Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · Family campground review
Our honest family review after approximately 10 camping trips over six years—and more than two decades of family visits.
Our family rating9.9/10
Best forActive family beach trips
Our usual seasonsEarly summer + Halloweekend
Our experienceAbout 10 camping trips
Some campgrounds are places a family visits once. Ocean Lakes has become part of our family calendar.
We have camped at Ocean Lakes Family Campground approximately 10 times over the past six years, normally once in early summer and again for Halloweekend. My first visit was about 12 years ago, when I stayed in a beach house with my wife’s family. Her family has been vacationing there for roughly 25 years.
Our daughter, Lily, first stayed in an Ocean Lakes beach house when she was six months old. She first camped there at age three. Now it is one of the destinations our family talks about, plans for, and looks forward to every year.
For our family, Ocean Lakes is the one park to rule them all.
This Is More Than a Campground
Ocean Lakes feels less like a conventional campground and more like a small beachfront town built around campers. The official campground information lists 310 oceanfront acres, nearly one mile of beachfront, 859 transient campsites, more than 2,500 annual lease sites, five bathhouses, and more than 300 rental properties. It sits on the southern side of Myrtle Beach, about three miles south of the city limits and just north of Surfside Beach.
Those numbers explain the scale, but they do not capture the feeling. Inside the gates are pools, water attractions, stores, food, playgrounds, an arcade, a Nature Center, a dog park, golf carts everywhere, and enough activity that a family can spend a week without treating the campground as merely a place to sleep.
The Arrival Experience
For us, the trip starts feeling real when the Sandy Starfish signs appear. Ocean Lakes Express Check-In has made arrival especially simple: when our paperwork is completed in advance, we can drive through the main gate and head toward our site while the campground checks us in.
Officially, camping guests must arrange Express Check-In at least two weeks before arrival, pay camping fees in full, provide the number in the party, and submit vehicle information. The packet includes vehicle passes.
Our site has often been available hours before the normal 3 p.m. campsite check-in time. That is luck, not a promise. Ocean Lakes specifically says early campsite availability is not guaranteed. It depends on the previous guest leaving and the site being ready.
One amusingly useful part of the Ocean Lakes community is the Facebook groups. Campers will sometimes drive past an incoming guest’s site and report whether it is still occupied. It can reduce the wondering, but the campground—not a social-media comment—still determines when a site is ready.
Campsites and Site Selection
We tow a bumper-pull travel trailer, and the roads and turns have generally been manageable. Larger rigs should study the official campground map and plan their approach. When the campground is full, parked vehicles and golf carts near road edges can make comfortable roads feel much narrower.
Most of our sites have held the camper, tow vehicle, golf cart, outdoor rug, picnic table, chairs, family, and dogs without turning setup into a geometry exam. Smaller sites require more thought, and a neighbor with several vehicles or a large outdoor setup can make an otherwise reasonable area feel tight.
We prefer the middle-front part of the campground, between the pool and the beach. It gives us convenient access without placing us directly in the heaviest beachfront or pool traffic. We especially like sites near the pool complex but far enough away to avoid the busiest roads.
We have stayed in different sections based on availability, and every area has tradeoffs. Rear sections can feel more wooded and quiet. Beachfront sites are wonderfully convenient but often smaller, busier, and surrounded by more golf-cart and foot traffic.
Full Hookups and Bathhouses
Ocean Lakes states that every transient campsite includes 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric service, water, sewer, cable hookup, Wi-Fi, a picnic table, and daily curbside trash collection. That full-hookup consistency is a meaningful convenience on a longer stay.
The bathhouses have always been very clean during our visits. Shower stalls are spacious, with an attached changing area, bench, and hooks. Water pressure is generally excellent, and the temperature has been reliable—except for one shower that appeared to offer only two settings: lava and the surface of the sun.
The other showers have been excellent. They are convenient enough that we rarely use the shower inside our camper. We have never encountered a noticeably dirty bathhouse, and maintenance concerns seem to receive quick attention.
Some roads can temporarily hold standing water after heavy rain. We have not personally experienced bathhouse or campsite flooding.
Golf Carts: Expensive but Part of the Experience
A golf cart is not technically required. Walking is possible, but on 310 acres, guests will collect a heroic number of steps. Bikes and scooters are useful alternatives. For a week-long trip, our family normally rents a cart.
Our golf-cart rental has typically cost approximately $400 to $500. It is the biggest additional “ouch” cost. We may not use it constantly every day, but the convenience is hard to give up—and nighttime cart rides have become part of our Ocean Lakes tradition.
