When planning the perfect beach vacation, finding a destination that balances relaxation, excitement, and convenience is often the hardest part. You want the sound of the waves, the safety of a community, and enough activities to keep the kids (and adults) entertained for days.
At Cozy Turtle RV Rentals, we see thousands of families head to the South Carolina coast every year. While there are many places to park an RV, one destination consistently rises to the top of our list: Ocean Lakes Family Campground.
It isn’t just a place to sleep; it is a massive, oceanfront community that offers a resort-style experience with the down-to-earth feel of camping. Whether you are a seasoned RVer or a family looking to try camping for the very first time, this location offers a blend of fun and comfort that is hard to beat.
The best part? You don’t need to own a massive truck or drive a 40-foot rig down the highway to experience it. With our free delivery and full setup service, we bring the RV directly to your campsite. All you have to do is show up and start your vacation.
Discover stress-free RV camping at Ocean Lakes.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach
Location is everything when you visit the Grand Strand, and Ocean Lakes boasts one of the best spots on the map. Situated at the south end of Myrtle Beach on Highway 17, it sits on 310 oceanfront acres.
This location is strategic for a few reasons. First, you are away from the high-rise congestion of the central boardwalk, offering a slightly more relaxed pace. However, you are still just minutes away from the area’s top attractions. You can easily access the dining and nightlife of the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk to the south, or head north to enjoy the SkyWheel and Broadway at the Beach.
For families who love nature, the campground is located right next to Myrtle Beach State Park, offering easy access to pier fishing and undeveloped maritime forests. Whether you are looking for a quiet morning beach walk or a night out shopping at The Market Common, you are perfectly positioned to do it all.
Why Ocean Lakes Is a Great Place to Stay
There is a reason Ocean Lakes Family Campground has won the National ARVC “Mega Park of the Year” award multiple times. It operates more like a small, self-contained city than a traditional campground.
Safety and security are top priorities here. It is a gated community with 24-hour security patrols, which provides immense peace of mind for parents allowing their teenagers to ride bikes to the arcade or snack bar. The atmosphere is distinctively family-oriented, with strict quiet hours and rules that ensure everyone can enjoy their stay.
The sheer size of the park allows for unmatched amenities. You will find nearly a mile of beachfront, freshwater lakes for fishing, and paved roads perfect for cycling. Because the property is so large, golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation. Cruising the “boulevard” along the oceanfront in the evenings is a time-honored tradition for guests.
For more information on the surrounding area and what to expect weather-wise during your 2026 trip, check out the official Visit Myrtle Beach guide.
How Much Is a Campsite Per Night at Ocean Lakes Campground?
Budgeting is a major part of planning any 2026 vacation. Campsite rates at Ocean Lakes vary significantly based on the season and the proximity to the ocean.
Typical Rate Ranges
- Off-Season (Winter): This is the most affordable time to visit. Rates can drop significantly, making it popular for snowbirds and extended stays.
- Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall): Prices increase moderately as the weather warms up.
- Peak Season (Summer & Holidays): Expect to pay premium rates during June, July, August, and holiday weeks like the 4th of July or Labor Day.
Site Types
Ocean Lakes offers roughly 859 transient campsites.
- Oceanfront Sites: These put you steps from the sand but come with the highest price tag and sell out the fastest.
- Interior Sites: These are paved, offer full hookups (water, sewer, electric), and are generally more affordable while still being a short golf cart ride to the beach.
When you pair a campsite fee with a Cozy Turtle RV rental, you often find that the total nightly cost is comparable to—or even less than—booking two standard hotel rooms. Yet, you gain a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, and outdoor living space.
Tip: Summer weeks book up months (sometimes a year) in advance. Don’t wait — reserve before we sell out.
How Many Houses Are in Ocean Lakes Family Campground?
One of the unique features of Ocean Lakes is that it isn’t just for RVs. The property is home to approximately 2,500 annual lease sites. Many of these sites feature privately owned beach houses.
Some families own these homes and use them as summer getaways, while others list them as vacation rentals. You can learn more about renting these fixed structures through Ocean Lakes Properties.
This mix of RVs and stilt houses creates a vibrant neighborhood feel. You aren’t just parked in a row of campers; you are part of a living, breathing community. It also makes Ocean Lakes ideal for mixed-group gatherings. Part of your family can rent a Cozy Turtle RV, while the grandparents or non-campers can rent a nearby house, allowing everyone to vacation together comfortably.
Lazy River, Pools, and Water Fun at Ocean Lakes
If you are traveling with kids, this is the section that matters most. Ocean Lakes features the “Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center,” a water park that rivals many standalone attractions.
Yes, there is a lazy river. It is a massive, winding loop that provides the perfect way to cool off on a hot July afternoon.
Beyond the lazy river, guests have access to:
- The Mat Racer: A four-lane slide where you can race your family members to the bottom.
- The Tube Slide: A winding slide for thrill-seekers.
- Splash Zone: An interactive water playground perfect for younger children.
- Indoor and Outdoor Pools: Options for swimming regardless of the weather.
Access to Sandy Harbor is generally included for all guests staying at the campground (though you should always check current wristband policies). For days when you want a break from the salt water, having a full water park on-site is a game-changer.
For those interested in exploring nature beyond the pool deck, Brookgreen Gardens is a short drive away and offers beautiful sculpture gardens and a low-country zoo.
Who Owns Ocean Lakes Family Campground?
