South Carolina has no shortage of lovely beaches, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is with some Myrtle Beach camping. With almost 200 miles of coastline and more than 30 camping destinations, there are plenty of options for staking down your tent or parking your RV to enjoy the Palmetto State’s favorite beach town.
Why You’ll Love Myrtle Beach Camping
Myrtle Beach’s history as a beachfront resort town dates back to the turn of the 20th century, when the first beach hotel, the Seaside Inn, was built and began attracting visitors. The town quickly grew from that single hotel into a tourism hotspot that included an oceanfront pavilion, piers, and golf courses.
That growth has continued into the 21st century, as Myrtle Beach welcomes more than 14 million annual visitors to its numerous resorts, campgrounds and oceanfront attractions, and is regarded the most popular vacation spot in the state for its family-friendly attractions, top-notch shopping and dining, and world-class fishing.
Find family fun during your stay by getting up close and personal with celebrities (or at least their likenesses) at The Hollywood Wax Museum, or seeing the weird and wild at Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum. If it’s thrills you’re after, take a ride on South Carolina’s tallest ferris wheel at Family Kingdom Amusement Park. For evening entertainment, Myrtle Beach hosts musical revues, pirate adventures, and a country music showcase at The Carolina Opry that will bring smiles to the faces of young and old alike.
The Palmetto State is known for being a nature lover’s paradise, and camping in Myrtle Beach will bring you closer to that than you’d expect. Full of wildlife, migratory birds, lush maritime forests, salt marshes, and lowland swamps, the natural areas surrounding Myrtle Beach provide the perfect venues for communing with the native flora and fauna. Paddle out with Gator Bait Adventure Tours to see alligators and other wildlife in the southern swamps, or hang out with baby tigers at Myrtle Beach Safari.
Top 7 Myrtle Beach Camping Options for Every Adventurer
Myrtle Beach runs the gamut from luxury RV resorts, loaded with amenities, to primitive tent camping, for the more adventurous. The summer months are the area’s busiest time, but adventure-filled days can be found here year-round. Snowbirds will find Myrtle Beach to be the perfect place to park the RV year-round. Whatever—or whenever—your preference, Myrtle Beach camping has something for everyone.
1. Huntington Beach State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Robert I.
Local favorite Huntington Beach State Park, located south of Myrtle Beach’s city center, features 180 campsites with full or partial hookups. There is also a designated walk-in tent area for those seeking a more natural, secluded setting, as well as a group camp area. This dog-friendly destination features showers and restroom facilities, picnic shelters, and complimentary wifi. Campground rates are $17–$62/night.
Within the park, visitors can wander nearly 2.5 miles of trails and boardwalks among salt marshes and one of the last old-growth maritime forests on the South Carolina coast. Bird watchers will love scanning for bald eagles and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. There are also seasonal interpretive programs, guided alligator tours, and geocaching and fishing opportunities. Drop into the nature center for more activity information.
Also nearby is Atalaya Castle, the winter home of Myrtle Beach namesakes Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Constructed in the 1930s in a Moorish architectural style, this 30-room castle is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts an annual Arts and Crafts Festival every September.
“Huntington Beach State Park … is one of the best beach campgrounds the east coast has to offer. Concrete pads, FHU, WiFi and the beach is just steps away from your door. Do not miss this gem!” —The Dyrt campers Kevin and Linda D.
2. Lakewood Camping Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper Rick B.
Located right on Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand, Lakewood Family Camping Resort is heavy on the amenities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a water park, sports courts, boat and bicycle rentals, mini golf, and more. There’s also live entertainment at the oceanfront amphitheater, as well as organized activities for all ages. And if that’s not enough, the beach is just steps away.
With nearly 1300 sites to choose from—including ocean- and lakefront sites, sunny sites or shady sites—you’re sure to find an ideal spot to settle in for your stay. Onsite amenities include bath houses, laundromat, coffee shop, wifi, and a dump station. The Trading Post general store stocks a variety of groceries, fishing gear, beach toys and souvenirs, while the snack bar offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and ice cream. Seasonal campsite rates range from $32–$90/night, with discounts for extended stays.
“5 star! Bathhouses were clean, water park was a hit for the kids and the beach was great. My wife loved the coffee house and the fact there was an onsite laundromat.” —The Dyrt camper Matt M.
3. Ocean Lakes Family Campground
On the southern end of Myrtle Beach, Ocean Lakes offers all you need for a beach camping getaway. Here you’ll find more than 850 oceanfront, lakeside and shaded campsites, some large enough to accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. Tent camping is permitted at all sites, however there is only a small designated tent area.
Bathroom and shower facilities are available in the camp area, as well as cable tv and wifi service. Seasonal campsite rates range from $34–$96/night.
