Welcome back campers! As Spring inches closer and closer here in New England we are itching to get our RV back on the road. Our first planned trip is a return to Myrtle Beach! It’s amazing to head down to South Carolina while it’s still chilly in Connecticut to take advantage of the warming weather. We’ve been going to Myrtle Beach for years, but last year was our first time camping there. Keep reading for our review on the Best State Park Camping in Myrtle Beach!
Myrtle Beach conjures images of bustling crowds, high-rise hotels, and endless amusement parks. But tucked away amidst the vibrant city lies a hidden gem: Myrtle Beach State Park. This haven offers a unique blend of sun-kissed beaches, lush maritime forests, and a laid-back camping experience. Perfect for those seeking an escape from the usual Myrtle Beach scene.
There are many campground options in Myrtle Beach, but this is truly the best state park camping in the area!
Why Camp at a State Park?
Whenever possible, we like to research the State Parks at our destination to see if they offer camping. State parks are usually a little quieter than the typical Resort Style RV Campground. State parks offer a more rustic and immersive experience in nature, often at significantly lower costs. The land is typically very well cared for and may be some of the best “real estate” in the area.
Often State parks are located in beautiful forests or near local beaches. While sometimes the amenities are more limited or basic than an RV Resort we often find they are more than adequate! For budget-conscious nature lovers seeking adventure, state parks reign supreme.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Step back in time to the 1930s, when Myrtle Beach State Park wasn’t a haven for sunbathers, but a project born from the Great Depression. As part of President Roosevelt’s New Deal, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) transformed 300 acres of donated land into South Carolina’s first state park. These young men, armed with shovels and determination, carved hiking trails, erected bathhouses (still in use today!), and laid the foundation for the beloved campground.
The park opened its doors in 1936, offering not just recreation, but a symbol of hope and resilience during challenging times. Today, Myrtle Beach State Park stands as a testament to the CCC’s legacy, blending its historic charm with modern amenities while preserving the natural beauty that first drew those young men, and continues to draw visitors today.
The Campground
The campground boasts over 300 sites nestled beneath the shade of towering pines. Choose from basic tent sites to RV-friendly hookups. All sites are within easy access to hot showers, restrooms, and a laundry facility. We found that all of the facilities were kept very clean, and never too busy.
The campground is set well within Myrtle Beach state park. You actually have to drive about 5 minutes through the park before hitting the camping area. It’s a beautiful drive though! You’ll often pass families hosting picnics or locals parking for the beach (more on that later). Once you get to the camping area there are several “circles” that make up the campground. The outer circles (5 &6) are the most private and quiet.
Beach Access
One thing that makes this the best State park camping in Myrtle Beach is the beach access! At the front of the campground is a wooden walkway that brings you straight out to the beach. When we camped in Circle 5 the walk to the beach took just about 10 minutes. It is a beautifully kept State park beach. Despite being popular, it does not get overly crowded as it is only open to campground visitors and a limited daily number of people with State park passes.
The main draw, undoubtedly, is the park’s pristine stretch of beach. Unlike the developed sections further north, Myrtle Beach State Park offers a serene escape with soft sand and gentle waves. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the ocean air. Remember, beach access is included with your campsite fee!
The Campsites
A large part of what makes Myrtle Beach State Park the best camping in Myrtle Beach is the campsites. We really enjoyed the privacy that these woodsy campsites offered. The way the sites are set up, your RV blocks most of your site from view of the road creating a super private feel! The trees also provided a lot of shade, and kept temperatures cool despite the hot sun.
Now that we’ve camped there once before we’ve made notes of which sites are better than others. Since the area is so forested, some sites can be tricky to pull into because of tree placement. The sites are also dirt, instead of paved or gravel. This creates a lot of movement over years of use and some sites are a bit uneven.
Pros:
- The forest settings allows for ample shade
- Each campsite is set back from the road and very private
- Full hook ups including 30/50 Amp electric, water, and sewer connections
- Provided fire pit and picnic table
- Trash & Recycling areas at the end of each “circle”
Cons:
- Some sites are uneven making it difficult to level your RV
- The dirt and pine needles create a messy camp area and are easily tracked inside
- Tree placement on some sites makes backing in difficult
- “Circles” are narrow, you may need to wait a few minutes for others to back in or out when driving through the campground
In our opinion, these cons are minimal – no campground is perfect. This is still definitely the best State Park camping in Myrtle Beach. The setting is so serene and peaceful, and having the beach a short walk away is reason enough to come back year after year. Keep in mind that like most State Parks it is technically an alcohol free environment. You can view the campground map and make a reservation here.
Explore Nature
Nestled amongst the pines at Myrtle Beach State Park, the Nature Center acts as a gateway to the park’s diverse ecosystems. Though small, it packs a punch, offering a window into the wonders of the coastal Carolinas. Inside, interactive exhibits showcase everything from playful otters swimming in recreated salt marshes to the intricate details of sea turtle nesting habits.
Touch tanks let curious hands explore the textures of horseshoe crabs and hermit crabs, while informative displays unveil the secrets of the maritime forest and its inhabitants. Whether you’re a seasoned beachcomber or a wide-eyed child, the nature center sparks curiosity and ignites a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life at Myrtle Beach State Park.
There are also 2 short trails that are park of this park. Starting just across from the Nature Center are 2 trails called “Sculptured Oak Nature Trail” and “Yaupon Nature Trail”. These are easy walks that can be done in about an hour. The terrain is relatively level, though there may be some tree roots to look out for.
You can find more information and other local sights on the South Carolina State Park website here.
Myrtle Beach State Park offers a unique and affordable way to experience the magic of Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure in nature, this is certainly the best state park camping in Myrtle Beach.
If you do want a taste of the more traditional, busy boardwalk vibes you are just a few minutes away from the excitement! Be sure to check out our post about some of the best things to do while staying in Myrtle Beach. Until next time, happy camping!
