Lake Waccamaw, NC

Lake Waccamaw is a quiet, close-knit town in southeastern North Carolina, located about 40 miles west of Wilmington. Home to around 1,300 residents, the community sits along the northern shore of one of the region's largest natural freshwater lakes. Life here revolves around the water, with a laid-back pace, quiet residential streets, and scenic lakefront views that make everyday living feel like a retreat.

Outdoor recreation is right in your backyard thanks to Lake Waccamaw State Park, which offers shaded hiking trails, camping spots, and a boardwalk winding beneath moss-draped cypress trees. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are favorite local pastimes, supported by multiple public boat launches around the shoreline. For groceries, healthcare, and everyday errands, residents make the quick 15-minute drive into Whiteville, while Wilmington is close enough for easy day trips and commutes.