Insider's Guide to Myrtle Beach Camping

myrtle beach campingMyrtle Beach is one of the most famous oceanfront camping destinations in South Carolina and the entire country. Its 60 miles of pristine beaches are overflowing with both natural beauty and modern attractions; little wonder RVers and tent campers flock here. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need to know what Myrtle Beach camping options are suitable for your travel lifestyle. And if you’re looking for a means to explore the area, there are tons of RV rentals in Myrtle Beach and the larger South Carolina. You can even rent an RV in Myrtle Beach and have it delivered to your campsite.

 

In this campground roundup, we review the top camping spots in Myrtle Beach, from phenomenal state parks to luxury resorts. We will also include some helpful information on the type of camping available, the number of sites, amenities, campground rates, and RV rental prices in Myrtle Beach.

 

An Overview of Myrtle Beach

 

Myrtle Beach is a coastal city located along South Carolina’s Atlantic coastline. It’s the hub of the Grand Strand—a 60-mile-long gorgeous sand beach. Apart from its fabulous shore, this vacation resort is renowned for its exciting art scene, electric nightlife, world-class dining scene, charming amusement parks, and subtropical climate.

 

Few can imagine that back in the day, Myrtle Beach was a pirates’ playground. Now it attracts all types of camping enthusiasts, from RV glampers, weekend warriors, full-timers, and boondockers to tent campers. Here are the main attractions that beckon more than 14 million visitors every year:

 

Top Attractions and Things to Do When Camping in Myrtle Beach

 

  • The Beach – Of course, the main attraction has to be the beautiful stretch of white-sand beach along the city’s oceanfront. Here, you can swim in the mild waves, launch a boat, cast a line, scuba dive, fly a kite, search for shells, or enjoy a nighttime walk.
  • Broadway at the Beach – This shopping and entertainment venue is a big hit with visitors. Whether you want to shop, engage your taste buds in irresistible cuisine, ride a mechanical bull, feed fish, or zip-line, you can’t run out of things to do. Additionally, it’s home to several large attractions, such as WonderWorks, Broadway Grand Pix, and Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium – In this shelter housing more than 6,000 marine animals, you’ll get an opportunity to see a unique and beautiful underwater world without getting wet.
  • Brookgreen Gardens – Stop at the biggest sculpture-nature garden in the country for a world-class botanical experience. This 9,100-acre property also houses a zoo, nature trails, a butterfly garden, a historic oaks plantation, and a civil war fort.
  • Myrtle Beach SkyWheel – This iconic attraction dominates part of the city’s skyline and is the sixth tallest observation wheel in the nation. Stop here to get a glimpse of the stunning panoramas of The Palmetto State.
  • Boardwalk and Promenade – Stroll down the 1.2 mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, and you’ll find everything from galleries, cafes, culinary landmarks, arcades, concert stages, firework shows, souvenir shops, and other beachfront excitement.
  • Mini-Golf Courses – Myrtle Beach is well known for its celebrity-designed golf courses. It has more than 80 of them.

 

The Best Campgrounds at Myrtle Beach

 

Here are the best places to go camping at Myrtle Beach:

 

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

 

Type: RV, tent, and cabins 

No. of Sites: 859 with full hookups, some ADA-compliant sites

Open: Year-round

Cost: $40 to $105 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

At the south end of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find Ocean Lakes Family Campground, the largest campground on the east coast. This beautiful getaway stretches across 310 acres and has nearly 1 mile of oceanfront. What makes it stand out is its diversity in camping accommodations, offering visitors oceanfront, lakeside, and shaded sites.

 

In total, Ocean Lakes features 859 campsites, most of them with concrete pads and others capable of accommodating the largest rigs. There are outstanding amenities from full hookups, bathroom and shower facilities, cable TV, WiFi to an RV center. To keep everyone entertained, there’s a water park, lazy river, kids’ splash zone, mini golf, a game center, as well as a marine nature center. Starting at $40, ocean lakes campground rates are quite affordable.

