Wateree Recreation Area
Overview
Wateree Recreation Area is a lakeside campground on a wooded peninsula on Lake Wateree, about 45 minutes from Shaw Air Force Base near Camden, South Carolina. It offers 22 full-hookup RV sites, 16 rental cabins, and unlimited tent camping, along with a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing, and watercraft rentals (ski boats, pontoons, kayaks, SUPs). The park has three covered picnic pavilions, a bathhouse, a playground, and a recreation hall available for group use. It's a popular getaway for South Carolina-stationed military families looking for a lake escape, though it draws a mix of short stays and long-term residents, so expect some wear on shared facilities.
Amenities
- Full Hook-Up
- 30/50 Amp Electric
- Water
- Sewer
- Laundry
- Restrooms & Showers
- Pet Friendly
- Playground
- Picnic Tables
- Boat Ramp
Important Info
Open to active duty, National Guard, Reservists, retired military, 0–100% disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, veteran caregivers, and DoD civilians. Active duty assigned to Shaw AFB may reserve up to 120 days in advance; other active duty up to 90 days; all other authorized users up to 60 days. Six-month maximum stay policy, after which campers must leave for a brief period before returning. Wi-Fi is a paid add-on and cell service is unreliable — plan accordingly. Quiet hours are 11pm–7am but enforcement varies. Call (803) 900-0334 to confirm rates and current site conditions before you travel.
Information last refreshed September 2026. Always confirm details with the installation before you travel.