Ocean lakes family Campground

For North Carolina families dreaming of an unforgettable coastal escape, the search for the perfect vacation spot often leads to the sun-drenched shores of the Grand Strand. While our beautiful state offers incredible diverse landscapes, sometimes the allure of a sprawling, amenity-rich oceanfront resort is simply irresistible. Ocean Lakes Family Campground, though located just across the border in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a destination so vast and self-contained that it serves as a magnetic draw for countless North Carolina residents seeking the ultimate beach vacation experience. It’s more than just a campground; it’s a vibrant, family-oriented resort that caters to every age and interest, promising endless fun and relaxation by the sea.

Since its opening in 1971, Ocean Lakes Family Campground has grown from a modest 30 campsites to become one of the largest and most acclaimed campgrounds on the East Coast. Built by the Jackson family with the vision that every family should enjoy an oceanfront vacation, it has consistently earned top honors and the loyalty of thousands of visitors, many of whom return year after year. This "city within a city" concept means that once you arrive, you might never need to leave to find entertainment, dining, or services. From its expansive beachfront to its impressive water park and myriad activities, Ocean Lakes offers a vacation experience designed to create lasting memories for families from all walks of life, including our own from North Carolina.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Ocean Lakes Family Campground, detailing its incredible array of features, services, and amenities. We'll explore why this award-winning destination continues to be a top choice for North Carolina residents looking for a dynamic and fun-filled coastal getaway, whether you prefer the comfort of an RV or the spaciousness of a beach house rental.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a premier, award-winning oceanfront resort located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Spanning 310 acres with nearly one mile of pristine beachfront, it stands as one of the largest and most comprehensive campgrounds in the United States. Designed with families in mind, Ocean Lakes offers a diverse range of accommodations, primarily focusing on RV and travel trailer campsites, alongside a significant selection of beach house rentals.

What truly sets Ocean Lakes apart is its philosophy of providing a complete vacation experience where guests have everything they need right on-site. It boasts an incredible array of amenities and activities, essentially functioning as a self-contained vacation destination. From thrilling water parks and miniature golf to diverse dining options and a full-service RV center, the campground is engineered for convenience and continuous family entertainment. Recognized repeatedly with the National "Park of the Year" award by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) and consistently receiving high ratings from Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory (a perfect 10/10*/10 rating), Ocean Lakes is synonymous with outstanding customer service, cleanliness, and an unparalleled recreational offering. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a high-energy, social camping and beach resort experience.

While geographically located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ocean Lakes Family Campground is exceptionally accessible for residents of North Carolina, particularly those in the central and eastern regions of our state. The address is:

6001 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

(Note: The provided information listed "North Carolina 27523, USA" which appears to be a typo for the main Ocean Lakes Family Campground, as it is definitively located in Myrtle Beach, SC. The content provided is based on its actual, widely-known location and features.)

Its prime location on South Kings Highway places it at the southern end of Myrtle Beach, offering convenient access to both the bustling attractions of the city and the quieter, more natural areas further south towards Murrells Inlet and the state parks. For North Carolina travelers, the drive typically involves direct routes down major interstates and highways, making it a straightforward journey to the coast.

The campground's direct oceanfront access is a major highlight, allowing guests to step from their campsite or rental directly onto the sandy beach. Within the sprawling 310-acre property, paved roads and easy-to-navigate pathways ensure smooth access to all amenities via foot, bicycle, or the popular golf carts, which are a quintessential part of the Ocean Lakes experience. The well-organized entrance and 24-hour security further enhance accessibility and peace of mind for arriving and departing guests.

• Campsites with Full Hookups: Offering 859 transient campsites, each equipped with 20-30-50 amp electric, water, sewer, and 64-channel cable TV hookup. Many sites also feature concrete pads.
• Beach House Rentals: A wide selection of nearly 300 rental beach houses, park models, and villas, accommodating 4 to 20 guests, perfect for larger families or groups.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available at all campsites and in various common areas like Camptown Center and Sandy Harbor Café. Upgrade tiers are available for faster speeds.
• 24-Hour Security/Courtesy Patrol: Ensures a safe and secure environment throughout the campground.
• Sandy Mart: A 12,000 square foot grocery and general store offering groceries, gifts, souvenirs, swimwear, hardware, fishing tackle, and bait.
• Sandy's Soapy Suds & Fluff n' Fold: A large, climate-controlled laundromat with 100 machines, including oversized washers, plus a convenient drop-off laundry service.
• Ocean Lakes RV Center: A full-service facility for RV repair, parts, sales, and accessories, including an awning center.
• Ocean Lakes Golf Cars: Offers golf cart rentals, sales, service, parts, and personal golf cart storage and registration. Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation within the campground.
• LP Gas Available: On-site propane sales for refilling tanks.
• Express Check-in: Available for guests who pay in full and provide vehicle details in advance, allowing for a quicker arrival experience.
• Recreation Office: Provides information on activities, events, and sells discounted tickets to area attractions.
• Church Service & Bible Study: Non-denominational worship service offered every Sunday year-round.

