Trip Planner: USA / North Carolina / Lake Waccamaw State Park

Lake Waccamaw State Park, Whiteville

4.3

#134 of 159 in Nature in North Carolina

Water Body · State Park

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Lake Waccamaw State Park is a North Carolina state park in Columbus County, North Carolina, in the United States. Located near the town of Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina, it covers 2,398-acre (9.70 km2), along the shores of Lake Waccamaw, a Carolina bay. Recent work by the U.S. Geological Survey has interpreted the Carolina Bays as relict thermokarst lakes that formed several thousands of years ago when the climate was colder, drier, and windier. Thermokarst lakes develop by thawing of frozen ground (permafrost) and by subsequent modification by wind and water. Thus, this interpretation suggests that permafrost once extended as far south as the Carolina Bays during the last ice age and (or) previous ice ages.

Lake Waccamaw State Park is located in North Carolina's Coastal Plain.

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Lake Waccamaw State Park reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

20 reviews

Google

4.6

By NicolaW765

We stopped by here as a detour and were not disappointed. The park welcome centre is so clean and they are really friendly in there. Easy parking with quick access to the lake and some benches if...

We stopped by here as a detour and were not disappointed. The park welcome centre is so clean and they are really friendly in there. Easy parking with quick access to the lake and some benches if... more »
By Hollywood682013

What a great place. Well kept and very clean. Perfect spot for a picnic and get in touch with nature.

What a great place. Well kept and very clean. Perfect spot for a picnic and get in touch with nature. more »
By jmpncsu

Lake Waccamaw is the largest Carolina Bay lake, located in southeastern North Carolina. The state park protects part of the lake shore. The park features hiking trails, boating opportunities and...

Lake Waccamaw is the largest Carolina Bay lake, located in southeastern North Carolina. The state park protects part of the lake shore. The park features hiking trails, boating opportunities and... more »

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Google

By Sarah Lee

I love this State Park. The wooded areas have great walking trails. The swim area dock was just upgraded this summer and it's a quick walk from the parking area. I take my dog for long swims in summer weather since you don't have to deal with tides and rip currents. Clean restrooms at rangers station & camping sites available.

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By Rebekah Bruce

Secluded, walk-in, primitive campsites, but it was right up our alley. We enjoyed a relaxing time at our lakeside campsite and running our dog tired on the beautiful trails.

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By Martin Coady

Park borders a Carolina Bay of some size. I think it around 14 miles across. The park occupies roughly 4 miles of shoreline, and has a hiking trail for its entire length. I was on an organized bird outing and consequently walked little of it. The trail passes through marshy growth and pine forest; flat and not especially interesting.

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By Morris Lee

Very cool lake! Carolina Bays are cool and this one is super neat.

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By Dakota Ross

Fun little state park. Different hiking trails of varying lengths, though all flat because of the geography. Some trails stroller/wheelchair accessible. Lots of mosquitoes in the hot months.

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