How far is Wilmington, NC from Lake Waccamaw, NC?
The driving distance from Wilmington, NC to Lake Waccamaw, NC is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 32.4 miles (52.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 41m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 50m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Human settlement in Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Wilmington and Lake Waccamaw.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Wilmington and Lake Waccamaw.
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1
Start on South 3rd Street
113 m · 14 sec · South 3rd Street
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2
Continue on South 3rd Street
155 m · 23 sec · South 3rd Street
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3
Turn right
3.5 mi · 5 min
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4
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
22.4 mi · 31 min · Andrew Jackson Highway
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5
Turn slight left
7.9 mi · 14 min
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6
Turn left onto Pecan Lane
1064 ft · 48 sec · Pecan Lane
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7
Turn right onto West Oak Street
11 m · 2 sec · West Oak Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West Oak Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Wilmington and Lake Waccamaw.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Andrew Jackson Highway
Continue on Andrew Jackson Highway
22.4 mi · 00h 31m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Wilmington and Sunny near Lake Waccamaw.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Wilmington to Lake Waccamaw?
The road trip is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km) and usually takes 00h 50m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Northwest is a useful midpoint, sitting about 17.1 miles from Wilmington and 17.1 miles from Lake Waccamaw.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 32.4 miles (52.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 1.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.79 one way or $9.59 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Wilmington and Sunny near Lake Waccamaw.
Stop Ideas Near Northwest
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Founders Park
Leland Town Hall
Leland Police-Animal Control
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Northwest.
Wilmington, NC
Jacksonville, NC
Fayetteville
Dillon
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Wilmington and Lake Waccamaw. Straight-line distance: 32.35 mi (52.07 km).
#1 Wilmington
The largest city in the state of North Carolina.
| Population | 124,794 |
| Coordinates | 34.2257300, -77.9447100 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Lake Waccamaw
Town in Columbus County, North Carolina, United States
| Population | 1,392 |
| Coordinates | 34.3190600, -78.5000100 |
| Altitude | 18 |
| Country | United States |
End: Lake Waccamaw (-78.50001, 34.31906)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 41m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $4.79 | $9.59 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $5.36 | $10.72 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $5.78 | $11.56 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $6.81 | $13.61 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in North Carolina · Apr 20, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.