I'm a little different. We usually stay at Apache, down on the beach where we can see the pier and surf. We visit in October or November when the crowds are gone. The pier is great for strolling and fishing. Apache is kind of dumpy but the location is great with all the restaurants, Walmart, outlet mall, Pro Bass Shop and Barefoot Landing. All of these are with in a mile.
Myrtle Beach Travel park is next door to Apache. MBTP is nicer than Apache but they have high dunes between the campground and the beach so you can't see the ocean.