We've driven through Pirateland and
Myrtle Beach State Park. We've stayed at
Lakewood and
Ocean Lakes. Out of the big 3, Ocean Lakes is my first choice, with a toss up of the other two. Maybe Pirateland and then Lakewood.
If you looking for a more natural setting and a little cheaper, then Myrtle Beach State Park would be a decent option. The only issue is that you are close to the airport. I have footage somewhere of Pirateland. Surprised I don't have a video up of it. Will have to look.
There are some similarities and some differences. Without getting into the politics of them, take a look at the aerial view of the 3 campgrounds. Many newcomers do not realize some of the things I am about to mention or even know if it makes a difference or not.
Ocean Lakes campsites are pull-through's and are at an angle to the beach. Believe it or not, with the way the wind typically comes in, it make a difference. The majority of the sites are concrete pads. There are some in the back that are still earth, but they are slowly converting them. All the sites have your front door facing the ocean. You reserve specific sites at Ocean Lakes. Their website tells you the exact dimensions, any obstacles and the distance to the beach.
Lakewood sites hare all back in (with exception of a few over near the north end.) The back of your RV is near the back of the RV behind you. They are offset a little, but if you have a back window, then you are looking at the people outside behind you. The end of your RV's could literally be a few feet apart. We've actually witnessed someone backing in a motorhome and almost hitting the Rv in a site behind. Half the sites have your door facing the ocean and half have them facing away. I guess there could be pros and cons of that either way. With Lakewood, you reserve areas. They put in in sites. When it's not so busy, I heard you can go and pick your own site.
Pirateland is a mixture. They are changing some of their sites. The majority of their sites (and the older ones) back up to each other like Lakewood does. Although they come with covered picnic tables. The negative of that, is your back window is hovering over their picnic table. If the people behind you stay up late and sit a the table and your bedroom window is there, then I guess you could hear each other. The bad news is when you are at your picnic table, you may feel like the campsite behind you are watching you...lol Some put tarps up. Most of the sites are parallel to the ocean, so you have that wind thing. But they do have some newer paved pull-through sites that are on the angle (much like what Ocean Lakes is like). "Campsite reservations for a specific site number (based on availability) may be made over the phone if the stay is for 7 nights or more and paid in full when reservation is made." (directly from their website)
Brian
2013 Thor Chateau 31L
