Frequently Asked Questions

General

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! We have almost a mile of beachfront and are approximately 3 miles south of the Myrtle Beach city limits at the intersection of Hwy. 17 Business and Hwy. 544 (also known as Dick Pond Road).

Take Hwy 501 East to Conway. As you pass through the city of Conway and cross Hwy 701, your are approximately 1.5 -2 miles ahead make a right onto Hwy 544. Ocean Lakes is 14 miles ahead, at the intersection of Hwy 544 and Hwy 17 Business. (Highway 544 deadends at our main entrance.)

Myrtle Beach: We are located on the outskirts of Myrtle Beach, about 3 miles South of the city limits – just north of Surfside Beach. Pavillion area: The Pavilion is located in downtown Myrtle Beach, we are located about 4 miles South of downtown Myrtle Beach. Charleston: Ocean Lakes is about 90 miles North of Charleston, and it takes about an hour and half by car. Wilmington: Wilmington is about 75 miles North of Ocean Lakes and takes a little over an hour by car. (Please note: times vary with traffic.)

  • South Strand Regional Medical Center is located about 3 miles north of Ocean Lakes on Hwy 17 Bypass at 5050 US Highway 17 Bypass South, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.
  • Grand Strand Medical Center is approximately 10 miles north of Ocean Lakes on Hwy 17 Bypass (near 82nd Ave. North) at 809 82nd Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.
  • Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital is approximately 7 miles south of OLFC via S Kings Hwy at 4070 US Highway 17 Bypass South, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
  • Conway Hospital is located approximately 13 miles west of Ocean Lakes via Hwy 544 (Dick Pond Rd) at 300 Singleton Ridge Rd, Conway, SC 29526.

The airport is approximately 5 miles from Ocean Lakes. There are two routes from OLFC.

  • Guests can take Hwy 544 to the Hwy 17 Bypass North. Exit at the Grissom Parkway exit (near the Coastal Grande Mall) and go straight about one mile into the airport located on Harrelson Boulevard [note: from this direction you pass the airport terminal (visible on the right) prior to reaching the entrance at the traffic light – some people think they missed the entrance!].
  • Guests can turn right as they exit OLFC and head north on Kings Hwy (Hwy 17 Business) towards Myrtle Beach. Proceed 4 miles turn left onto Harrelson Blvd (at the traffic light). Follow Harrelson Blvd for approximately one half mile, turn left at the light onto Jet Port Rd.

Fireworks are prohibited on the beach and oceanfront properties that have been deemed and posted as a Firework Prohibited Zone. Ocean Lakes Security does their best to protect the safety of our guests by upholding these SC laws, however, the Horry County Police have jurisdiction on the beach. See Policies: Beach Laws.

Our gates are open 24 hours a day and we feature 24 hour Security patrol. Guests can reach the Main Gate 24/7 by calling (843) 828-4847. Download the Ocean Lakes free app featuring a direct dial feature to many of our offices and services.

Motorcycles are not allowed to ride through the park under power. However, guests may take their motorcycles to their sites via a trailer or in-tow. See our Motorcycle Policies.

Yes, visitors are allowed to come in and see our guests. We get many visitors. Please make sure your friends know your site number and the name the reservation is under. There is a $15 charge for “Visitor’s Passes” and they MUST check-in at the Main Office.

Visitor Tip:  We have limited overflow parking for vehicles that do not fit on your site, please try to limit the number of vehicles in your party. We suggest some “creative carpooling” to allow for extra space for family fun.

Several taxi services can drive you directly to your site; please ask Security for a current list of Taxi companies, or ask at any of our offices (see below). Uber/Lyft/Door Dash drivers, etc., can drop off/pick up at the Main Entrance in designated areas: April-October in 15-minute Parking ONLY (located beside exiting traffic lanes), during November-March in 15-minute Parking OR under the canopy (beside entrance lanes).

Food and Package Deliveries | Also see Mail and Packages
Uber/Lyft, Door Dash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, package deliveries other than by UPS/FedEx, etc., cannot proceed past the Gate to your site unless they have an individual work badge. All vendors must meet liability insurance requirements to work on our property for the safety of our guests and teammates. Drivers can pick up a “Guideline for Authorized Uber and Lyft Drivers” in the Compliance Office. If you need transportation, several taxi services can drive you directly to your site. Please ask Security, or any of our offices, or check under “Quick Links” online for a list.

Who Can Drive Guests to their Site |
Uber/Lyft/Door Dash, etc. ARE permitted to drive guests to their site (via the Main Gate) if they have the correct liability and coverage required by our insurance company (see the last paragraph). Uber/Lyft/Door Dash drivers generally do not meet the liability insurance requirements that ALL vendors must meet to work on our property for the safety of our guests, Leaseholders, and teammates. Cab companies have this coverage as a cost of doing business, and we are simply holding Uber/Lyft/Door Dash drivers, etc., to the same requirement and standard. 

