Discover Our Newest Natural Amenity
Welcome to the newest addition to your wildly comfortable camping experience—our beautiful 3-acre lake! Created from a former meadow once used for growing soybeans and tobacco, this brand new lake is designed to be a peaceful retreat for relaxation, wildlife watching, and, often, stunning sunsets.
As our lake continues to fill and develop, we have careful plans in place to gradually introduce a variety of activities. We invite you to discover new memories together at the lake as each phase opens.
Guest safety, enjoyment, and careful stewardship of the environment will always guide when and how different lake activities are made available. All dates and activity launches are considered target dates and may change based on safety or environmental considerations.
Current Lake Status
Our lake is actively filling and developing into a vibrant ecosystem! Here’s what to know about its current status:
Water Level: Currently within 6 inches of target 5 foot lake depth.
Wildlife: Our lake naturally attracted birds and amphibians. Once these populations were established, we added 3,000+ minnows in May 2025 per the stocking plan. Please observe wildlife respectfully and avoid disturbing animals or their habitats.
Vegetation: We are actively encouraging native plants to stabilize the soil on the perimeter of the lake. Mowing will be delayed to allow natural growth at this time.
The walking path around the lake has been created using the sandy excavated soil from the lake. Please note: The sandy walking surface is uneven, and natural vegetation may create visual or tripping hazards. For your safety, always remain a safe distance from the water’s edge and supervise children closely.
Current Activities: Until written notice otherwise, all water activities are limited to staff only. When safety and ecological balance allow guest activity in the lake, we will post signs with clear instructions on appropriate use and precautions.
Lake Activities
Available Now
- Wildlife Observation: Enjoy watching frogs, birds, and other wildlife that have already made our lake home.
- Sunset Photo Challenge: We encourage guests to take and post images of the lake at sunrise & sunset! Tag your best photos #StandingPinesSunsets to share them.
- Lake Tours: Join our staff for educational walks around the lake perimeter to learn about its development and future plans.
- Limited Staff Use: At this time, we are actively conducting limited staff tests of specific boating options for potential future guest enjoyment.
Available Soon
Wildlife observation, sunset photo challenge, lake tours and limited staff use continues. Plus, we anticipate opening the following activities to guests during the summer of 20245
Supervised Boating Sessions: Small inflatable boats provided by Standing Pines, available only during scheduled sessions with staff supervision. Personal boats are not permitted at this time.
Feed the Fish Stations: Child-friendly stations to interact with the baby fish just beginning to call our lake home. Fish feeding is only permitted during designated sessions with staff-provided food.
Touch a Tadpole Sessions: Staff-led, hands-on nature sessions for children to attempt to catch a tadpole after learning about frogs.
Please note: All activities are subject to staff supervision, weather, and safety conditions. Activities may be rescheduled or modified at any time for guest safety or environmental reasons.
Lake Wildlife & Ecosystem
Our lake is already becoming a thriving ecosystem! In just the short time since we began filling, nature has blessed us with:
Thousands of tadpoles that are quickly developing into frogs
Native birds visiting regularly
Growing shoreline vegetation that helps maintain water quality and prevent erosion
We are committed to supporting a healthy, balanced environment as the lake matures.
The first step to introduce fish in the lake is to add non-predatory fish (minnows). Once this population is established and healthy, we will move forward with adding additional fish species.
Our intent is to create a sustainable ecosystem that will support our future catch-and-release fishing program while maintaining healthy fish, bird and amphibian populations.
Please observe all wildlife respectfully and avoid disturbing animals or their habitats. This careful approach ensures our lake will be both beautiful and environmentally sustainable for years to come.
Lake FAQ
Can I swim in the lake?
No. Swimming and wading are not permitted in the lake. There are no life guards on duty.
Our lake is part of the property’s stormwater management system and is not designed or approved for swimming or direct water contact. This policy is in place for guest safety and to comply with regulatory requirements.
Are there other water attractions at Standing Pines?
Yes! While the lake is a non-swimming amenity, all guests are welcome to enjoy our Oasis Showers. Our Mining with Finnegan features a water sluice and is fully available for guests to enjoy. Two inflatable waterslides (single 10 foot slide plus a double 18 foot slides) will open for guests in early June 2025.
Additional water amenities are planned. Additionally, we strongly encourage summer guests to visit Neptune Island Water Park for summer water fun! (located ~15 minutes away in Hartsville, SC)
Can I fish in the lake?
Catch-and-release fishing will be introduced in phases once our fish populations are established and the ecosystem is balanced. Please check with the Welcome Center or our website for updates on fishing availability. Eating fish from the lake is not permitted.
Can I bring my own kayak, canoe, or boat?
At this time, only Standing Pines-provided boats are allowed, and only during supervised sessions. Personal watercraft are not permitted to protect the lake liner, ensure guest safety, and comply with stormwater management guidelines.
Why are there activity restrictions on the lake?
