Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

Most of the beachfront real estate near Myrtle Beach is occupied by upscale developments, and back-to-basics accommodations are hard to come by. Myrtle Beach State Park Campground is one exception. Here you can slow down a bit and relax beneath shade trees a stone's throw from the beach. The park is a bit removed from the maddest part of town, but it is still close enough to be convenient. Its proximity makes the campground a very popular place to stay, but it is built to accommodate a crowd and doesn't always fill up, even on busy weekends. Nonetheless, reservations are recommended.

Sites are rather small and close together, but trees and bushes provide privacy between some of them. Photographs of each campsite are available on the park reservation website. If you do not have a reservation, you can stop into the visitor center to learn what sites are available then drive around to pick the one you like before you register.

Available accommodations include standard sites, (electric and water) full-hookup sites, (electric, water, sewer) cabins, and tent-only non-electric sites. The tent sites, however, are considered overflow and may only be open on major holiday weekends. Standard and full-hookup sites are of various sizes, so be sure to check that your vehicle can fit. Amenities here are many. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring with grate. Also, the campground has bathrooms, showers, a laundromat, and a general store in the visitor center where free Wi-Fi is also available. There is a nature center, outdoor activities, and a short hiking trail that begins in the campground. The beach is within walking distance, as are seaside playgrounds, picnic areas, and the pier. Dogs are allowed in the campground if they are kept on a leash, attended, and cleaned up after.