Additional Insurance Needed for Coverage Gaps |
The driver will have to show the Main Gate their insurance to enter the park (must use the Main Gate at all times), but they must be able to provide proof of the additional insurance to enter the park. The driver must have what they call rideshare insurance or commercial insurance; this should be stated on their policy card. Drivers can pick up “Guidelines for Authorized Uber and Lift Drivers” in the Compliance Office.

Authorized Taxi Services | January 2024
Beach Bumz, Capital Cab, City Cab, Cool Breeze Taxi, Creekside Cab, and Diamond Cab
[Note: these authorized Taxi services are subject to change without notice.]

 

Camping guests are especially concerned about severe weather, strong winds and tornado watches/warnings. Please know that our five bathhouses are an option for shelter and also the Recreation Center.

Guests can call the Main Gate 24/7 by dialing (843) 828-4847.

We always encourage guests to monitor the weather via TV, radio, and smart phone apps including local news channels (WPDE, WMBF, WBTW have apps). Our in-house TV stations feature Starfish Radio, which will be interrupted by the EMS warnings from the National Weather Service.

See our Storm Info web pages for Hurricane Information and helpful links.

RECEIVING MAIL & PACKAGES | Package Deliveries

UPS and FedEx are the ONLY package delivery services that can deliver mail/packages inside Ocean Lakes to a site (and will do so between Labor Day to Memorial Day). Please see our policy on Uber/Lift/ DoorDash and other delivery services (not UPS or FedEx). Any other package delivery will go to the Main Office Mail Room. A photo ID is required for Package Pickup.

ALL packages must have a Name and Site # on the label.

Packages weighing over 25 lbs with Site #s will be delivered to the site by UPS and FedEx ONLY: Labor Day – Memorial Day.

Due to the increased volume of packages and demands on our staff, we must implement charges for oversized packages and Non-Leaseholders. All General Delivery mail without a barcode is free and will be placed in the General Delivery boxes in the Mail Center Lobby.

PACKAGE CHARGES ARE AS FOLLOWS |

Regular Size packages to Leaseholders are FREE of charge (non-Leaseholders and guests are charged $2 per regular size package and $5 for oversize).

Oversize Packages are $5 per package. An oversized package meets ANY of the following criteria: larger than 18” wide, more than 24” long, more than 18” deep, and weighs more than 25 lbs.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE |
Packages will be held for 7 days. After that time, packages will be returned.

Packages weighing more than 25 lbs. may not be accepted. (The delivery service may return the package to their hub and/or the sender.)

Guests (or those scheduled to arrive) can call to speak to our Communication and Mail Room Representative with questions or concerns at (843) 828-4802.

OLFC will not accept the following items:
• Furniture of any type, including but not limited to: mattresses, box springs, rugs, sofas, chairs, tables, etc.
• Automotive supplies of any type, including but not limited to tires, oil, bumpers, etc.
• Outdoor grills, lawn chairs, outdoor furniture
• Electronics such as oversized TVs, computers
• Pet Supplies (Dog/Cat food, beds, cages, etc.).

Package Delivery Services other than UPS/FedEx/USPS: See FAQ “About Uber, Lyft, Taxis.”

Looking for policies about Golf Cars, Cancellations, Drones, Pets, behavior, Beach Laws, Uber/Lyft/Door Dash, etc.? First – be cautious about what you read anywhere by OceanLakes.com (including social media pages and groups).

1. Go to the “About Us” menu and select Policies to view General Park Policies, Campsites, Pets, Golf Cars, Rentals, Beach Laws, etc.

2. Use our “Search” box at the top of the website – type what OLFC info you are looking for and search OUR website.

Squatted Vehicle Policy begins on Saturday, June 10, 2023 |

South Carolina has amended SECTION 56-5-4445, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON ELEVATING OR LOWERING MOTOR VEHICLES, essentially outlawing squatted [trucks] vehicles due to safety concerns. Ocean Lakes also has safety concerns due to the number of people, pedestrians, golf cars, scooters, and bikes. We will no longer allow squatted vehicles [trucks] to operate in our campground. At this time, if you have such a vehicle, we will allow them to park at the South Gate (like motorcycles, slingshots, etc.) but not operate in Ocean Lakes beyond the gates (Spring Lane), similar to our motorcycle policy. 
 