 

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground 

 

Type: RV, tent, and cabins

No. of Sites: 300 total, 138 with full hookups, some ADA-accessible

Open: Year-round

Cost: $20 to $70 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground is situated near the bustling center of Myrtle Beach and welcomes both RVers and tent campers. It’s an attractive option for nature lovers as it features two hiking trails, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching, geocaching, fishing, and crabbing.

 

Of course, Myrtle Beach State Park camping will put you close to the pristine beach, and you can snag a spot under a shade of large pines. 

 

You’ll find 300 sites for RVers and tent campers, 138 with full hookups, and many can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Amenity-wise, there are hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities, and complimentary WiFi. However, you must book at least two nights in order to camp here.

 

Pirateland Family Camping Resort

 

Type: RV, tent, and cabins

No. of Sites: Hundred of campsites with full hookups, 2 handicap accessible cabins

Open: Year-round

Cost: $22 to $41 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

For unforgettable oceanfront camping in Myrtle Beach, pilot your rig to Pirateland Family Camping Resort. This destination is close to Myrtle Beach State Park, allowing you to enjoy the amenities of the resort, plus the activities and natural beauty at the State Park. Indeed, there’s no shortage of things to do within this 180-acre park. 

 

You can float on the winding lazy river, cool off in the giant pirate-theme splash pool, enjoy a mini golf session, or grab a pizza at the snack bar. Just to highlight a few convenient amenities, you’ll find full hookup RV sites, a camp store, bathhouses, a laundromat, and WiFi. Plus, there are paddle boats, kayaks, and golf cart rentals.

 

Myrtle Beach Travel Park

 

Type: RV, tent, and cabin 

No. of Sites: 1,200 with full hookups, some ADA-compliant sites

Open: Year-round

Cost: $47 to $92 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Another of the best Myrtle Beach campgrounds on the ocean is the 125-acre Myrtle Beach Travel Park. Steer your rig to this retreat, and you’ll have half a mile of beautiful beach to play on. Apart from its gentle breezes and sunkissed waters, this family-friendly park boasts upscale amenities like an arcade, lazy river, splash pool, sports courts, and climate-controlled bath houses. 

 

Furthermore, there’s an indoor heated pool, playground, freshwater lake for fishing, and a pavilion. You’ll enjoy a host of organized events ranging from live bands, evening concerts, fishing tourneys, pool parties, aqua fitness classes to outdoor-themed family fun nights. Most of the campsites offer full hookups, while a few have water and electric-only sites. What’s more, it’s one of the top Myrtle Beach campgrounds with cabins.

 

myrtle beach campgroundsBriarcliffe RV Resort Inc. 

 

Type: RV and park models 

No. of Sites: 161 with full hookups, partial handicap access

Open: Year-round

Cost: $55 to $75 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Briarcliffe RV Resort is a beautiful Myrtle Beach RV park that will deliver a camping experience to treasure for years to come. It’s situated on the Intracoastal waterway, just a mile from the Grand Stand. Campers can look forward to breathtaking sights by the water, sunset views, great coastal cuisine, and loads of fun activities and attractions.

 

This four-season vacation destination has 161 full hookup sites, modern bathhouses, laundry facilities, cable TV, and free WiFi throughout the resort. Moreover, you’ll love the outdoor Olympic-size pool, sports courts, playground, pet areas, and weekly organized activities. Certainly, there are opportunities for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, golfing, wildlife viewing, hiking, kayaking, and river tours nearby. 

 

Lakewood Camping Resort

 

Type: RV and tent 

No. of Sites: 1,043 campsites, most with full hookups, some ADA-accessible

Open: Year-round

Cost: $28 to $90 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Since 1959, Lakewood Camping Resort has been welcoming travelers who want to camp in Myrtle Beach. Situated smack dab in the middle of all the thrills of the Grand Strand, you won’t have a shortage of things to do and see. This multiple award-winning campground has around a square-half mile of oceanfront property, providing more sand between your toes than any other park in the area.

