paddles. Fees for rentals are $40/half day or $60/full day.
Fishing
Fishing Information: Fishing for bream, catfish, crappie and bass may be enjoyed in Lake Wateree. Visitors may fish anywhere from the banks of the park.
If you are interested in holding a fishing tournament at the park please contact the park directly.
Tackle Loaner Program: This park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program sponsored by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Rods and reels are available for loan at the park store.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Playground
- Wi-Fi
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 881 State Park RD
Winnsboro, SC 29180 - Nearest town
- Blythewood — about 17 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 34.4363, -80.8641 (from Wikidata)
- Phone
- (803) 482-6401
- lakewateree@scprt.com
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- South Carolina State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- South Carolina State Parks Park Finder (JSON embedded in #park-finder-component data-parks)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology