Lake Wateree State Park
Desportes Island on Wateree Lake — 100 Full-Service Campsites, Tackle Shop & Blue Catfish Fishing Near Camden
Lake Wateree State Park occupies Desportes Island on the western shore of Lake Wateree — a 13,710-acre reservoir on the Wateree River in Fairfield County, South Carolina, near Winnsboro and approximately 30 miles north of Camden. The park offers 100 paved campsites with full hookups, a two-lane boat ramp, an on-site tackle shop with boat refueling, and a 2.3-mile island loop trail — making it one of the most well-equipped fishing and camping parks in the South Carolina state park system.
Lake Wateree is renowned among Southeast anglers for its blue catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, and black crappie populations. The park’s tackle shop and free SCDNR tackle loaner program lower the barrier to entry for new anglers, while the Desportes Island setting — surrounded by water on three sides — creates a uniquely immersive lakeside camping experience. A state-of-the-art playground, disc golf, a soccer field, and lakefront swings round out the family amenities.
Things to Do
Fishing
Lake Wateree is a premier warm-water fishery:
- Species: Blue catfish (trophy-class), largemouth bass, striped bass, and black crappie
- On-site tackle shop with bait, gear, and boat refueling
- Free tackle loaner program (SCDNR) — available at the tackle shop
- South Carolina fishing license required
Boating
- Two-lane boat ramp for direct access to 13,710 acres of open water
- Kayak rentals available at the park
- Boat refueling at the on-site tackle shop
Swimming
A designated swimming area near the park office and store — refreshing during South Carolina summers.
Hiking
- Desportes Island Loop Trail: 2.3 miles of easy walking around the island — lake views, shoreline access, and shaded forest
Family Recreation
- State-of-the-art playground and swing set
- Disc golf goals
- Soccer field (soccer balls provided)
- Lakefront swings for sunset watching
- Park store: Camping essentials and “Ultimate Outsider” stamp
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Hookups |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside | 72 (incl. waterfront) | 20/30-amp electric + water |
| Taylor Creek | 28 | 20/30/50-amp electric + water + sewer |
Facilities: Bathhouses with hot showers; dump station. All sites paved for tent or RV use. Reservations via 866-345-PARK or southcarolinaparks.com.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ⭐ Bass spawning; comfortable camping; crappie fishing peak; dogwood blooming | Variable weather; weekends filling early |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Swimming; full tackle shop hours; kayak rentals; family recreation peak | Hot & humid (95°F+); thunderstorms; busy weekends |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Cooler camping; fall bass fishing; blue catfish peak; quieter | Tackle shop hours may reduce; shorter days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Year-round camping; winter catfish; solitude; mild SC winters | Cold mornings; some facilities reduced; check tackle shop hours |
Visitor Tips
- Blue catfish: Lake Wateree is one of South Carolina’s best blue catfish fisheries — trophy-class fish are caught regularly. The on-site tackle shop can advise on current hotspots and bait.
- Free tackle: The SCDNR tackle loaner program at the tackle shop means you can fish even without your own gear — great for introducing kids or newcomers to fishing.
- Taylor Creek premium: The 28-site Taylor Creek campground offers 50-amp service and full sewer connections — the premium option for larger RVs and extended stays.
- Waterfront sites: The Riverside campground’s waterfront sites are the most popular — they offer direct lake views. Book early for these specific sites.
- Island setting: Desportes Island is surrounded by water on three sides — you feel the lake from almost everywhere in the park. The lakefront swings are perfect for sunset watching.
- Camden proximity: The historic town of Camden (30 miles south) — South Carolina’s oldest inland city — offers Revolutionary War history, equestrian events, and charming downtown dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Lake Wateree?
Lake Wateree supports largemouth bass, striped bass, blue catfish (trophy-class), and black crappie as primary species. The 13,710-acre reservoir is particularly renowned for its blue catfish population. Lake Wateree State Park’s on-site tackle shop provides bait, gear, boat refueling, and a free SCDNR tackle loaner program for visitors without equipment.
Does Lake Wateree State Park have full hookup camping?
Yes — the Taylor Creek campground (28 sites) offers full hookups with 20/30/50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. The Riverside campground (72 sites, including waterfront options) offers 20/30-amp electrical and water hookups. All 100 sites are paved and suitable for both tents and RVs. Reservations are made through the South Carolina State Parks website or by calling 866-345-PARK.
Last updated: April 2026
