Ocean Lakes Family Campground was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson along with their five daughters, starting in 1970. On July 2, 1971, Ocean Lakes opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse. Nelson Jackson was 50 years old at the time.
“People were lined up outside the gate by the hundreds and we were clearing spots for their campers as fast as they could park ‘em,” he explains with a smile.
Today, Ocean Lakes features 859 campsites and 2,572 annual lease sites on 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront, five bathhouses, and more than 700 employees (teammates) in the height of the camping season. It is the largest campground on the east coast and one of the largest in the United States.
On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 – 35,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination. “We could do a lot of things with 310 oceanfront acres in Myrtle Beach, and we’ve had many lucrative offers, but we believe that everyone – the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker – should have the privilege of enjoying God’s beautiful ocean,” explains Nelson Jackson, during an interview when he was 88.Many of our teammates began as guests! They loved it here so much that they moved in and helped us become the seven-time winner of the “National RV Park of the Year” awarded by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) today known as OHI, the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Association.
Sadly, we lost both of our founders in 2010. Nelson Jackson passed away on February 1, 2010. We celebrate his life. Mary Emily Platt Jackson passed away on December 11, 2010. We celebrate her life.
A Family Legacy | An Ocean Lakes Docuseries
On July 2, 2021, Ocean Lakes celebrated its 50th Birthday, and to celebrate, our story was told by those who lived it. We produced a series of short videos featuring our founding family, teammates, guests, and community members. See interviews with Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and their five daughters. Enjoy photos and videos never shown to the public before. Click the button below to visit our YouTube Channel for the complete Ocean Lakes Docuseries Playlist.