Oceanfront campgrounds in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offer the classic outdoor-vacation experience with the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean as your backyard.
More than just a spot to pitch a tent or park an RV, these kid-friendly resorts offer a wide array of recreational amenities in addition to easy access to the beach. With everything from water parks and miniature golf to fishing piers and nature centers to volleyball courts and shuffleboard, you'll find all you need for the perfect stay-and-play holiday.
Not into tent camping, but don't have a trailer to haul from home? Several Grand Strand resorts offer fully furnished campers for rent. If that's more rustic than you prefer, opt for a villa or beach house. The selection of vacation rentals in Myrtle Beach runs the gamut from cozy cabins to spacious six-bedroom homes.
Most campsites feature full hookups with water, sewer, electric and cable service, daily trash pickup, free Wi-Fi and the all-important picnic table. Prices vary based on the location, with the most expensive near the beach or overlooking a lake or waterway.
While all of the campgrounds feature standard recreational offerings like playgrounds, horseshoe pits and cornhole games, some have added bigger attractions in recent years.
At PirateLand Family Camping Resort, the big draw is the Pirate's Oasis Waterpark, featuring an Olympic-sized pool, 510-foot lazy river and Pirate-themed splash pool.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground, the largest oceanfront camping resort in Myrtle Beach, is opening its own water park in the spring of 2016 with a tube slide, four-lane mat racer, lazy river and kids' splash zone.
Apache Family Campground's main attraction isn't its pool but its pier. At 1,206 feet, it takes the title of the longest wooden fishing pier on the East Coast.
Along with their star attractions, some of the campgrounds also offer game rooms, paddle boat, kayak and bicycle rentals, basketball courts, ping pong, skate parks and miniature golf. Add to that recreational activities for every age group, including beach games, crafts, magic shows, circus arts and surf camp.
To get around the sprawling resorts, many campground regulars bring their own golf carts or rent them to use during their stay. Others prefer bicycling or walking to the different recreational destinations.
Those looking for a more natural setting to camp have two great options on the Grand Strand: Myrtle Beach and Huntington Beach state parks. Nestled in beautifully preserved maritime forests, both parks offer hiking trails, nature centers and an extensive schedule of wildlife programs.
Here's a list of oceanfront campgrounds on the Grand Strand:
PirateLand Family Camping Resort, 5401 South Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
Lakewood Camping Resort, 5901 South Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
Ocean Lakes Family Campground, 6001 South Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
Apache Family Campground, 9700 Kings Road, Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach Travel Park, 10108 Kings Rd., Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 South Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach
Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy., Murrells Inlet