Our lake is carefully managed as part of the property’s stormwater system, with water levels and quality that can change rapidly. Restrictions are in place to protect both our guests and the natural environment.
How deep is the lake?
The lake is still filling. Once complete, the shallow end will be maintained at 6–7 feet by the spillway, with deeper sections beyond that. Current depths range from under 1 foot to over 3 feet.
Are there fish in the lake?
We are beginning to actively introduce fish to the lake in May of 2025. We will start with non-predatory fish to support a balanced ecosystem. All fish introductions will be carefully managed.
Is the lake safe for pets?
For their safety and the health of the ecosystem, pets must remain leashed and are not allowed in the water. We strongly encourage guests to visit our two off-leash dog parks for exercise with furry friends!
How do I sign up for lake activities?
All lake activities require advance registration and a signed waiver. You can sign up at the Welcome Center, by phone, or by email.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact our Welcome Center staff—we’re happy to help!
Note:
All activities, access, and policies are subject to change for safety, environmental, and regulatory reasons. Thank you for helping us protect both our guests and the natural beauty of Standing Pines!
Lake Rules
No swimming or wading is permitted in the lake at any time. The lake is part of our stormwater management system and is not designed or approved for swimming or direct water contact.
Boating is only allowed in Standing Pines-provided boats, and only during scheduled, supervised sessions. Personal watercraft (kayaks, canoes, inflatables, etc.) are not permitted.
Life jackets are required for all boating activities, regardless of age or swimming ability.
Catch-and-release fishing is permitted only when officially announced and only with Standing Pines-provided equipment. Eating fish from the lake is not allowed.
Pets must remain leashed and are not allowed in the lake. Please use our off-leash dog parks for exercise and play.
Respect wildlife and plants: Please observe all animals from a distance and do not disturb plants, tadpoles, frogs, or other wildlife.
Children must be supervised at all times near the lake.
No feeding of fish or wildlife except during designated, staff-led sessions with approved food.
Stay on designated paths and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge, as surfaces may be uneven or slippery.
All lake activities require advance registration and a signed waiver. Participation is at your own risk and subject to all posted rules and staff instructions.
Thank you for helping us keep Standing Pines safe, beautiful, and enjoyable for everyone!
Participation Terms & Digital Waiver
All lake activities require advance registration and a signed waiver.
Before participating in any boating, fishing, or other lake activities, each guest (or parent/guardian for minors) must complete a digital waiver. This waiver acknowledges understanding of all posted lake rules, inherent risks associated with water activities, and agreement to follow staff instructions at all times.
You can complete your waiver online, at the Welcome Center, or by phone.
Participation in any lake activity is strictly at your own risk and subject to all Standing Pines rules and safety guidelines.
Failure to comply with lake rules or staff instructions may result in removal from the activity or restricted access to lake amenities.
Thank you for helping us keep Standing Pines safe and enjoyable for everyone!
Thank You for Choosing Standing Pines
“Thank you for playing at Standing Pines! My family and I created this campground for yours to enjoy. We appreciate your help taking care of our lake, forest, and campsites as you discover memories together at Standing Pines with wildly comfortable camping!
We are so glad you are here. Enjoy your adventure!”
— Amy, Owner
If you have any questions about the lake, activities, or anything else during your stay, our front desk staff are always happy to help. Please stop by the Welcome Center, call us at (843) 287-6169, or email us at info@campstandingpines.com.
Meet Standing Pines! We are a new, family‑owned campground in the Pee Dee region near Hartsville, South Carolina, offering wildly comfortable camping for RVs, cabins, and tents. Discover memories together with quiet country camping for the whole family at Standing Pines.
We are about 30 minutes from the I‑95 / I‑20 interchange near Florence, SC. Watch for owls flying through our pines, challenge each other to a round of mini golf, and laugh as your fur babies explore two large fenced dog parks perfect for zoomies. Enjoy full‑hookup RV sites and modern comforts like our Oasis outdoor showers, private bathhouse, strong Wi‑Fi, and 24/7 Laundry Lounge.
Explore nature with more than 1.5 miles of trails through our private forest or stroll around our 3‑acre private lake. Sunrise and sunset over the water are colorful shows most days.
In summer, we are just 15 minutes from Neptune Island Water Park, a regional favorite for families with kids. All year, we are about 20 minutes from the Darlington NASCAR racetrack and museum, plus fun South Carolina attractions like McLeod Farms and Antique Museum in McBee.
More into nature? We are 15 minutes from the National Sandhills Wildlife Refuge, with more than 47,000 acres of pine forest, ponds and rolling hills. Even closer, the South Carolina Sandhills State Forest offers another 45,000 acres of outdoor fun.
Want to stay a little longer and explore the region?
– 60 minutes to Columbia, SC
– 90 minutes to Charlotte, NC
– 2 hours to Myrtle Beach, SC
– 2.5 hours to Charleston, SC
Less than 4 hours’ easy driving from Savannah, Raleigh, Wilmington, Atlanta or Augusta, GA.