An Honest Review of the 5 Best Myrtle Beach Campgrounds

Myrtle Beach. The name alone conjures images of crowded beaches, neon lights, and an endless loop of beach-themed novelty songs assaulting your eardrums.

But suppose you’ve decided to brave the throngs and set up camp in this coastal carnival. Where do you park your rolling abode amid the chaos?

Fear not; I’ve sifted through the options to present the five best campgrounds in Myrtle Beach—or at least the least questionable ones.

1. Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Address: 6001 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Price: Starting at $45/night (off-season); up to $85/night (peak season)
Distance to Main Attractions: 5 miles to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Ocean Lakes is less a campground and more a small city masquerading as one. Sprawled over 310 acres, it boasts nearly 900 campsites and enough amenities to make you forget you’re supposed to be “roughing it.” Think indoor and outdoor pools, a water park, mini-golf, and even a laundromat—for those who can’t stand the thought of dirty socks.

The place is family-oriented to the extreme. If you’re traveling with kids who need constant entertainment, this might be your utopia. For everyone else, prepare for the ambient noise of joy and tantrums.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Amenity Overload: Pools, arcade, bike rentals—you name it.
• Beach Access: A short walk, and you’re on the sand.
• Security: Gated entry and patrols add a layer of safety.

Cons:

• Crowded: Privacy? What’s that?
• Commercial Feel: Feels more like a theme park than a campground.
• Golf Cart Traffic: A never-ending parade of rented golf carts.

Myrtle Beach Campground Vibes Scale

• Tranquility: 2/10
• Family-Friendliness: 9/10
• Nature Factor: 3/10
• Hipster Credibility: 1/10

2. Myrtle Beach State Park

Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Price: $25-$50/night depending on site
Distance to Main Attractions: 4 miles to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

An oasis of relative calm in a desert of commercialization, Myrtle Beach State Park offers what some might call a traditional camping experience. Nestled among maritime forests, the campground provides both tent and RV sites, all within a stone’s throw of the ocean.

The park has nature trails and a fishing pier, offering a glimpse of what the area might have looked like before the onslaught of pancake houses and souvenir shops. It’s a place where the chirping of birds occasionally drowns out the distant hum of traffic.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Natural Setting: Trees, wildlife, and actual quiet.
• Affordable: Won’t break the bank.
• Beach Access: Less crowded than public beaches.

Cons:

• Limited Amenities: No pools or splash pads here.
• Strict Rules: Rangers enforce quiet hours and other regulations.
• Spotty Cell Service: Could be a pro or con, depending on your need to Instagram.

Myrtle Beach Campground Vibes Scale

• Tranquility: 7/10
• Family-Friendliness: 7/10
• Nature Factor: 8/10
• Hipster Credibility: 6/10

3. Pirateland Family Camping Resort

Address: 5401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Price: $40-$80/night depending on season and site
Distance to Main Attractions: 6 miles to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Subtlety isn’t Pirateland’s strong suit. Embracing a pirate theme with all the gusto of a theme park designed by a five-year-old, this campground is a mecca for families seeking constant stimulation. From a pirate ship splash pool to themed mini-golf, it’s an endless barrage of eye candy and kid-centric activities.

The campground offers beachfront access, because even pirates need a place to dock their metaphorical ships. Just be prepared for a soundtrack of squeals and the occasional cannon blast sound effect.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Entertainment: Kids won’t know the meaning of boredom.
• Beachfront: Easy access to the ocean.
• Amenities: Pools, playgrounds, and organized activities.

Cons:

• Overstimulating: Sensory overload is a real possibility.
• Not for Adults Seeking Quiet: Peace and quiet walked the plank.
• Theming Overload: Everywhere you look—pirates.

Myrtle Beach Campground Vibes Scale

• Tranquility: 3/10
• Family-Friendliness: 9/10
• Nature Factor: 4/10
• Hipster Credibility: 2/10

4. Lakewood Camping Resort

Address: 5901 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Price: $45-$85/night depending on site and season
Distance to Main Attractions: 5 miles to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Claiming to be the first campground in Myrtle Beach, Lakewood carries the weight of history—and it shows. While it offers a slew of amenities like pools, a water park, and even an amphitheater, there’s a certain vintage vibe that might feel charming or outdated, depending on your perspective.

