Camping in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

A complete guide to camping in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach State Park camping grounds near ocean

Photo Credit: High Tide Content

Overview

Myrtle Beach anchors the Grand Strand, a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline that holds the highest concentration of campgrounds and RV resorts in the Southeast. The camping here is beach-oriented and heavily developed, with large private campgrounds operating pools, water parks, and full amenity packages alongside direct ocean access.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is the largest single campground on the East Coast with over 3,400 sites, its own lake, and a golf-cart-based community that operates like a small beach town. PirateLand Camping Resort runs a pirate-themed operation with pools, lazy river, and organized activities. Myrtle Beach Travel Park sits on the oceanfront with a half-mile of private beach. Apache Family Campground and Pier adds ocean fishing from its own pier. For RV travelers, Briarcliffe RV Resort and Lakewood Camping Resort provide full-hookup sites with resort amenities. Myrtle Beach KOA Resort rounds out the branded options.

Myrtle Beach State Park sits right in the city with beach access, nature trails through maritime forest, and a fishing pier. For a quieter natural alternative further south, Huntington Beach State Park south of Murrells Inlet provides maritime forest camping, salt marsh habitat, and an undeveloped beach backed by Atalaya Castle. The campground sits among live oaks and palmettos rather than on open sand. The Grand Strand's wide, flat beach runs continuously with warm water from June through September and a gradual shelf that makes it accessible for families with young children.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Myrtle Beach

Weather & Best Seasons

Best months: April through May and September through November

Spring brings warm air before summer humidity peaks, with ocean water warming through May. Summer is the primary beach season but hot, humid, and crowded with July averaging 80 degrees. Fall is the best overall window with warm ocean water persisting through October, comfortable air temperatures, and crowds thinning after Labor Day. Hurricane season runs June through November. Winter is mild enough for RV camping with daytime highs in the 50s and a loyal snowbird population.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	68°F	56°F	Spring brings warm air before summer humidity peaks, with ocean water warming through May.
Summer	Jun-Aug	84°F	72°F	Spring brings warm air before summer humidity peaks, with ocean water warming through May.
Fall	Sep-Nov	68°F	56°F	Fall is the best overall window with warm ocean water persisting through October, comfortable air temperatures, and crowds thinning after Labor Day.
Winter	Dec-Feb	52°F	40°F	Winter is mild enough for RV camping with daytime highs in the 50s and a loyal snowbird population.

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Walk or bike the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade along the oceanfront, connecting restaurants, arcades, and the SkyWheel Ferris wheel. The boardwalk is the social center of the Grand Strand.
Fish from Apache Pier (the longest wooden pier on the East Coast) or the Second Avenue Pier without a boat. Pier fishing does not require a South Carolina fishing license. King mackerel, flounder, and spots are common catches.
Explore Huntington Beach State Park's Atalaya Castle, a 1930s Moorish-style winter home built by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. The castle, salt marsh boardwalk, and undeveloped beach offer a quiet contrast to the Grand Strand.
Visit Brookgreen Gardens south of Murrells Inlet, a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve set in a former rice plantation. Over 2,000 sculptures in a 9,100-acre property with a lowcountry zoo, creek excursions, and seasonal exhibits.
Kayak or stand-up paddleboard the salt creeks behind the barrier island at Murrells Inlet. Outfitters rent gear at the Marshwalk. Morning paddles offer the calmest water and best wildlife viewing, including herons, dolphins, and occasional manatees.
Drive south to Pawleys Island for a quieter beach experience with creek-side shrimping, historic cottages, and less commercial development than the central Grand Strand.
Catch a live show at one of the Grand Strand's dinner theaters, including Medieval Times, Pirates Voyage, or the Alabama Theatre. Most are accessible from the major campgrounds within a 15-minute drive.

Camping Tips for Myrtle Beach

Ocean Lakes, PirateLand, and Myrtle Beach Travel Park book out for spring break and summer weekends months ahead. These are large operations but demand matches the supply. Book as early as possible for peak dates.
Huntington Beach State Park is the only natural beach campground on the Grand Strand and books on a different (state park) reservation system. It fills for spring and fall weekends. A completely different experience from the resort campgrounds.
Hurricane season (June through November) affects the entire Grand Strand. Know your campground's evacuation policy before checking in. Most campgrounds require departure 24 to 48 hours before a storm. Travel insurance is worth considering for summer and fall bookings.
Sand gnats (no-see-ums) are active from March through November near the marsh side of campgrounds. Ocean-side sites with sea breeze have fewer issues. DEET or picaridin repellent helps. They are worst at dawn and dusk.
The Grand Strand has a strong rip current risk, particularly near piers and inlets. Swim near lifeguard stations. Red flags mean no swimming. The gradual beach shelf creates deceptive conditions when the tide changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the large campgrounds on the Grand Strand?

Ocean Lakes is the largest (3,400+ sites) with a full resort atmosphere including water park, golf carts, and organized activities. PirateLand has a pirate theme with pools and a lazy river. Myrtle Beach Travel Park sits on the oceanfront with a half-mile of private beach. Apache adds pier fishing. Lakewood and KOA offer more traditional campground settings. All have beach access. The experience is more resort than wilderness at every one.

Is Huntington Beach State Park worth it?

Huntington Beach is the only natural beach campground on the Grand Strand. Maritime forest, salt marsh, Atalaya Castle, and an undeveloped beach provide a completely different experience from the resort campgrounds. Sites sit in the forest with a short walk to the beach, not on the sand. It fills quickly for spring and fall. The strongest choice for campers wanting nature over amenities.

When is the water warm enough to swim?

Ocean temperatures reach the mid-70s by late June and stay warm through September. May and October are swimmable for those comfortable in the upper 60s. Peak water temperature reaches 80 degrees in August. The gradual beach shelf means shallow, warm water extends far from shore, making it accessible for young children.

How bad are hurricanes at Myrtle Beach?

The Grand Strand sits in the Atlantic hurricane zone and has been affected by multiple storms. Hurricane season runs June through November, with September and October carrying the highest risk. Most campgrounds have established evacuation procedures and will require departure 24 to 48 hours before a storm. Travel insurance is worth considering for bookings during these months.

Which campground is best for RVs?

Briarcliffe RV Resort and Lakewood Camping Resort offer full-hookup RV sites with resort amenities. Ocean Lakes accommodates RVs in its 3,400-site property. Myrtle Beach KOA provides a branded option with standardized amenities. Hideaway RV Resort adds a quieter alternative. All are within minutes of the beach.

Camping in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Overview

Weather & Best Seasons

Featured Parks in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Travel Park

PirateLand Camping Resort

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Apache Family Campground & Pier