In an era where many campgrounds are being bought up by large corporate conglomerates, Ocean Lakes remains unique. It was built by Nelson Jackson and his wife, Mary Emily, in 1971. To this day, it remains owned and operated by the Nelson Jackson family.
This family ownership is felt in the details. There is a pride of ownership visible in the manicured landscaping, the cleanliness of the bathhouses, and the reinvestment into amenities like Sandy Harbor. The Jacksons built the state park on the values of family and community, and those values still permeate the guest experience today.
It is common to meet families who have been vacationing here for 30 or 40 years, passing the tradition down through generations.
Why Staying in an RV at Ocean Lakes Is Better Than a Hotel
We might be biased, but we believe RV travel offers a superior vacation experience, especially at a resort like Ocean Lakes.
More Space to Breathe
In a hotel, you are often confined to a single room with two queen beds. In a Cozy Turtle RV, you have separate sleeping areas, a living room, and a full kitchen. Parents can stay up and watch a movie after the kids go to sleep without sitting in the dark.
Outdoor Living
Camping effectively doubles your living space. With your provided outdoor mats and canopy, your “living room” extends outside. You can grill burgers on your Blackstone griddle, sit by a fire pit, or just relax in a camping chair while the ocean breeze cools you down.
Pet-Friendly Travel
Many hotels have strict no-pet policies or charge exorbitant fees. RVing is naturally pet-friendly. Your dog can snooze in their own bed and enjoy the long walks around the campground lakes.
For tips on RV travel and the lifestyle benefits, Go RVing is a fantastic resource for beginners.
Bring the family, we’ll bring the comfort.
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Stress-Free Camping with Cozy Turtle RV Rentals
We understand that towing a trailer is intimidating. The parking, the leveling, the sewage hookups—it’s a lot of work. That is why Cozy Turtle RV Rentals removes the work entirely.
Free Delivery and Setup
When you rent from us for your Ocean Lakes trip, you don’t touch a hitch. We deliver the RV to your reserved site for free. We level it, hook up the water, electricity, and sewer, and extend the slides. When you arrive, the AC is already running.
Fully Stocked for Convenience
We don’t just give you an empty shell. Every rental includes:
- Kitchen Essentials: Coffee maker, ice maker, toaster, pots, pans, and utensils.
- Cleaning Supplies: Vacuums, brooms, and sprays to keep things tidy.
- Outdoor Gear: Mats to keep the sand out.
Customizable Add-Ons
Want to pack light? We offer add-ons like linen packages (sheets and towels), beach wagons, fire pits, and even camping chairs. We handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun.
Reliability You Can Trust
We partner with Bish’s RV Mobile Service to handle any maintenance needs. If an AC unit acts up or a pipe leaks, we have professional partners ready to deploy, ensuring your vacation isn’t interrupted by mechanical issues.
Pack light — we’ll handle the rest.
Tips for First-Time Campers Staying at Ocean Lakes
If 2026 will be your first visit, here are a few pro tips to ensure a smooth trip:
- Book Early: We cannot stress this enough. Ocean Lakes is incredibly popular. Book your campsite and your Cozy Turtle RV as soon as you know your dates.
- Rent a Golf Cart: The campground is massive. While you can bring your own electric cart (subject to strict rules), most people rent from Ocean Lakes Golf Cars. Reserve this in advance as well.
- Use the Express Check-In: Ocean Lakes offers an express check-in option that mails your car pass to you before your trip. This lets you bypass the front office line and drive straight to your site—where your Cozy Turtle RV will be waiting.
- Ask for Help: We offer on-site support for first-time renters upon request. We will walk you through how to use the control panel, the awning, and the appliances.
For logistical planning, checking flight options into Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is helpful if you aren’t driving your own vehicle to the coast.
Your stress-free vacation starts here.
Is Ocean Lakes Family Campground Pet-Friendly?
Absolutely. Ocean Lakes loves dogs. You will see countless furry friends riding on golf carts or walking the paved roads.
There are specific rules to follow:
- Pets must be on a leash (maximum 6 feet) at all times.
- They are not allowed on the beach during peak hours in the summer (usually 10 AM to 5 PM).
- Clean up after your pet immediately.
Camping is one of the best ways to bond with your pet, and Ocean Lakes provides plenty of space for them to explore. If you need to find dog parks or pet-friendly restaurants outside the campground, BringFido is an excellent tool for research.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground for Everyone
Ocean Lakes is rare in its ability to appeal to almost every demographic.
- For Families: The water park, arcade, and recreation center offer endless entertainment for kids.
- For First-Timers: The safety of the gated community and the full-service setup from Cozy Turtle make it an approachable entry into camping.
- For Retirees: The off-season community is vibrant, with potlucks, church services, and social clubs.
- For Groups: The mix of houses and campsites makes it perfect for large reunions.
Final Thoughts: Why Ocean Lakes Is Our Top Pick for 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, Ocean Lakes Family Campground remains the gold standard for Myrtle Beach vacations. It combines the amenities of a luxury resort with the freedom and nostalgia of camping.
Whether you are floating down the lazy river, grilling steaks outside your RV, or watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, the memories made here are special. At Cozy Turtle RV Rentals, our mission is to make those memories accessible to everyone. We take the stress out of the logistics so you can focus on what matters: spending time with the people you love.
Make 2026 the year you finally take that dream camping trip.
