Lake Wateree State Park, South Carolina

A serene Lake Wateree at dawn

Travelling is fun and as much as one wants to foster spontaneous adventuring it is not always the best plan.  So, there is a planning phase before each trip that requires a bit of research, luckily we have the Internet and the world is at our fingertips.  However, regardless how carefully you plan there are always surprises.

Early evening view of Lake Wateree
From the nature trail

And, Lake Wateree State Park is one of those pleasant surprises.  From previous camping trips to South Carolina State Parks we knew the parks were well maintained and normally beautiful but Lake Wateree is a jewel in the park system.  

.About the park:

This 238-acre park is located on Lake Wateree, one of South Carolina's premier fishing lakes, with over 13,700 acres and 242 miles of shoreline. The dam was completed in 1919, making it one of the oldest lakes in the state. http://www.wildernet.com/pages/area.cfm?areaID=SCSPLW

Fishing is a popular activity

The lake was dammed in 1919 and expanded in the 1950s by Duke Energy.  Overall it was a rather popular move, according to a local, as the economy in the area has improved greatly over the years
   
About the lake:

Lake Wateree, a 13,250-acre lake with unspoiled natural views, was created by the damming of the Wateree River in 1920. It is located about 30 miles northeast of Columbia, just east of I-77.The lake is owned and managed by Duke Power and is surrounded by three counties: Fairfield, Kershaw, and Lancaster. http://www.sciway.net/city/lake-wateree.html

I did not make a reservation as an online search using Reserve America earlier in the week indicated there should be available sites at this park.

This lovely site was ours!

The next morning we just couldn't resist putting the canoe in the lake for a nice paddle.  Again we were treated with unexpected beauty along the shore line.  Upon approaching an island there was a warning chatter of herons.  Closer inspection revealed the island was a Great Blue Heron rookery sporting many nests with 1 or 2 young birds.  It is amazing how loud the birds can chatter which started quietly and built in volume. It was not until we paddled away that I realized the loud voices of the babies chicks.

Swimming is perfect on a hot day
and it was a warm day!

We so enjoyed the park that we stayed an extra day which allowed us to visit with the neighbors, canoe, hike the nature trail (again), and take a swim.

Lake Wateree
A place to enjoy