Lake Waccamaw – Camping and Hiking on the Carolina Bay Lakes

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Underwater Walk at Mrytle Beach

At first glance Lake Waccamaw appears to be similar to any other lake in the Carolinas, but beneath deepening hues of cool, calm waters, is one of the most peculiar bodies of water on the east coast. Due to a distinctive geological phenomenon, the Carolina Bay Lakes provide a natural attraction that should not be missed by the traveler, the camper, or the hiker.

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Furthermore, Lake Waccamaw provides a distinctive showcase for several species of animals and plants that do not grow or live on any other area of the planet. Limestone bluffs blanket the north shore, and produce a neutralizing effect upon the waters. Therefore Lake Waccamaw is even unique among the bodies of water that are collectively called the Carolina Bay Lakes.

Lake Waccamaw Camping

Lake Waccamaw holds many activities for campers. Families tend to enjoy the natural calmness of the park. Four camping areas are nested beneath the local Cypress trees. These primitive sites provide a welcome retreat from the everyday grind of modern living. The park provides a plentiful supply of fire circles, picnic tables, and pit toilets, yet the style of camping reflects a primitive retreat. Every camping item must be packed in, including drinking water. And remember: what you bring in, you must take out.

Lake Waccamaw Hiking

Hiking is another favored park activity. Trails abound.

The longest one, The Lake Trail, anchors at the visitor’s center and then follows the curves of the lakeshore all the way to Waccamaw River. That’s five miles of hiking through a matrix of diverse ecosystems that feature many types of plant life that are unique to the region of Lake Waccamaw. The trail passes beneath the splendor of an extended pine forest and then touches an aged stand of cypress trees that rivals the oldest growths along the east coast.

The Pine Woods Trail is a nice little 2.5-mile hike that begins at the picnic area and then takes the hiker through the park to end at the visitor’s center. Because of the background of the park, the plant life at Lake Waccamaw State Park is quite uncommon. If hikers watch carefully they might just spot a rare Venus flytrap. Take care not to disturb this fascinating plant species.

For the casual walker that just likes to poke around a bit, the Sand Ridge Nature Trail offers a short journey along a different type of terrain. At .75-miles long, the Sand Ridge Nature Trail makes a small loop that anchors near the open picnic area.

Information on all the trails is available at the picnic area. Among other interesting plant life, Waccamaw Park provides the hiker with a view of the following natural foliage:

Longleaf pine
Reindeer moss
Pond pine
Spanish moss
Reindeer lichen
Turkey oak
Hickory
Laurel oak.

Most of the trees and plants are marked and can be identify by the information guide found at the head of each trail.

Finally, there is the boardwalk. Here, hikers can get a closer look at the diverse plants of the Carolina Bay Lake area. The boardwalk includes a 375- foot pier. It is the perfect place for a little late-day fishing.

From the botanical beauty of the Green Swamp to the limestone buffs, Lake Waccamaw Park offers serene surroundings embroidered amid an area with a distinctive natural history.

Come one, come all. Enjoy hiking the trails of Lake Waccamaw State Park. It is a journey that you will not soon forget.