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Lake Waccamaw State Park
1866 State Park Dr., Lake Waccamaw
(910) 646-4748
Lake Waccamaw, named after the
region's tribal natives, is the largest of the Carolina Bays and is 38 miles
from Wilmington in Columbus County. It wasn't until the age of aviation that
thousands of the elliptical depressions known as Carolina Bays were noticed
dotting the Carolinas' coastal plain. All the depressions are oriented along
northwest-southeast axes. Locals came to call them Bays, referring to the
abundance of bay trees -- red, sweet and loblolly -- that flourish there.
About 400,000 Carolina Bays exist, ranging in size from a fraction of an
acre to Lake Waccamaw's more than 9,000 acres. Some are lakes, but most are
seasonal wetlands filled with fertile peat. Their origin is still a mystery.
A widely accepted theory is that they were formed by strong winds blowing
across a sandy landscape or shallow sea during the last Ice Age. Lake
Waccamaw's shallow waters support 52 species of fish and several species of
aquatic animals living here exist nowhere else in the world.
Four nature trails -- Lake Trail, Sand Ridge Nature Trail, Pine Woods Trail
and Loblolly Trail -- and the boardwalk provide glimpses of the unique and
diverse plant life here. Among the many species of plants found here are the
region's oldest stands of cypress trees, reindeer moss, turkey oaks and the
rare Venus' flytrap. Most trails begin from the Visitor Center or the picnic
area. The Visitor Center has an auditorium where nature films are shown and
an exhibit hall with interactive displays that highlight the lake and
surrounding area.
Visitors planning to camp at Lake Waccamaw must be willing to rough it. The
camping area is undeveloped, with no more facilities than pit toilets,
picnic tables and fire circles. Four primitive group campsites (no water)
are available by reservation or on a first-come basis. Permits may be
obtained at the Visitors Center, (910) 646-4748. Fees are $9 per site with
$1 per person for groups of more than eight people. Reservations are for
groups only and not intended for family campers. Trailer camping is not
allowed.
The park is about 7 miles south of U.S. Highway 74/76. Highly visible signs
along that route and along N.C. Highway 214 lead the way. Entrance to the
park is from Bella Coola Road, which veers off State Road 1947.
Holland's Shelter
Creek
8315 N.C. Hwy. 53 E., Burgaw
(910) 259-5743
Holland's offers full RV hookups in a
rustic setting along the river. If you don't have a recreational vehicle,
Holland's also has small cabins for rent. Sleeping up to four persons, the
cabins have heat, air conditioning and indoor plumbing. Canoe, kayak and
paddleboat rentals are available for any size group from the solitary
fisherman to Scout troops. Holland's Shelter Creek Restaurant and
Holland's Shelter Creek General Store are located on the same property to
make your camping trip complete. The campground is open year-round.
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