Families decorate carts with lights, music plays at reasonable levels, and the roads can take on a slow, parade-like atmosphere. Lily loves waving, giving high-fives, and interacting with other riders. Most drivers make a real effort to keep the experience safe and fun for children.
Traffic moves slowly on busy nights. Some younger groups can become overly loud, although security is highly visible and has generally responded quickly when a problem develops.
Golf-cart parking near the pool can be frustrating. Sometimes we circle several times or wait for a space. Double parking should be avoided; if a cart blocks others, campground guidance says it must be capable of being moved.
Beach Access
Ocean Lakes has nearly one mile of beachfront with 22 marked access points. During peak summer periods the beach can become crowded, but it has always been clean during our visits. We bring chairs, umbrellas, coolers, wagons, and sand toys, then move between the beach and pool throughout the day.
Current Horry County rules allow circular umbrellas no larger than 7 feet 6 inches and very small infant cabanas; larger canopies are restricted. Third-party chair and umbrella rentals may be available, but readers should verify vendors and current rules before arrival.
We generally take Dolly and Happy to the beach later in the evening or at night, when it is cooler and less crowded. Current Ocean Lakes guidance says dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between May 1 and Labor Day, must remain on a handheld leash no longer than seven feet, and require immediate waste cleanup. Surfside Beach has different seasonal rules immediately south of Ocean Lakes, so boundaries matter.
Pools, Splash Areas, and Water Attractions
The pool and splash area are normally Lily’s first requests when we arrive. She loves the pool, Splash Zone, and beach. Sandy Harbor also includes the Adventure River, tube slide, mat-racer slides, and a shallow area for younger children.
There is generally plenty of seating, although more shade would improve the experience. During the busiest periods we may check several areas or wait for another family to leave. Water-slide lines have not been a major concern during our visits.
Playgrounds, Arcade, Recreation, and Nature Center
Ocean Lakes works for a wide range of ages. Lily enjoys the playgrounds and arcade, and the Recreation Center schedules seasonal activities and contests. Many activities are included. Some crafts—tie-dye is a good example—may require a reasonable additional fee.
The Leonard Raker Nature Center Discovery Lab is easy to underestimate. It focuses on marine life, fossils, shells, resident animals, and hands-on programs. Outside is an archaeological-style “Dig and Discover” sand area that children can explore.
Another easily missed feature is the skate park beneath the observation deck. The campground is large enough that we discover something different on nearly every visit.
Traveling With Dolly and Happy
Dolly, our border collie, and Happy, our hound dog, travel with us. Ocean Lakes has been very pet-friendly for our family. Most sections offer some access to grass or shaded walking areas, although popular front sections may require a longer walk to find a good relief spot.
The one-acre Lakeside Paws N’ Play dog park sits beside Magnolia Lake and the Nature Center. Early morning, near opening time, is normally quietest for us. The park can become busy, and we have occasionally left when another dog’s behavior made us uncomfortable. Most owners have been respectful and remove their dog if it disrupts the group.
Sandy’s Wash N’ Wag dog-wash facility is adjacent to the dog park. We have not personally used it, so we cannot review how well it performs.
Food Without Leaving the Campground
We cook many meals at the camper, but on-site options make the week easier. Our regular stops include Sandy’s Meet n’ Eat, Sandy’s Coffee & Creamery, and Sandy Mart. Iced caramel coffee, ice cream, and the Beach Burger are firmly in the family rotation.
Sandy’s Meet n’ Eat can become busy. Sandy Mart is a substantial campground store with groceries, camping supplies, beach items, clothing, gifts, and many forgotten essentials. We consider the prices reasonable for the convenience, although another family’s budget may differ.
The Rotating Food Trucks Deserve Their Own Section
Some of our best meals in the area have come from the rotating food trucks. The special shout-out goes to the Caribbean/Jamaican truck: the jerk plate and jerk pasta have both earned repeat orders from us.
The lineup changes, which gives returning guests something new to discover. We do not treat any truck as permanent or promise a schedule; check the current activity calendar and campground announcements during your visit.
Nearby Family Food Traditions
Ocean Lakes has enough food and activity that guests may never need to leave. We still have a couple of off-site family traditions: the Chinese buffet across the street and Pirate’s Table Calabash Seafood Buffet, where a mermaid swims in the tank and a pirate character interacts with children and families.
These are personal family favorites, not sponsored recommendations. Confirm that each business is open and verify current hours, prices, and entertainment schedules before going.
What Does Ocean Lakes Cost Us?
