Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground stands as a distinctive offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, providing a harmonious blend of natural coastal beauty and convenient access to the bustling attractions of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As the first state park in South Carolina, established in 1936, it holds a special place, preserving a valuable stretch of undeveloped beachfront and a rare maritime forest amidst the otherwise highly developed Grand Strand. This campground is a prime destination for those seeking both the tranquility of an outdoor escape and the excitement of a popular vacation hub, catering to a wide range of campers from RV enthusiasts to traditional tent campers.

The environment at Myrtle Beach State Park Campground is truly a gem along the South Carolina coast. Unlike much of the surrounding Grand Strand, the park has preserved a significant portion of its natural landscape, including a mile of undeveloped beach and a pristine maritime forest. This 312-acre park is a testament to natural conservation, featuring majestic live oaks and southern magnolias that create a lush, shaded canopy over many of the campsites. The maritime forest itself is a designated Heritage Trust Site, underscoring its ecological importance. As you wander through the campground, you'll encounter a serene atmosphere, often feeling worlds away from the commercial hustle of Myrtle Beach, despite being just a short drive from its core attractions. The campground is strategically located approximately 300 yards from the Atlantic Ocean, offering easy access to the sandy shores and the refreshing ocean breeze. The dunes are populated with sea oats, contributing to the picturesque coastal scenery. While the campground is within the flight path of Myrtle Beach's busy airport, visitors often find the natural beauty and convenience outweigh any intermittent noise. The overall environment provides a unique opportunity to experience coastal South Carolina as it once was, with abundant wildlife, including various bird species and even nesting loggerhead turtles in the summer, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground is well-equipped to serve a diverse range of campers, offering a comprehensive array of services and facilities. The campground boasts 140 standard sites with individual water and electrical hookups, and an additional 138 sites featuring full hookups, including electric, water, and sewer. These sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length, with some suited for smaller units. For tent campers, there is a designated 30-site overflow campground, open from Easter weekend through Labor Day, providing central water access but no electricity. All campsites are conveniently located near hot showers, modern restrooms, and laundromat facilities, ensuring comfort during your stay. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available throughout the campground, allowing guests to stay connected. The Ranger Station, located at the campground entrance, serves as the registration point and also functions as a well-stocked store. Here, campers can find limited grocery items, essential camping supplies, souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and firewood, making it easy to replenish necessities without leaving the park. Six fully furnished cabins are also available for rent, located just 200 yards from the beach. These cabins provide a more home-like experience with heating, air conditioning, bath and bed linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, and televisions. Dump stations are available for RV waste disposal. The park also features picnic shelters for day use, playgrounds for children, and an EV charging station, reflecting a commitment to modern convenience and accessibility.

The features and activities at Myrtle Beach State Park Campground are diverse, catering to a wide range of interests from serene nature exploration to active recreation. A major highlight is the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, a prominent fishing pier stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. Anglers can enjoy prime fishing for species like flounder, king mackerel, sheepshead, whiting, and various drum and mackerel. A South Carolina fishing license is not required to fish from the pier; however, a daily fishing pass must be purchased. Surf fishing is also permitted on the beach where lifeguards are not on duty, though a state saltwater fishing license is required for this. The mile of undeveloped beach offers ample space for swimming, sunbathing, shelling, and beachcombing. During the summer, Horry County lifeguards are stationed on the north section of the beach, providing safety. Beyond the beach, the park features two nature trails: the Yaupon Nature Trail and the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. These trails wind through the maritime forest, offering opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and observing local wildlife, including squirrels, various bird species, and occasionally deer. The Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center is an educational hub, featuring interactive natural history displays, saltwater aquariums, and live animal exhibits. Throughout the year, the Nature Center offers programs about coastal habitat and native wildlife, providing engaging learning experiences for all ages. For children, there are multiple playgrounds within the park. While pets are allowed in most outdoor areas year-round, they must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and specific restrictions apply to pets on public beaches during certain hours in peak season. The park's proximity to major Myrtle Beach attractions means guests can easily venture out for golf, amusement parks, shopping, dining, and live entertainment, providing a balanced vacation experience of natural tranquility and vibrant city life.

Myrtle Beach State Park Campground actively promotes its unique position as a natural haven within a bustling tourist destination. Information regarding park hours (daily 6 a.m.-10 p.m. from March-November; 6 a.m.-8 p.m. from December-February) and admission fees ($8 adults; $5 SC seniors; $4 children 6-15) is readily available. The park encourages visitors to consider annual passports for frequent visits, which can significantly reduce admission costs. Camping reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring break, summer), and can be made via phone (toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275), option 1) or through the South Carolina State Parks reservation website. A minimum two-night stay is typically required for reservations. Rates vary by season and demand. For same-day reservations or arrivals after park hours, direct contact with the park office (843-238-5325) is necessary for gate combinations and access. The campground emphasizes its pet-friendly policy in most outdoor areas, reminding guests of leash requirements and specific beach restrictions. Seasonal variations in activities and services, such as lifeguard availability on the beach, are communicated. The park's official website and social media channels are key resources for up-to-date information, news, and alerts. Many reviews from previous visitors highlight the park's well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms, and the convenience of its location for both beach access and proximity to local attractions. The park encourages guests to respect the natural environment, promoting recycling with conveniently located bins for cans, glass, and plastic. Special attention is also given to safety, advising campers to wear closed-toed shoes and carry flashlights at night in wooded areas. The overarching promotional message is an invitation to experience the unique blend of preserved natural beauty and recreational opportunities that make Myrtle Beach State Park Campground an ideal coastal camping destination for families and individuals alike.