 

The entire resort rests on 200 acres of oceanfront property, and you can choose between RV sites, tent camping spots, and vacation rentals. The resort has a full-featured water park, indoor and outdoor pools, RV storage facilities, free WiFi, a trading post, food trucks, and nearly a dozen sports venues. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy live shows in the beachfront amphitheater and organized activities for families. 

 

Myrtle Beach KOA Resort

 

Type: RV, tent, and cabins

No. of Sites: 257, some with full hookups, some ADA-compliant sites

Open: Year-round

Cost: $65 to $100 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Claim a spot at the tranquil Myrtle Beach KOA Resort and you won’t believe you’re staying in one of the busiest destination beach towns in the East Coast. This Myrtle Beach RV campground is a peaceful oasis set amidst the largest old-growth pines the region has to offer. And when it comes to the fun and games, it has so much going on inside that you might never have to venture beyond the campground.

 

With two pools, game nights, karaoke nights, hay wagon rides, an outdoor cinema, and a lake where you can swim, boat, or fish, you’ll never experience a dull moment. Further, there are 3 playgrounds, bike rentals, ball courts, and free beach shuttles. You’ll find unique and innovative campsites, from shady sites for traditional tent campers, spacious pads that can accommodate even the biggest rigs to deluxe cabins. Plus, there are convenient laundry facilities, bathhouses, restrooms, and a camp store.

 

Huntington Beach State Park

 

Type: RV and tent 

No. of Sites: 173 campsites, 106 with full hookups, 6 rustic tent areas, ADA-compliant features

Open: Year-round

Cost: $20 to $70 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

If you’re looking for a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy main beaches, consider Huntington Beach State Park. Remarkably, it has 3 miles of beach for swimming, strolling, fishing, or just sunbathing. Here, you can celebrate your love of the ocean with sea breeze camping, boardwalk hikes, or phenomenal surf fishing. Moreover, you can try sighting a few of the 300+ species of birds that call the park home.

 

What’s more appealing to nature lovers is that you get a chance to see loggerhead turtles and other endangered plant and animal species. Another thing to look forward to is a visit to the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home. Also, there’s an arts and crafts festival held at this castle every September. Of course, you’ll find convenient features like showers, restroom facilities, picnic shelters, and free WiFi.

 

North Myrtle Beach RV Resort and Dry Dock

 

Type: RV only

No. of Sites: 132 sites, most with full hookups, partial handicap access

Open: Year-round

Cost: $68 to $118 per night

Reservation: Yes

 

Our final RV camping spot near Myrtle Beach is the dazzling North Myrtle Beach RV Resort and Dry Dock. This new vacation mecca is located in the quaint town of Little River, along the Intracoastal Waterway. Apart from its unbeatable waterfront views, it has the amenities you need to enjoy life at a slower pace. 

 

There are 38 wet slips to dock your vessel, an oversized swimming pool with a 150-foot waterslide, sports courts, plus boat, jet ski, and golf cart rentals. For more activities, visit Little River, which is the oldest and most distinctive town on the Grand Strand. Here, you’ll find great coastal eats, fishing charters, horse carriage rides, fabulous concerts, and treasure shops. Certainly, campers will find extra large paved campsites, modern bathhouses, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

 

RV Rental Prices in Myrtle Beach

 

Wondering how much it costs to rent an RV in Myrtle Beach? On average, you can expect to pay an average of $209 for a motorhome and $110 for a towable RV. Of course, every RV type has a different rental price point. For instance, a large Class A RV costs around $270, Class C $180, and Class B $200. When it comes to pull behinds, you’ll part with $130 for a fifth wheel, $110 for a travel trailer, and $80 for a pop-up camper. Indeed, those booking for longer periods will enjoy bigger discounts.

 

Unwind in Any of These Top Campgrounds in Myrtle Beach 

 

For decades, Myrtle Beach camping spots have welcomed visitors from far and wide to discover the city’s spectacular attractions in wide-eyed wonder. Whether you’re looking for a full-feature waterfront camping resort, secluded tent camping site, or RV campground with just the basics, this vacation magnet has diverse and exciting campground options. With this helpful guide, locating a nice retreat for camping Myrtle Beach will be a breeze.