Our real-world summer experience is approximately $800 to $900 for a week-long campsite stay and approximately $400 to $500 for the golf cart.
Summer campsite week$800–$900
Golf-cart rental$400–$500
Combined before extras$1,200–$1,400
That total does not include food, fuel, arcade spending, paid crafts, or off-site activities. Prices vary by season, site type, availability, and travel dates, so readers should use Ocean Lakes’ official reservation system for current pricing.
Ocean Lakes is expensive, but it is worth it for our family. The value comes from having the beach, pools, playgrounds, activities, stores, food, and entertainment inside the campground. We do not need to buy a separate attraction every day. The golf cart remains the hardest extra cost to accept.
The Honest Drawbacks
What keeps us returning
Beach and pools in one property
Full-hookup sites
Activities for many ages
Strong pet amenities
Food and essentials on site
A lively family atmosphere
What to consider first
Premium peak-season cost
Large, busy property
Heavy golf-cart traffic
Some tighter sites
Evening noise before quiet hours
Resort energy rather than secluded camping
The size
The park is huge. Moving between areas takes time, even with a cart.
The crowds
Peak periods can feel close to overcrowded, although they have remained manageable for us.
The energy level
This is a lively campground. It may not suit someone who wants continuous quiet.
Tighter sites
Some sites feel much smaller after vehicles, a cart, decorations, pets, and outdoor equipment are arranged.
Evening noise
The park can be noisy before quiet hours. In our experience, it generally settles when quiet hours begin.
Golf-cart traffic
Most drivers are safe, but families should remain cautious—especially with children on bikes or scooters.
Not traditional camping
Ocean Lakes feels more like a family beach resort than a secluded wooded campground. Guests seeking privacy, silence, and large wooded sites may prefer a different park or one of Ocean Lakes’ quieter rear sections.
Halloweekends: Bring More Candy
Our family normally visits once in early summer and once for Halloweekend. The site and golf-cart decorations seem to grow every year. Our cart has included lights, streamers, and an inflatable decoration with a skeleton riding on top. The campsite gets solar lights, skeletons, decorations, and a candy table.
Golf-cart parades are a must. Glow sticks, small toys, and individually wrapped candy make excellent giveaway items.
It is the largest trick-or-treating crowd we have experienced. The campground becomes extremely busy, but we believe it is worth it. Lily especially enjoys handing out candy at the campsite before or after her own trick-or-treating. Decorations can be spooky but have remained generally family-friendly during our visits.
Popular dates may need to be reserved close to a year in advance. If a preferred weekend is full, continue checking for cancellations.
Who Will Love Ocean Lakes?
Families with children
Beach lovers
Campers who enjoy resort-style amenities
Golf-cart enthusiasts
Families traveling with pets
Multigenerational groups
People who enjoy active campgrounds
Guests who want plenty to do on the property
Families wanting their own camper plus a beach-resort experience
Who May Prefer Something Else?
Campers wanting significant privacy
Travelers who strongly dislike crowds
People wanting silence throughout the day
Guests uncomfortable with heavy golf-cart traffic
Families seeking a low-cost campground
Traditional campers who prefer small state parks or secluded wooded sites
Neither preference is wrong. Ocean Lakes is simply a very specific style of camping.
Our First-Timer Advice
Study the campground map before selecting a site.
Decide whether beach access, pool access, site size, shade, or quiet matters most.
Use Express Check-In when eligible.
Bring bikes or scooters even if you rent a golf cart, and review the current rules.
Pack much more candy than expected for Halloweekend.
Expect crowds during peak periods.
Verify all current policies before arrival.
Do not feel pressured to leave the campground every day.
Leave unplanned time for cart rides, the arcade, beach walks, food trucks, and exploring.
Be prepared for a lot of camping fun that feels like a beach-house resort, but with the familiar beds, comforts, and personal space of your own camper.<
A Couple of Ocean Lakes Moments
Nighttime golf-cart rides have become part of our Ocean Lakes tradition.Our camper and bikes ready for another family campground day.
9.9/10
Our three-word review
They Have Everything
Lily normally asks to go to the pool first. When it is time to leave, my wife and Lily take one final golf-cart ride. We visit the beach again, spend the remaining arcade tokens, and stop at Sandy Mart for a final snack or ice cream. We leave already thinking about the next visit.
Ocean Lakes keeps bringing us back because our family loves it, and as soon as we arrive, we know it is going to be a great time regardless of what we do.
That is why, for our family, Ocean Lakes remains the one park to rule them all.