Once you’re settled, have fun at the Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center, where you can cool off in the water park, lazy river and kid’s splash zone. There’s also mini golf, a game center and you can find snacks and treats at the oceanfront Snack Shak. Visitors can also learn about the marine environment, and see shell, fossil and sea life exhibits at the Nature Center Discovery Lab, and sign up for an educational beach walk.
“Ocean Lakes is a great family campground with tons of things to do all within the campground. The nightly golf cart parade is a blast. Can be crowded in the summertime, but lots of fun!” —The Dyrt camper Ashley M.
4. Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park, located near the bustling center of Myrtle Beach, is a nature lover’s paradise. The diverse ecology of this location includes pristine beaches, salt-marshes, and sand dunes, which make it a wildlife watching hotspot for migrant birds and resident loggerhead sea turtles.
The campground offers more than 300 sites for RVers and campers, ranging from full hookup sites to designated tent sites. There are also six fully furnished cabins available. Conveniences include shower and laundry facilities, a playground and recycling stations.
In addition to beach access, the park features two hiking trails, picnic shelters, and seasonal interpretive programs, as well as opportunities for geocaching, fishing and crabbing. Campground rates are $24–$37/night; cabin rates are $77–$202/night.
“It’s an excellent place to visit for a day trip or an overnight stay. They have some excellent ranger-led programs that teach everything from crabbing to searching for bugs.” —The Dyrt camper Dr. David P.
5. Myrtle Beach Travel Park
Looking for a quieter Myrtle Beach getaway? Head north of town to the Myrtle Beach Travel Park. With so many activities and amenities right within the campground, you may never even need to leave the area. Cool off at one of the indoor or outdoor pools, take a float around the lazy river, get a game on at one of the sports courts, or cast a line in the freshwater lake.
Kids will enjoy the splash pool, arcade, and craft activities, and everyone can go for snacks at the onsite restaurant.
With more than 1150 sites available, you can choose from oceanfront, lakefront or inland locations. All sites include picnic tables, full or partial utilities, and free wifi, with bathhouses located throughout the park. There is not a designated tent area, but you can pitch your tent at any of the regular sites.
For your convenience, groceries, camping gear and sundries are available at the onsite store and gift shop; there’s also a laundromat and Sunday worship services. Seasonal campsite rates range from $44–$87/night.
“As someone who enjoys Myrtle beach but not all the people this park was a great compromise. You are close enough to all of the tourist destinations to fill your week with entertainment while not being right in the middle of town.” —The Dyrt camper Maddi P.
6. Pirateland Family Camping Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper keshini c.
For a fun family adventure, drop anchor at Pirateland, located just minutes south of Myrtle Beach. Kids of all ages will love cooling off in the Pirate’s Oasis Waterpark, which includes a lazy river, pirate ship splash pool and an Olympic-size swimming pool. Out of the water fun includes mini golf, sports courts, and picnic facilities. Grab some pirate grub at the Captain’s Galley, then participate in a variety of craft and outdoor activities.
The resort offers a variety of beachside, lakefront and inland campsites with full hookups. Premium sites include concrete pads and covered picnic tables. Tent camping is permitted, however there are is not a designated tent area. Onsite facilities include the Camp Store, which stocks groceries and camping, fishing and beach supplies, as well as bathhouses, laundromat, a non-denominational chapel and free wifi.
7. Myrtle Beach KOA
For taking advantage of all the fun and activities right within the heart of Myrtle Beach, while still enjoying a rustic camp setting, visit the Myrtle Beach KOA. With more than 500 campsites and 30 deluxe and camping cabins, many situated within mature, shady woods, you can settle in and relax. A selection of full-, partial- and no-hookup sites are available for everyone from RV and van campers to popup and tent campers. Onsite facilities include bathhouses, laundry, restaurant, kid’s playground, a climbing wall, and a dog park.
For campground fun, you don’t have to go far. Take a peddle kart ride around the campground, participate in a cornhole or gaga ball game, or cool off at the Splash Pad. When you’re ready to head to the beach, just hop on the free shuttle, or take a short walk to nearby water parks, mini golf and dining options.
After dinner, enjoy evening entertainment at the outdoor cinema, live music at the waterfront stage, or belt out your favorite tunes with some karaoke. And don’t miss the Thursday night ice cream social!
“This KOA is very close to all the attractions Myrtle Beach has to offer. It’s clean, has lots of activities for kids, great sites for RV’s and tents, tons of amenities, and is really lovely! The lots are well shaded so they are very comfortable in the hot months.” —The Dyrt camper Beth M.
Related Campgrounds:
- Lakewood Camping Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC
- Ft. Desoto Campground, Tierra Verde, FL
- KOA Campground Myrtle Beach, FL