The campground is massive, offering over 1,100 sites. If you’re into planned activities and don’t mind being one of many, this could be your spot. Just don’t expect cutting-edge facilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Activities: From crafts to concerts, there’s always something.
• Beachfront Property: Direct access to the beach.
• Family-Oriented: A plethora of kid-friendly options.

Cons:

• Aging Infrastructure: Facilities could use a modern touch.
• Crowded: High density of campers.
• Extra Charges: Some activities cost extra.

Myrtle Beach Campground Vibes Scale

• Tranquility: 4/10
• Family-Friendliness: 8/10
• Nature Factor: 3/10
• Hipster Credibility: 3/10

5. Myrtle Beach KOA Resort

Address: 613 5th Ave S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Price: $40-$90/night depending on accommodations
Distance to Main Attractions: 1 mile to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

If the idea of camping in the heart of Myrtle Beach appeals to you, the KOA Resort is your jam. Tucked among tall pines, this campground tries to offer a woodsy feel amidst the urban sprawl. It’s close enough to walk to the beach and other attractions, assuming you don’t mind dodging traffic.

The KOA offers a range of sites, from tent camping to deluxe cabins. Amenities include a pool, playground, and planned activities—standard fare for a KOA, but perhaps a bit underwhelming given the location.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Location: Walking distance to attractions.
• Shaded Sites: Trees offer respite from the sun.
• Variety of Accommodations: Something for every camping style.

Cons:

• Urban Noise: Sirens and street noise are part of the package.
• Tight Spaces: Sites are close together.
• Limited On-Site Activities: Compared to other options.

Myrtle Beach Campground Vibes Scale

• Tranquility: 5/10
• Family-Friendliness: 7/10
• Nature Factor: 5/10
• Hipster Credibility: 4/10

Fun Activities in the Myrtle Beach Area

So, you’ve picked your campground and settled in. Now what? Myrtle Beach isn’t short on activities, assuming you can wade through the tourist traps to find something worthwhile.

1. Broadway at the Beach

An expansive entertainment complex featuring shops, restaurants, and attractions. Think of it as the commercial heart of Myrtle Beach, where you can buy overpriced souvenirs and eat at chain restaurants you can find back home.

2. Ripley’s Aquarium

A popular spot, especially on rainy days when the beach isn’t an option. It features a tunnel walkway through a giant tank filled with sharks and other sea creatures. It’s educational, sure, but also a reminder of how humans love to confine nature for amusement.

3. Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

A towering Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the coastline. It’s a novel way to spend 10 minutes and snap some photos you’ll probably forget to post.

4. Water Sports

From parasailing to jet skiing, there’s no shortage of ways to potentially injure yourself while having fun. If adrenaline is your thing, you’ll find plenty of vendors eager to take your money.

5. Miniature Golf

Myrtle Beach claims to be the “Miniature Golf Capital of the World,” and with the sheer number of courses, it’s hard to argue. Each one tries to outdo the others with themes ranging from dinosaurs to pirates.

6. The Beach Itself

Amidst all the commercialism, the actual beach is still there. Miles of sand and surf, where you can lay out a towel and attempt to relax—assuming you can ignore the cacophony around you.

PRO TIP: The Most Dangerous Creatures in Myrtle Beach

A Brief History of Myrtle Beach

Before it became a magnet for sunburned tourists and spring breakers, Myrtle Beach was inhabited by the Waccamaw and Winyah Native American tribes. The area remained relatively undeveloped until the early 20th century, mainly due to its swampy terrain and isolation.

In the 1920s, a group of businessmen decided to transform the area into a resort destination. The construction of the Ocean Forest Hotel in 1926 marked the beginning of Myrtle Beach’s rise as a vacation hotspot. The city was named after the wax myrtle shrubs common in the area.

Post-World War II saw a boom in development, with motels, restaurants, and attractions springing up to cater to the growing number of visitors. Today, Myrtle Beach is a blend of commercialism and natural beauty, depending on where you look.

Myrtle Beach Campgrounds – Final Thoughts

Myrtle Beach offers a spectrum of camping experiences, from the over-the-top family resorts to the more subdued state park. Each has its own flavor, and none are without flaws. If you’re seeking a deep communion with nature, you might be left wanting.

But if you’re after convenience and a plethora of activities—especially for kids—you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied.

Just remember, camping here isn’t about escaping the hustle and bustle; it’s about embracing it in a different setting. So pack your patience along with your sunscreen, and prepare for a camping trip that’s less about solitude and more about navigating the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming, city that is Myrtle Beach.

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