Itineraries

Option 1 – It’s All Good at Goodale State Park

Just minutes east of Downtown Camden, tall cypress trees that enchant the eye, A Civil War-era mill pond that abounds with wildlife, and a nature trail is waiting to be explored:  Goodale State Park near Camden is home to these attractions and hidden surprises, such as a 3-mile cypress canoe trail that some say is the best undiscovered canoe trail in the state. A longtime community favorite, Goodale offers shoreline fishing, canoe rentals, picnicking and hiking. Just minutes east of Downtown Camden, Goodale offers fishing for bass, bream and catfish, walking trails, picnicking facilities and some of the best kayaking in the state.

In addition to a 140-acre lake that is actually a Civil War era mill pond, this park has canoe access to Pine Tree Creek. A canoe trail follows this creek for three miles as it winds through a watery alley of tall cypress trees. Good to bring your own gear. There is a hand-launch access area for private boats with electric trolling motors, canoes and other non-motorized boats. Fishing boat and canoe/kayak rentals $10 half/$20 full day are available.

For those who want to stay on the dry side, a short out-and-back trail runs alongside the lake. Bring binoculars to watch for birds and other creatures!  Plus, Geocaching is permitted. Several geocaches are located on site. For more info visit the official geocaching website. 

For a meal break, there are picnic shelters with water and charcoal grills. Click here for reservations or explore some of the wonderful eateries in downtown Camden. 

Option 2 – Stay and Play on Lake Wateree

Plan a day or stay and play on Lake Wateree, just minutes north of Camden. Perfect setting for lots of adventures – from fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, cruising or simply hammocking!

Although there are no hotels on the lake, there are plenty of homes, cottages, and other spaces available to book through Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com.  

Have your own recreational vehicle? Make a plan at Wateree Lake RV Park & Camping. Sites for RV’s are available for nightly, weekly, or monthly basis, and amenities include playground areas for the kids, a dog park for the fur babies, a laundry center and boathouse, and a private marina.

Have your own boat?  The lake has many places to launch your own vessel. However, At Lake Wateree Marina you can rent something for a day, a week, or longer.  From pontoons and jet skies, to paddleboards, kayaks and canoes – you can have it all.

For fun lake-front dining, music and more, be sure to visit The Beavers Den at Beaver Creek Bar and Grille.  The Beavers pride themselves on the family friendly atmosphere, food and music. Best place to gather on the weekend as you anchor up to float and enjoy karaoke most Thursdays and local musical talent just about every weekend. For more nearby eats try  River Deck Store and Grill with the best burgers you’ll find anywhere. 

For more off the water, outdoor adventures while you are in the Liberty Hill area, take some time to explore the Austin Sheheen Sr. Natural Resources Area This is an 8,000 acre area with 14 miles of Lake Wateree shoreline open for public hiking, hunting, bird watching and fishing. There are boats slips if you want to dock, climb the landing stone stairs and hike up from the riverside.

Option 3 – Explore Camden’s Blue Water Trail

Get lazy on our  Wateree River. Named after the Native Americans who lived in the area prior to European colonization, the Wateree is truly unique in its diversity.  The highlight of the upper section is the City of Camden and its numerous historic sites and burial mounds, some dating back over a thousand years.  Downstream of Camden, are miles of undisturbed wilderness where a visitor can fish and  paddle for days without encountering another person. 

Public boat landings can be found in various places, including south of the Lake Wateree Dam at the end of Tail Race Road in Lugoff and at the  US 1/ 601 bridge connecting Camden and Lugoff. Public access to non-motorized boats can be found in Lugoff at the Wateree River Veterans Park. This 35-acre riverfront park in Lugoff has a 2,112-foot long, eight-foot wide walking trail and a newly renovated boat the ramp facility complete with new paved parking, two concrete launch points, and a floating dock.

The last take out (30 miles before the Wateree joins the Congaree down river in Columbia) is the Camden Riverfront Environmental Park. This new park at the historic Port of Camden features an interior half-mile meandering lagoon for kayaking novices, and native plants and wildlife, plus  observation areas and walking trails. The Riverfront Park also contains the trailhead to The Chotty Trail, which is Camden’s passage to the SC Palmetto Trail.

Option 4 – Hit The Trails

You can go all out in Kershaw County on a holiday to experience all our hiking, biking and paddling trails. Organized by the KC Trails Community, our trails system  continues to grow as we make Camden and Kershaw County a premier destination for outdoor recreation. Visit here for a county wide listing of trails.

Chief among them is the Lloyd Project of Clemson University where you can enjoy 800 acres of open trails and varying habitats along the Wateree River at the Margaret H. Lloyd Preserve. And through the Nature as Teacher program, plenty of  outdoor education experiences are provided for all ages by the facilitation and support of nature focused programs and practices. To learn more contact:

Ashley Branham
Interim Program Coordinator   
803-420-7911

247 Chesnut Ferry Road, Camden