There are so many great reasons to stay at Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Lakewood was the first private owned campground on the Grand Strand and has been doing business for almost 60 years! The resort is located directly on the beach and has a half mile of sand for your family to play in. Best of all, you don’t have to have a tent or camper because they offer a variety vacation rentals.

Our family is a camping family, and we were always hesitant to go to beachfront properties. We have heard about the large crowds, small camping spots, and were worried there would not really be an “outdoor feel”. But a family friend recently invited us to camp at Lakewood and we parked our camper oceanfront for a week. We are definitely hooked and here’s why.

The Resort Overall

Lakewood is overall a great family resort. From check in to check out, we didn’t have any issues. The resort is clean, well kept, and the people are friendly. We were there on Spring Break so there was a large crowd, but it wasn’t overwhelming, like some other resorts we have been to. People are able to spread out on the large beachfront, multiple amenity areas, and all the nearby local fun that Myrtle has to offer.

When you hear of a 60-year-old camping resort, you don’t tend to think it’s in great shape. But Lakewood really is well kept. You can tell that they take pride in the property and strive to be the best. There are large trees throughout the park that give shade on those hot days but also help you feel like you are outdoors. The campsites are large, clean, and they offer a wide variety of different types. From paved to dirt and shaded to full sun. Their bathhouses are also, very clean and updated. That is one of the most telling things about a campground.

They really are family oriented. This is something I really liked about the campground. If you are looking for a place to drink, party, and be rowdy, this is NOT it. Actually, they don’t even serve alcohol anywhere. They have family activities and concerts on the beach. It really is all about the family here. There are A LOT of kids and all different ages.

Amenities

The resort has so many different amenities. There are so many opportunities to get in water so make sure you bring all the swim gear. They have an indoor pool, jacuzzi, outdoor pool, outdoor splash area for the littles, waterslides, and then there is the beach of course. The indoor pool was quite crowded when we were there because it was cooler outside, but I am sure as it warms up, people migrate to the outdoor pools.

Outside of water activities, there is mini golf, cornhole, a playground, bike rentals, a coffee shop, a store, ice cream, a snack shack, an arcade, fishing, paddle boats, basketball courts, golf cart rentals, and a little food truck court. With all of their amenities you really don’t have to leave the resort at all.

Location

You cannot ask for a better location. This resort sits on a half mile of sandy beach. It is literally steps from your campsite to the ocean. A lot of the amenities are oceanfront and easily accessible. You can rent golf carts to ride around the resort, but we were so close to everything, in the south block, that we didn’t need to. The resort also sits right across from a Walmart, gas station, near stores, Camping World, and tons of food places.

Outside of the resort, Myrtle Beach has so much to offer families. I can’t even list everything because there is so much. There is one thing that I want to mention though. Broadway at the Beach. You have to take a day and visit! There are rides, a Wonder Works, stores, food, and so many other fun things to do here. You will not be disappointed.

Hopefully this has inspired you to go camping with your family. You can’t go wrong with choosing Lakewood. I know we will be back each year. Be sure to read my post on items to pack for your camping trip too.

If this is your first trip or you are still on the fence about camping, check out my post on family camping. It gives you the why, how, and some great tips for camping with the kids.

-Kristy M., Mommy to Many