The Jackson Companies

The Jackson Companies is not a single campground but rather a prominent family-owned enterprise based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a diverse portfolio of businesses heavily rooted in the hospitality and real estate sectors. Within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, their flagship property is the nationally recognized and acclaimed Ocean Lakes Family Campground. This introduction will focus primarily on Ocean Lakes Family Campground as the core offering relevant to this category, while also briefly touching upon the broader context of The Jackson Companies.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, the crown jewel of The Jackson Companies' camping operations, is a truly immense and meticulously designed property. Spanning 310 oceanfront acres, it boasts nearly one mile of pristine beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This expansive environment provides direct access to the beach, allowing campers to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and beachcombing with unparalleled ease.

Despite its significant size, the campground is thoughtfully laid out to accommodate its 3,428 sites, which include 859 large pull-through campsites suitable for RVs and tents, and 2,569 annual lease sites. The environment within the campground is that of a self-contained vacation destination, with paved roads, lush landscaping, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. The constant presence of the ocean breeze and the sounds of the waves contribute to a quintessential coastal vacation feel. The company emphasizes being good stewards of the environment, investing in programs like their "iCare Program" for environmental awareness and conservation, even earning an Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The overall environment is meticulously maintained, clean, and safe, providing a welcoming backdrop for tens of thousands of guests during peak season. It’s a carefully curated natural environment that balances the raw beauty of the oceanfront with the conveniences and amenities of a large-scale resort.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground offers an extraordinary array of services, setting a high standard within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. Its extensive list of amenities caters to every imaginable need and desire for a family vacation or extended stay:

• Vast Number of Sites: With 3,428 sites, it is one of the largest campgrounds on the East Coast, accommodating a massive influx of guests, averaging 25,000-30,000 daily during the peak season.
• Full Hookup RV & Tent Sites: The 859 transient sites offer full hookups (water, sewer, electric) for RVs and are also suitable for tents, providing flexibility for various camping styles.
• Annual Lease Sites: A significant portion (2,569) of the sites are available for annual leases, fostering a strong sense of community and allowing families to have a permanent vacation home base. Ocean Lakes Properties, another division of The Jackson Companies, manages vacation rentals and lease site real estate within the campground.
• Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center: This massive water park is a central attraction, featuring large pools, a kids' splash zone, tube slides, and other water features, providing endless entertainment for all ages.
• Direct Beach Access: Nearly a mile of oceanfront provides direct access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and various beach activities.
• Recreational Activities: A comprehensive activities calendar includes daily programs for children and adults, from crafts and games to live entertainment and themed events.
• On-site Dining and Shopping: The campground boasts various food services, including restaurants and snack bars, as well as a well-stocked camp store for groceries, souvenirs, and camping essentials.
• Golf Car Rentals & Sales: Given the sprawling nature of the park, golf cars are a popular mode of transportation. Ocean Lakes Golf Cars, another Jackson Companies division, offers rentals and sales directly within the campground.
• RV Sales & Service: Ocean Lakes RV Center, conveniently located adjacent to the campground, provides new and used RV sales and comprehensive service, adding a significant convenience for RV owners.
• Laundry Facilities: Multiple modern laundry facilities are available throughout the park.
• Bathhouses: Numerous clean and well-maintained bathhouses provide showers and restrooms.
• 24/7 Security: As a gated community, Ocean Lakes offers round-the-clock security, ensuring peace of mind for guests.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their furry companions, with designated areas and rules for responsible pet ownership.

The dedication to customer service is a hallmark, with the company striving for "mutual trust, respect, and cooperation" and a "people first" approach, contributing to their high guest satisfaction ratings.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground's features extend far beyond basic camping, creating a true destination resort experience:

• Mega-Park Status: It is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States, allowing for an unparalleled range of amenities and activities.
• Award-Winning Excellence: Ocean Lakes has received numerous national awards, including the "National Park of the Year" in the Mega Park category from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) multiple times (six times, including 2017). It consistently receives a perfect 10/10*/10 rating from the Good Sam RV Travel Guide & Campground Directory for overall operation, recreational offerings, services, and appearance.
• TripAdvisor Hall of Fame: Earning a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame Certificate for five consecutive years of Certificate of Excellence highlights consistent positive guest reviews.
• Oceanfront Location: Its direct beach access is a prime feature, offering unparalleled convenience for coastal activities.
• Diverse Accommodations: The ability to choose between transient RV/tent sites and long-term annual lease sites (including full-size beach houses through Ocean Lakes Properties) caters to a wide spectrum of vacationers and residents.
• Self-Contained Community: Guests can enjoy a complete vacation experience without ever leaving the park, thanks to the vast array of on-site dining, shopping, recreation, and services.

The Jackson Companies also owns and operates other properties that complement the tourism experience in Myrtle Beach, such as Prestwick Golf & Country Club, enhancing the overall appeal for visitors with diverse interests.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is heavily promoted as "A family vacation destination for nearly 50 years" (as of 2021). Marketing emphasizes its size, oceanfront location, and the incredible array of amenities and activities available for families. The official website of Ocean Lakes Family Campground (oceanlakes.com) is the primary hub for all promotional information, including detailed descriptions of sites, amenities, activity calendars, rates, and booking options.

Given its popularity, especially during peak seasons (Memorial Day to Labor Day), reservations are highly recommended, often months in advance. The campground has a robust online presence and a dedicated team for inquiries and bookings. They regularly update their social media channels and website with events, promotions, and guest testimonials. The consistent national recognition and positive guest reviews serve as powerful promotional tools, attracting repeat visitors and new guests alike.

For local users in and around Myrtle Beach, Ocean Lakes Family Campground represents a quintessential South Carolina coastal experience, offering everything from a quick beach getaway to a seasonal residence within a vibrant, amenity-rich community. Its scale, quality, and commitment to family fun make it a standout choice within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category.