Exciting new experiences are coming to Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center.
Big Changes Coming to Sandy Harbor!
We have some exciting news to share! Phase 2 of our Core Area Master Plan is officially underway, bringing major upgrades to Sandy Harbor Water Park. We’re expanding both our outdoor and indoor pool facilities and improving the Sandy Harbor Game Center. Construction begins this fall after Labor Day, and we plan to have all new facilities ready for Memorial Day Weekend 2027.
What’s New:
Outdoor Pool: A brand-new resort-style pool with 6,114 sq. ft. of water surface, 36% larger than our current pool, complete with private cabanas.
Indoor Facility: A new 24,327 sq. ft. climate-controlled, year-round building featuring a pool 235% larger than our current one with a channel and stronger water current for exercise, a kids’ splash pool and aquatic play area, two body slides, and a new food service operation.
Game Center Expansion: The Game Center will expand into the existing Sandy Harbor Café area, meaning more space for more games and more excitement for guests.
Behind the Scenes: The indoor facility will also include a second floor with office space, a break room, storage space, and additional space for meetings or private functions.
Get ready for even more ways to soak up the fun at Sandy Harbor!
When Will Construction Begin?
Demolition kicks off September 8, 2026, closing three areas: the original Outdoor Pool (built in the 1970s, 4,500 sq. ft.), the Indoor “All Seasons” Pool (built in 1997), and Sandy Harbor Mini Golf. All three spaces will be used for new construction plus staging materials, supplies, and equipment.
Don’t worry, mini golf fans! We’re working on relocating the course nearby and will share details soon.
What This Means For Your Stay
Pool Access: The Adventure (lazy) River will serve as our pool alternative during construction, weather and site conditions permitting.
HH Section Guests: Expect daily noise from construction equipment moving through the area.
Parking: Pool Area parking will be limited. Overflow parking is available at the Jackson Residence while the Water Park is open.
Why It’s Worth It
These improvements will give our guests and leaseholders more options during our shoulder seasons and winter months, improve their overall experience, and position Ocean Lakes as a top vacation destination year-round, not only along The Grand Strand, but along the entire East Coast for years to come.
Our team implores you to bear with us through this process as we bring these new, outstanding amenities to life in only 8 months. This is a huge project, and it won’t be easy. However, it will be worth it. We’ve done our research, and you won’t find another campground with both indoor and outdoor amenities like this!
Stay in the Loop
Watch for news and announcements about all the exciting changes and new aquatic features over the next few months on our official site, OceanLakes.com. Follow our official social media channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and official updates.
Sandy Harbor Phase 2:
A Closer Look at What’s Coming
New 24,327 Sq. Ft. Climate-Controlled Facility A year-round building featuring a kids’ splash pool and aquatic play area (955 sq. ft.), two body slides, a new food service operation, and restrooms.
Indoor Pool: 3,526 Sq. Ft. The new indoor pool is 235% larger and features a channel with a water current for exercise.
Outdoor Resort-Style Pool A brand-new resort-style pool featuring 6,114 sq. ft. of water surface, 36% larger than the current pool.
FAQs
New Amenities & Features
New Amenities & Features
Sandy Harbor will feature a new larger outdoor resort-style pool, a large climate-controlled indoor facility, a new food service operation, an indoor kids’ splash pool and aquatic play area, two indoor body slides, and a 235% larger indoor pool (featuring a channel with a stronger water current for exercise), and will expand the Game Center. The second floor has office space, a break room, storage space, and additional space for meetings or private functions.
Hours of Operation
The plan is for the new indoor facilities to be open year-round for our Guests & Leaseholders. We will establish and publish the hours on OceanLakes.com in the future; most likely, the hours will be modified to our operational and guest needs throughout the year. The Outdoor Pools (including the Water Park) close for swimming in the fall. Traditionally, the Indoor Pool has been open all year!
Who can use these Amenities?
Our Amenities are intended for our Leaseholders and the Guests staying at a site inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground. We do not sell day passes.
Cost to use?
These Amenities are included for guests staying at a site in Ocean Lakes.
Cabanas: Can we reserve one? How much?
Yes, guests will be able to reserve a cabana. We are working out the details and the policies regarding cabanas. The cost is yet to be determined.
Construction
Opening – Target Date
We plan to have all new facilities ready for Memorial Day Weekend in 2027
Construction Begins & Amenities Closing
The original Indoor & Outdoor Pools and Mini Golf will shut down September 8, 2026, for demolition. Demolition involves 3 areas: the existing “Olympic-sized” (L-shaped) outdoor pool, the current Indoor Pool, and Sandy Harbor Mini Golf. All three areas will be used for new construction and for staging materials, supplies, and equipment within the Sandy Harbor perimeter.
We will work to minimize construction impact as much as possible, keeping our Amenities open as long as possible for our Guests & Leaseholders. There will be temporary closings at Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center in relations to the Game Center and Food Service.
Construction Impact
Guests staying in the HH Section campsites will be impacted by noise and construction equipment moving in and out of the area daily.
We’ll utilize the Adventure (lazy) River as our pool, as conditions permit, including weather and construction-related issues (such as dust and dirt) that may cause temporary pool closings. Our plan is to keep it open through October.
There will be limited parking around the Pool Area. Overflow parking at the Jackson Residence will be available while the Water Park is open.
Will a Pool be Open for guests?
Yes! We plan to utilize the Adventure (lazy) River as our pool, as conditions permit, considering weather and construction-related issues such as dust and dirt; everyone will work to minimize impact as much as possible.
On September 8th, the Adventure River will [temporarily] take the place of our Outdoor Pool and the pool deck for sunbathing in the off-season. We plan to turn off the River motors (that generate the river current), allowing guests of ALL ages to use the Adventure River. Our pool rules will apply, including Lifeguard-Approved vests, etc. The River also features the “Lounge Ledge,” a shallow area with seating, perfect for tots and their parents, in addition to the Tad Pool. We plan to leave the Splash Zone structure open for kids; however, the slides may be closed. As usual, in September, we will operate the Mat Racer and The Tube as staffing allows.
Will the Game Center be Open during construction?
Yes, we plan to keep the Game Center open through October, and until construction impedes operation.
Mini Golf Rumors & Questions
We must remove Sandy Harbor Mini Golf to make room for new amenities. We are working on relocating the course to a nearby location. More details to come – watch for Official updates.
