Lakewood Camping Resort: A Family Tradition We Keep Coming Back To

Resort-Style Camping That Hits Different

Once we backed into our spot—an awesome little site near the main pool—we quickly realized this wasn't just a campground… it was a full-on resort. The pool area alone is next level. Huge slides, a dedicated kiddie zone, and a big open swim area that became our daily hangout. Being so close to it made the whole experience even better. We spent most of our time bouncing between that main pool and the indoor pool, which was just a short walk away. Mornings became a favorite routine—grabbing coffee from the little shop nearby and taking slow walks around the campground, soaking it all in. There's something about Lakewood that just makes you relax into vacation mode fast.

Everything You Need, Right There

One of the best parts about Lakewood is how much there is to do without ever leaving. There's a small general store, an ice cream shop (which was a hit with the kids), a casual restaurant that gives off those classic beachy, quick-bite vibes, mini golf, fishing ponds, and tons of space to explore. We're big fans of walking around and checking out other campers' setups—call it inspiration or just plain curiosity—but Lakewood is perfect for that. You'll see everything from simple rigs to full-blown luxury setups. The grounds are well-kept, the facilities are clean, and the staff, for the most part, are friendly and helpful. It's clear they put effort into maintaining the place, and it shows.

A Small Bump, But Not a Dealbreaker

Like any place, it hasn't been 100% perfect every single time. The only real hiccup we've had over the years was with one of the gate attendants. Most of the team does a solid job balancing security with being welcoming, but we did run into one individual who was unnecessarily rude to my wife. We addressed it with management, and to their credit, it seemed like they took it seriously. It never impacted the rest of our stay, and honestly, it's never been enough to make us reconsider coming back. If anything, it feels more like an isolated moment rather than a reflection of the overall experience.

How fas is Lakewood Camping Resort to The Beach?

Why We Keep Coming Back

At the end of the day, Lakewood Camping Resort is just a blast—and it's a place we've come back to time and time again. Since that first trip, we've stayed there three additional times, including one extended stay where we spent multiple months on-site, and every single visit has been a great experience. It's one of those rare places that consistently delivers—great amenities, direct beach access (which is absolutely unbeatable), a fun and energetic atmosphere during the day, and surprisingly peaceful nights.

We also really appreciate the values behind the campground—it has a strong, family-friendly foundation that you can feel throughout your stay. Even during busy times like the Fourth of July, it manages to stay lively without ever feeling out of control. In fact, we enjoyed it so much early on that we ended up buying a home down the road in Pawleys Island, which probably says everything you need to know.

If you're heading to the Myrtle Beach area and want a place that combines the fun of a resort with the charm of camping, Lakewood is absolutely worth it. Pro tip—if you can snag a spot closer to Ocean Blvd on the southeast side, do it. The beach access alone makes it next level.