CAMDEN, S.C. -- When the temperatures rise in South Carolina, the cool open air of the lake at the Wateree Recreation Area offers relief and relaxation.
Shaw Air Force Base controls 25 acres of Wateree's 190-mile shoreline and 14,000-acre area, holding endless possibilities for all Department of Defense identification cardholders.
"We enjoy coming here because it's a really nice campground," said Vera Jones, a frequent Wateree camper. "Wateree is well managed, everyone is helpful and friendly. It's just a quiet, peaceful place to relax."
Mrs. Jones and her husband, Paul, have been camping at Wateree for the past 25 years with their friends James and Betty Murphy. In addition to relaxing and fishing, the two couples get together with other campers for some away-from-home cooking, Mr. Murphy said. Mrs. Jones specializes in German dishes and everyone who joins them brings a little something to the table, even if it's simply fellowship.
Wateree offers two- and three-bedroom cabins, camping and recreational vehicle sites, pavilions, boat docks, boat rental, swimming, barbecue grills, picnic tables and a 3,500-square-foot recreation center.
The recreation area is a place for families to enjoy the outdoors. It has a playground for children and pets are allowed in some cabins. The area is secured with a fence and identification is checked upon arrival, Mr. Rogers said.
Each cabin has central heat and air conditioning, TV, linens, towels, dishes, a coffee maker, fire pit, patio and microwave oven. Recently, the cabins were refurbished with new couches and new stoves, Mr. Rogers said. Cabin prices vary based on the size of the cabin and the time of the season.
Wateree also offers rental packages for group events. With Package A, people have access to the recreation center, which has 10 tables, chairs and a kitchen. With Package B, they get the recreation center and six cabins. With Package C, they get the recreation center and 12 cabins. Prices depend on the season.
Before they may use a boat on Wateree, members must show proof that they have completed a Boating Safety course. Outdoor recreation offers the course, which consists of a video and test. Wateree offers the test on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. However, the video is not included. Mr. Rogers said the best thing to do is to get it ahead of time at outdoor recreation.
For more information or to make reservations for the area controlled by Shaw, military ID cardholders should call outdoor recreation at 895-0449 or visit the 20th FSS website.