• Sandy Harbor Water Park: A massive aquatic complex featuring a huge Adventure (lazy) River, Splash Zone interactive play structure with slides, The Tube slide, Drop Zone Mat Racer 4-lane slide, and the Tad Pool for tots.
• Oceanfront Access: Nearly one mile of direct oceanfront, allowing easy access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities.
• Mini Golf: An 18-hole miniature golf course located within the Sandy Harbor complex.
• Camptown Center: A central hub often described as a "town square," featuring Sandy Mart, Sandy's Meet n' Eat (restaurant/cafe), laundry facilities, and a free wireless zone with a stage for entertainment.
• Variety of Pools: Includes indoor and outdoor pools, Olympic-sized outdoor pool, kiddie pools, and a large sundeck.
• Nature Center Discovery Lab: A unique educational facility focusing on marine life, offering naturalist programs.
• Extensive Recreational Activities: Beyond the water park, guests can enjoy basketball, volleyball, fishing (freshwater and surf), horseshoes, shuffleboard, playgrounds, a skate park, and planned activities for all ages.
• Pet Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, with amenities like the Lakeside Paws N' Play dog park and DIY dog wash stations.
• Big Rig Friendly: Campsites are large, pull-through, and can accommodate large luxury RVs, with many sites exceeding 45 feet in length.
• Seasonal Events: Known for popular themed weekends like Halloweekends, Christmas at Thanksgiving, Bluegrass Weekend, and Beach n' Boogie Weekend, ensuring year-round excitement.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground offers a variety of ways for guests to save and maximize their vacation value, without requiring external memberships. Their pricing structure and partnerships are designed to benefit a wide range of visitors:

• Campsite Discounts:
  • Weekly Discount: Guests staying 7 or more nights receive $1 off per night (excluding May 15 until Labor Day weekend due to peak occupancy).
  • Senior Discount: Guests aged 60 and older receive $1 off per night (excluding May 15 until Labor Day).
  • Monthly Escalating Discount: For stays of 28 days or more, discounts increase. During summer months, the maximum discount is $2 per day. From Labor Day weekend until the next May, discounts are $2 off per day for the 1st 28 days, $3 off for the 2nd 28 days, $4 off for the 3rd 28 days, and $5 off for the 4th 28 days and each month thereafter.
  • 90 Day Tax Advantage: Guests reserving for 90 days or more can deduct the 11% sales tax if they pay for the entire 90-day period at once, potentially saving hundreds of dollars.
  • Camper Storage Guest Discount: Active camper storage customers are invited to specially discounted campsite rates during specific months, along with amenity and service discounts.
• Value Partners Program: Ocean Lakes partners with numerous local Myrtle Beach attractions, restaurants, and businesses to offer discounted tickets and coupons. Guests can purchase these discounted tickets directly through the Ocean Lakes Recreation Office for popular shows, dining, and activities like:
  • Prestwick Golf Course: Special rates for guests, as Prestwick is a sister company. Youth 16 and under play free with a paying adult.
  • The Carolina Opry, Alabama Theatre, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, Time Warp.
  • Various local restaurants and shops, with coupons often found in the Ocean Lakes Magazine.
• Vacation Rental Home Promotions: Individual beach house rental owners or management companies (like Ocean Lakes Properties or third-party rentals) within the campground may offer specific promotions for their units, especially during shoulder seasons. These are typically found on their respective booking websites.

It's always recommended for North Carolina residents planning a trip to check the official Ocean Lakes Family Campground website or contact their reservations team directly for the most current rates and any unadvertised specials.

For reservations, inquiries about amenities, or more information about planning your stay at Ocean Lakes Family Campground, North Carolina residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 6001 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575

Campsite Reservations Phone: (877) 510-1413 (Toll-Free)

General Information / Main Office: (843) 238-5636

Ocean Lakes Properties (for Beach House Rentals): (800) 845-2229

Recreation Office (for activities and discounted tickets): (843) 238-0130

Email: While a general public email is not prominently listed, specific departments may have email contacts. Their website is generally comprehensive for information.

It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for peak season (June-August) and popular themed weekends, as Ocean Lakes is a highly sought-after destination. You can often reserve campsites up to 18 months in advance with a required deposit.

For North Carolina residents, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, while geographically in South Carolina, is an incredibly suitable and highly recommended vacation destination. Its suitability stems from its unparalleled ability to deliver a comprehensive, high-quality, and convenient oceanfront family vacation experience that appeals directly to the desires of many in our state.

Firstly, the sheer scale and breadth of amenities mean that families of all ages and interests will find something to love. From the thrilling Sandy Harbor Water Park to the serene beachfront, extensive recreational activities, and educational Nature Center, boredom is simply not an option. This "city within a city" concept is particularly appealing to North Carolina families who appreciate having everything they need for a complete vacation right at their fingertips, reducing the need to travel off-site and maximizing precious family time.

Secondly, the diverse accommodation options, from spacious full-hookup RV sites (including large, pull-through options for big rigs) to a wide array of beach house rentals, cater to various travel styles and budgets. This flexibility allows North Carolina campers and vacationers to choose the perfect setup for their family, whether they're bringing their own RV or opting for a fully-equipped rental. The pet-friendly policy also ensures that the entire family, including furry members, can enjoy the getaway.

Finally, the consistent high ratings, numerous awards, and glowing guest reviews, along with the family-owned and operated ethos, speak volumes about Ocean Lakes' commitment to outstanding customer service and a clean, safe environment. North Carolina residents can trust that they are choosing a reputable destination known for creating "happy campers" and lasting memories. The convenient drive from most parts of North Carolina makes this a realistic and frequently chosen option for coastal adventures, offering a truly exceptional and hassle-free family vacation experience right on the beautiful Grand Strand.