Acquired in January 2004, the 12,403-acre Wee Tee State Forest is owned by the S.C. Forestry Commission and is located in Williamsburg and Georgetown counties. Wee Tee contains more than 12 miles of river frontage and is primarily bottomland hardwood and coastal flood plain habitats. Included in the property is a 200-acre lake and numerous ponds and oxbows. These bottomlands and aquatic systems provide excellent fish and wildlife habitat and will provide the citizens of South Carolina numerous recreational opportunities. It is considered one of the most significant tracts of land in the Santee River floodplain.
Wee Tee State Forest, contains 12,405 acres. Approximately 11,500 acres of the area is located in the Santee River floodplain and is subject to periodic flooding. The property contains two oxbow lakes - Wee Tee Lake and Ferry Lake. There is also a large freshwater spring located on the property near the upper end of Wee Tee Lake.
ACCESS
The following are approved access points for Wee Tee State Forest:
- Dirt road off Santee Road (County road 45) across from Sutton’ s Methodist Church. This road provides access to Wee Tee Lake. This road will be blocked at bridge across Wee Tee Lake due to hazardous bridges and unimproved roads.
- Dirt road off US 17A/SC 41 on the North side of the Santee River. This road provides access to Ferry Lake.
PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY OPEN FROM OFFICIAL SUNRISE TO SUNSET ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS ONLY. GATES WILL BE LOCKED AT ALL OTHER TIMES. ALL VEHICLES AND VISITORS MUST BE OFF THE PROPERTY BEFORE SUNSET OR RISK BEING LOCKED IN OVERNIGHT.
RECREATION
Fishing
Wee Tee Lake and Ferry Lake will be open for public fishing Wednesdays through Saturdays only. Fridays are Youth Day and each adult must accompanied by a 17 or younger youth. The following regulations will be enforced:
- Valid state fishing license required
- Electric motors only- no gasoline motors allowed
- All applicable size and possession limits will be enforced
Canoeing/Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking will be permitted on Wee Tee and Ferry Lake Wednesdays and Saturdays only via the access points listed above. No permit required at this time. Gates will be open from official sunrise to sunset. All vehicles and visitors must be off the property before sunset or risk being locked in overnight.
Hiking/Mountain Biking
Hiking and mountain biking will be restricted to the existing road system Wednesdays and Saturdays only via the access points listed above. No permit required at this time. Gates will be open from official sunrise to sunset. All vehicles and visitors must be off the property before sunset or risk being locked in overnight.
Location
Wee Tee State Forest is located in Williamsburg County approximately 20 miles South of Kingstree between Santee Road (County road 45) and the Santee River. The main entrance to the tract is on Santee Road immediately across from Sutton’ s Methodist Church.
For further information contact : Phone: (843) 387-6148
Forest Recreation / Reference Resources / Forest Management