Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina: Camping, Boating, and Fishing in Central South Carolina

What you'll find at Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina

Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina sits on a 13,000-acre reservoir in Kershaw County, about 30 miles northeast of Columbia. The facility offers full-hookup RV sites, boat launch access, and a marina with rental boats and slip space. It's one of the few places on Wateree Lake where you can pull up in an RV, walk to the water, and spend days fishing or exploring the lake without leaving the property.

The park operates year-round and caters to both short-term visitors and seasonal residents. Most sites have water, electric, and sewer connections. The marina rents pontoon boats, fishing boats, and jet skis by the hour or day, and the launch ramp is available to anyone with a boat trailer. A tackle shop on-site stocks bait, lures, and basic supplies for anglers targeting largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.

Key Takeaways

• Full-hookup RV sites with water, electric, and sewer are available year-round, with rates varying by season and site size.
• The marina rents boats by the hour or day and maintains a public boat launch for trailers, making it easy to get on the water without owning a vessel.
• Wateree Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, and the park's tackle shop supplies gear for anglers of all skill levels.
• The park sits near historic sites, state parks, and small-town dining in Kershaw, making it a base for exploring central South Carolina beyond the lake.

RV sites and overnight camping

The park has roughly 100 RV sites arranged in rows near the water and in wooded sections farther back. Most offer 30-amp or 50-amp electric service, full water hookups, and sewer connections. Site sizes vary—some accommodate large Class A motorhomes, while others work better for travel trailers or smaller rigs. Pull-through sites are available for those who prefer not to back in.

Rates depend on the season and site type. Peak season (typically spring and fall) costs more than winter rates. The park also offers weekly and monthly discounts for longer stays. Reservations can be made by phone or through the marina office. During busy weekends and holidays, sites fill quickly, so booking ahead is wise if you're planning a specific visit.

Amenities include a clubhouse, picnic areas, and a small store. Wi-Fi is available but may be limited depending on your site location. The park allows pets on most sites, though there are restrictions on size and number—confirm when you reserve. Wateree Lake's shoreline is accessible from the park, and many campers fish from the bank or launch kayaks from the property.

Boat rentals and the marina

The marina operates a rental fleet that includes pontoon boats, center-console fishing boats, and jet skis. Pontoons are popular for families or groups who want to cruise the lake, anchor in a cove, and swim. Fishing boats come rigged with rod holders and electronics, and they're rented to both experienced anglers and beginners. Hourly, half-day, and full-day rental rates are posted at the office, and discounts apply to multi-day rentals.

A public boat launch with multiple lanes serves both marina customers and visitors who own their own boats. The launch is free for RV park guests and available to day-use visitors for a small fee. The marina also offers covered and open slip rentals for those who want to keep a boat on the water for the season. Fuel is available at the dock, and the staff can point you toward good fishing spots or scenic areas of the lake.

The tackle shop stocks live bait (shiners and shad), frozen bait, and a selection of lures for bass and catfish. The staff can advise on current conditions and what's biting. If you don't have your own gear, basic rod-and-reel combos are available for rent, making it possible to fish even if you arrived without equipment.

Fishing on Wateree Lake

Wateree Lake is known for largemouth bass, with fish regularly caught in the 3- to 5-pound range and occasional larger specimens. The lake is also stocked with channel catfish and blue catfish, which are active year-round and especially popular with night anglers. Crappie fishing is strong in spring and fall, and white perch and bluegill round out the options for lighter tackle.

The best bass fishing typically occurs in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when water temperatures favor active feeding. Summer fishing is possible but often requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the heat. Winter can be productive for catfish and crappie, though some anglers find the cold less appealing.

From the RV park, you can fish from the bank, launch a kayak, or rent a boat. Bank fishing is free and requires only a South Carolina fishing license. Boat anglers should carry a life jacket and be aware that Wateree Lake can develop chop in windy conditions—the lake is large enough that weather matters. The marina staff can advise on which areas are producing and whether current conditions favor a particular species.

Nearby attractions and things to do

Wateree Lake sits in Kershaw County, a region with deep roots in South Carolina's colonial and Civil War history. The town of Camden, about 20 minutes away, is home to the Camden Historic District, featuring 18th- and 19th-century homes, shops, and restaurants. The Kershaw-Cornwallis House and the Bethesda Presbyterian Church are among the significant sites. Camden also hosts seasonal events, including the South Carolina Steeplechase in March, a horse racing tradition dating back decades.

Goodale State Park, about 15 minutes from the marina, offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for swimming and paddling. The park is less crowded than some state parks and provides a quieter alternative if you want to leave the RV for a few hours. Sesquicentennial State Park, closer to Columbia, has similar amenities and is worth the drive if you're interested in a different landscape.

Dining options range from casual lakeside spots near the marina to restaurants in Camden's downtown. Local barbecue, Southern comfort food, and farm-to-table establishments reflect the region's agricultural heritage. The area is also home to several antique shops and small galleries, making it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon away from the water.

Planning your visit

The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. Spring and fall offer mild weather, active fishing, and fewer crowds than summer weekends. Winter is quieter and cheaper, though some amenities may have reduced hours. Summer is busiest, especially on weekends, and the heat can be intense for outdoor activities during midday.

Bring a valid South Carolina fishing license if you plan to fish from the bank or rent a boat. Licenses are available online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources or at many tackle shops and sporting goods stores. If you're renting a boat, the marina will confirm what's required—some rental packages include a temporary license or guide service.

The park is about an hour from Columbia and accessible via US 1 and SC 97. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in some areas of the park. If you rely on internet for work, confirm Wi-Fi coverage with the office when you reserve. The nearest hospital is in Camden, about 20 minutes away, and the nearest larger medical center is in Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own an RV to stay at the park?

No. The park rents RV sites to anyone with an RV, whether you own it, rent it, or borrow it. If you don't have an RV but want to camp, nearby state parks and other campgrounds in the area offer tent sites and cabin rentals as alternatives.

Can I bring my own boat and launch it?

Yes. The public boat launch is available to RV park guests at no additional charge and to day-use visitors for a small fee. You'll need a valid boat registration and a South Carolina boating safety certificate if required by state law. The marina staff can answer questions about launch procedures and current water conditions.

What's the best time of year to fish for bass?

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive for largemouth bass. Water temperatures during these seasons trigger active feeding. Summer fishing is possible but often requires early morning or evening trips. Winter can be good for catfish and crappie if you don't mind the cold.

Is there cell service and Wi-Fi at the park?

Cell service is generally available but can be spotty depending on your location within the park. Wi-Fi is offered but may have limited range or speed. If reliable internet is important for your stay, contact the office before you arrive to confirm coverage at your specific site.

How far is the park from Columbia?

Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina is about 30 miles northeast of downtown Columbia, roughly an hour's drive via US 1 and SC 97. This makes it close enough for day trips into the city while still offering a quiet, rural setting focused on water recreation.