Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends

06/12/2026

Swimming is a wonderful activity for people of all ages, and helping children learn to swim safely is one of the many ways we support our community.

The Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends Group, in partnership with the Columbus County Parks & Recreation Department, is proud to help sponsor an annual Swim Clinic for children ages 6–12. This year’s clinic begins next week!

If your child is registered to attend, please arrive at the Waccamaw Sailing Club by 9:00 a.m. sharp on Tuesday, June 17. The club is located at 3100 Canal Cove Road, Lake Waccamaw. The clinic runs through Thursday, June 19th.

We look forward to another fun and safe experience on the water! Future swimmer Oaks Malpass is pictured here enjoying the lake with some of his buddies. We look forward to having him in swim camp in a few years!

06/12/2026

Lake Waccamaw State Park celebrated its 50th anniversary in May! As we mark this important milestone, be on the lookout for special activities and events commemorating five decades of conservation, recreation, and community.

The success of the Park and its Friends Group is due in large part to dedicated supporters like Harry Foley, who served as Chair of the Friends Group for many years. Shown here in 2019 with Park Superintendent Toby Hall, Mr. Foley once described the organization as “a group of individuals who are dedicated to helping the staff of Lake Waccamaw State Park do the things they cannot do,” including raising funds for special projects, supporting educational programs, and helping staff special events.

If you are not yet a member—or if you have not renewed your membership for 2026—we encourage you to do so today. Your support helps ensure that Lake Waccamaw State Park continues to thrive for generations to come.

06/12/2026

We've been getting a few questions about boating conditions on Lake Waccamaw and how the ongoing drought has affected water levels.

Park Superintendent Toby Hall advises boaters to use extra caution when traveling inside the wake zone poles from Lakeshore Drive southwest toward the dam. Water depths in this area can change quickly, and some spots may be much more shallow than expected. Boaters should pay close attention to their surroundings and make sure they have adequate draft for safe navigation.

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time on Lake Waccamaw. Please slow down, stay alert, and use extra caution in shallow areas. A little extra care can help ensure a great day on the water for everyone!

Have fun, be safe, and enjoy our beautiful lake! 🚤☀️

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

Lake Waccamaw State Park is a great place to ride bicycles, tricycles and other cycles! If you are in need of a helmet for your child before you hit the trail, check out this opportunity!

FREE HELMET GIVEAWAY! 🚲

Join us for our Free Helmet Giveaway in partnership with Trillium Health Resources and YWCA- Lower Cape Fear for children of all ages. Helmets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of serious head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) during recreational activities. Wearing a helmet every ride, every time, is one of the easiest ways to stay safe.

📅 Date: July 10
⏰ Time: 9am-11am
📍 Location: 310 Jefferson St, Whiteville NC 28472

Help us spread the word and keep our young riders safe! We look forward to seeing you there!

06/09/2026

Before you visit Lake Waccamaw State Park, enjoy this great overview.
https://youtu.be/RyDUCaoiX6s?si=lmQJeCCCmUJzFk9J

06/08/2026

Early summer heat is expected to impact much of the U.S. this week. Be sure to limit your time outdoors, take breaks often, hydrate, etc. For more heat safety tips visit weather.gov/heat.

06/08/2026

Lake Waccamaw is one of several Carolina Bay lakes found along the Atlantic Coastal Plain. But what exactly is a bay lake, and how did Lake Waccamaw come to be?

An interesting article published by Coastwatch magazine and the North Carolina Sea Grant organization explores the history, geology, and unique features of these fascinating natural wonders. You'll also discover why Lake Waccamaw is considered one of the most biologically unique lakes in North America.

Coming next week, we'll begin a special series highlighting the plants and animals found nowhere else in the world except Lake Waccamaw. Several of these remarkable endemic species are mentioned in the article, offering a preview of the extraordinary wildlife that makes our lake so special.

Stay tuned—you won't want to miss it!

The Waccamaw Siouan Indians say thousands of years ago, the night sky flared incandescent as a meteor fell ablaze from the west and struck earth. As surrounding swamps and rivers flowed into the concaved ground, cooling the basin and its waters to hues of blue and green, Lake Waccamaw was created.