MYRTLE BEACH CAMPGROUND, OCEAN LAKES, NAMED 2011-2012 NATIONAL “PARK OF THE YEAR” IN MEGA PARK CATEGORY BY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

South Carolina Campground Also Honored With Two More National Awards Based On Guest Votes And Feedback

December 5, 2011, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a subsidiary of The Jackson Companies, received three national honors on Dec. 2. The South Carolina campground was named 2011-2012 “Park of the Year” in the Mega Park category by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) at the 2011 Outdoor Hospitality Conference and Expo held in Savannah, Ga. At the same event, Ocean Lakes was honored as one of the top 10 campgrounds in the country by Woodall’s, which produces dozens of national and regional campground publications. It was also awarded the prestigious GuestRated.com’s “A” grade for the fourth year based on guest reviews.

This is the fifth time that the 40-year-old family-owned Myrtle Beach campground has received the title of “Park of the Year” in the Mega Park category. It was last named the country’s best campground in 2008.

Ocean Lakes was also named one of the “Top 10 Favorite Parks in North America 2011” as part of Woodall’s Vote for Your Favorite Campground Sweepstakes. This contest was held in celebration of Woodalls’ 75th birthday, and the selection was based solely on a nationwide vote by camping guests who voted for their favorite campground among more than 8,000 in North America.

Another honor came as the result of a customer satisfaction survey of campgrounds, RV parks and resorts of more than 30,000 camping and RV enthusiasts. Ocean Lakes was among only two percent of campgrounds that received the GuestRated “A” grade. The Myrtle Beach campground has received this honor all four years that the survey has been conducted.

“We are truly honored to receive such outstanding recognition,” said Lance Thompson, Vice President and General Manager for Ocean Lakes. “To be selected as ‘Park of the Year’ by a panel of our industry peers means so much since they understand what it takes to operate a successful park. However, the other two awards were unsolicited. GuestRated.com “A” Grade is based totally on surveys about our guests’ experience, and to be voted into the Woodall’s Top 10 by guests out of so many campground choices, well, it is overwhelming. What a great way to wrap up our 40th birthday celebration!”

The ARVC’s Awards Committee named Ocean Lakes “Park of the Year” based on a variety of criteria, including commitment to industry, community service, management skills, marketing efforts, operations, state association involvement, website and ARVC involvement.

Ocean Lakes is a leader in the campground industry’s green efforts. Its iCare Program, established in August 2008, uses the slogan “Awareness and Action Count” to encourage guest responsibility and education. iCare focuses on pet pollution, litter impact, recycling and finding new ways to operate more efficiently.

This summer, Ocean Lakes became the first location for an electric vehicle charging station along the Carolina coast. In addition, the campground’s guests and teammates have recycled more than 250,000 pounds of solid waste, averaging about two tons per week. Ocean Lakes’ landscaping department composts to produce mulch and fertilizer for flower beds. Solar-heated water is being tested at one of the bathhouses to determine how much water and gas it saves.

Ocean Lakes was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson, along with their five daughters, in 1970. Although it is considered a “mega park” in the camping industry, which is more than 500 sites, it had humble beginnings. It opened on July 2, 1971, with 30 campground sites and one bathhouse. It now features 893 campground sites and 2,557 annual lease sites on 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront, four bathhouses, and nearly 500 teammates in the height of the camping season.

To reserve a camping site, guests can call (877) 510-1413. To rent one of the campground’s 300 rental houses, they may call (800) 845-2229.

For more information about Ocean Lakes, visit www.oceanlakes.com, follow it on Twitter or ‘like’ the campground on Facebook.

For more information about Ocean Lakes, visit its blog, follow the campground on Twitter or ‘like’ it on Facebook.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2011-2012 National “Park of the Year” and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) five times. In 2010, it received the Earth Day Award from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for its iCare Program. In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,447 sites” 893 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 – 30,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. It currently holds a 9.5/9/9.5 ranking out of 10/10/10 from the Trailer Life Directory for its overall operation, recreational offerings, services and appearance.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

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