 
Please obtain a “Squatted Vehicle Pass” for the “South Gate Overflow Parking Area” from Security at the Main Gate as they will be required starting on Saturday, June 10, 2023. If the South Gate Overflow Parking is FULL, please proceed to the Main Office to purchase a pass for the Off-Site Remote Parking located in the “Ocean Lakes West Lot” on Wellsford Avenue adjacent to the Exxon Station on Hwy 544 (0.3 miles from OLFC’s Main Entrance).
Campsite

On each campsite, we allow one camping unit. The main tent is considered the camping unit, a “pup tent” for children or for snacks and food is also permitted.

Generally, one family or six people. There is no additional charge for extra family members on campsites.

Yes, campfires are allowed on campsites. However, there is no fire ring to contain the fire. Campers are responsible for using fire safety!

It’s wise to let your family know what site(s) you are staying at. Things have changed a lot in our 50 years!  It helps that most guests have cell phones. All campsites have Wi-Fi available.  Your family can email you should you bring a computer or mobile device.  In case of an emergency, our Main Office number is (843) 238-5636.  After office hours, Security can be reached via the Main Gate by calling (843) 828-4847.

Yes, visitors are allowed to come in and see our guests. Make sure your friends know your site number and the name the reservation is in to quickly locate you. There is a $15 charge for Visitor Passes, and they MUST check-in at the Main Office.
Visitor Tip:  We have limited overflow parking for vehicles that do not fit on your site; please try to limit the number of vehicles in your party. We suggest some “creative carpooling” to allow for extra space for family fun.

Overflow parking is available at the South Gate area (located on Spring Lane across from our Maintenance area). It is patrolled by our Security officers, however, space there is limited as well. Campsites and rental sites (through OLP) include 2 car passes per site. Some guests choose to park their second vehicle in the overflow lots (they use the included $15 pass). If you have more than 2 vehicles or are a guest of an Annual Lease Site you would get a $15 pass from the Main Office. All vehicles in Ocean Lakes MUST have a vehicle pass. Learn more about parking options here.

Motorcycles are not allowed to ride through the park. However, guests may take their motorcycles to their sites, so long as the engines are cut off. They can be walked down, or taken via pull-trailer.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided at campsites. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at the Wireless Zone located at Sandy’s Meet n’ Eat in Camptown Center and also the Sandy Harbor Cafe. If you are a guest at an annual lease site internet availability access varies as each annual lease site holder contracts cable/internet through Spectrum.  So check with either the lease holder, or if you are renting via Ocean Lakes Properties to see what is provided.

It is always a good idea to have a reservation before arriving. Our summer season usually books several months in advance. June, July, August and September and holidays are our peak times, so call our reservation line at 1-877- 510-1413 to guarantee your site!

Reservations can be made up to 18 months in advance via our toll free line: 877- 510-1413. We reserve by site number and require a deposit within 7 days of when the reservation was made. Please note that July, September, June, August and holidays are our peak times, so I would make your reservation well in advance (months). July 4th books more than a year in advance. If you call and there is not a site available, do not give up. We generally have cancellations and you can call as often as you want to check for one. We are currently developing an on line reservations system for the near future.

Our gates are open 24 hours a day and we feature 24 hour Security patrol. Guests can reach the Main Gate 24/7 by calling (843) 828-4847. Download the Ocean Lakes free app featuring a direct dial feature to many of our offices and services.

We have 61 channels at every campsite, which are listed in our Ocean Lakes Magazine  given out when you check in and available at the Main Office, Ocean Lakes Properties Office and Recreation Office (or view the campsite channel line up online). Other channels are available for long-term stays by contacting Spectrum at (843) 913-7941.

Sept. 1, 2023 – URGENT – Spectrum’s Channel Lineup impacted | Disney Owned Channels
The Walt Disney Company has removed their programming from Spectrum which creates hardship for our customers. This change impacted 7 channels in our Campsites lineup. See the list of Ocean Lakes channels impacted.

With our 24-hour patrol, you should not have any trouble arriving to your site. They will have you fill out a small slip of paper which can be completed the next day at the Main Office.

Camping guests are especially concerned about severe weather, strong winds and tornado watches/warnings. Please know that our five bathhouses are an option for shelter and also the Recreation Center.

Guests can call the Main Gate 24/7 by dialing (843) 828-4847.

We always encourage guests to monitor the weather via TV, radio, and smart phone apps including local news channels (WPDE, WMBF, WBTW have apps). Our in-house TV stations feature Starfish Radio, which will be interrupted by the EMS warnings from the National Weather Service.

See our Storm Info web pages for Hurricane Information and helpful links.

Squatted Vehicle Policy begins on Saturday, June 10, 2023 |

South Carolina has amended SECTION 56-5-4445, RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS ON ELEVATING OR LOWERING MOTOR VEHICLES, essentially outlawing squatted [trucks] vehicles due to safety concerns. Ocean Lakes also has safety concerns due to the number of people, pedestrians, golf cars, scooters, and bikes. We will no longer allow squatted vehicles [trucks] to operate in our campground. At this time, if you have such a vehicle, we will allow them to park at the South Gate (like motorcycles, slingshots, etc.) but not operate in Ocean Lakes beyond the gates (Spring Lane), similar to our motorcycle policy. 
 
 
Please obtain a “Squatted Vehicle Pass” for the “South Gate Overflow Parking Area” from Security at the Main Gate as they will be required starting on Saturday, June 10, 2023. If the South Gate Overflow Parking is FULL, please proceed to the Main Office to purchase a pass for the Off-Site Remote Parking located in the “Ocean Lakes West Lot” on Wellsford Avenue adjacent to the Exxon Station on Hwy 544 (0.3 miles from OLFC’s Main Entrance).
Rental Site

Check In at Ocean Lakes Properties which is located between the Security Office and South Gate Entrance.
Check In Time: After 4:00 pm. Check Out Time: Before 10:00 am

Reservations may be made between the hours of 9:00 am until 4:30 pm.

Each unit is completely furnished with air conditioning, color basic cable TV, basic utensils, pots, pans and dishes. Guests may furnish only their sheets, towels, paper products and blankets.

NO! However, Ocean Lakes does offer a rental service for golf cars on a first come, first serve basis – golf cars cannot be reserved in advance. For more information, call the Golf Car Rental Office at 1-843-238-8841. (See Amenities: Ocean Lake Golf Cars) Please be aware of our golf car policies, learn more by watching this video.

Pets are NOT allowed in any of our Rental Units (the are permitted at the campsites). Guest(s) are not permitted to bring pets of any kind into the rental unit. (Certified Service Dog Only) If a pet is found the guest(s) will be evicted with no refund and the guest will be charged a pet cleaning fee. This is not covered under the Accidental Damage Waiver Fee. See campground/beach Pet Policies: Pet Policies.

Motorcycles may not be driven inside the campground, however, they are allowed in the motorcycle parking area by the Main Gate house. (See Policies: Motorcycle Policies)

If Ocean Lakes Properties reservation is cancelled 30 days prior to your arrival date, Ocean Lakes Properties will retain 15% of the Gross Rental Fee plus the $58.00 Administration/Parking Pass Fee from amount paid, the Accidental Damage Waiver Fee of $25.00 will be returned in full.  The balance, if any, will be refunded to you.  If you cancel your reservation less than 30 days prior to your arrival date, refuse rental property or do not show up, Ocean Lakes Properties will retain the total amount paid including the $58.00 Administration/Parking Pass Fee and the $25 Accidental Damage Waiver Fee.  No money will be refunded. THERE WILL BE A $35.00 CHARGE FOR ALL RETURNED CHECKS. Ocean Lakes Properties reserves the right to discontinue occupancy, if, in Ocean Lakes Properties opinion, it is detrimental to premises.

Swim Safe

Swim SafeWater recreation is a big part of the Ocean Lakes Family Campground experience. Many of our guests are good swimmers, but may not be experienced swimming in the ocean. You may be use to swimming in a pool, a lake or a river – but the ocean is different!

Remember these Swim Safe tips:

  • Swim in the lifeguard areas and with a buddy
  • Don’t fight the current (signal for help)
  • Swim sober
  • Don’t float where you can’t swim
  • Watch small children closely
  • Don’t dive into the surf, protect your neck
  • Leash your boogie or surf board
  • Ask a lifeguard about ocean water conditions
  • Look for, read and obey all Beach Safety Flags (see below).

Watch for the Lifeguard Flags
Double Red = Water Closed to Public | No Swimming
Red = High Hazard | High Surf and/or Strong Currents
Yellow = Medium Hazard | Moderate Surf and/or Currents
Green = Low Hazard | Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution
Blue = Aquatic Danger | Dangerous Marine Life

Rip Current Guide

Rip Currents | If you suddenly get pulled out from the shore and cannot swim towards shore you are caught in a Rip Current. DO NOT fight the current! Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the rip current and then swim towards shore.

Ocean Lakes features several swimming pools and opened Sandy Harbor Water Park on May 27, 2016. Our indoor all-seasons pool is open all year. The indoor pool is heated during the winter and features sliding doors and roof panels that open during warm weather. The Olympic-sized outdoor pool (not part of Sandy Harbor Water Park) generally opens at Easter for the season. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Sandy Harbor Water Park features different pool hours due to the lifeguard requirements, read about the SHWP hours here. Please review the pool rules with your family upon entering the pool area so everyone will have a safe, fun time while enjoying our pools. Swim lessons are available during the summer season activities calendar (June thru mid-August).

 

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