Family-owned campground nabs top industry award for the sixth time.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a subsidiary of The Jackson Companies, has been named the top mega park in the country – the sixth time the family-owned campground has earned the industry’s highest award.

The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) presented Ocean Lakes with the coveted “Mega Park of the Year” award during the association’s annual conference this month in Raleigh, N.C. The award is given to the campground that consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences.

“We are so thrilled to again bring the ‘Park of the Year’ award home to Myrtle Beach,” said Lance Thompson, General Manager and Vice President of Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “Our team constantly strives for excellence in every aspect of our operation to ensure that our guests are truly ‘happy campers.’ It’s rewarding for our team and leaders to be recognized nationally for their dedication to making Ocean Lakes the premier campground in the country.”

The largest campground on the east coast, Ocean Lakes boasts a variety of lodging including 859 campsites and 2,565 annual lease sites featuring beach houses and mobile homes that are available to purchase or rent. Guest amenities include nearly a mile of oceanfront, Sandy Harbor Water Park, Sandy Mart, Meet n’ Eat, an award-winning recreation program and more. The gated campground also features an RV center with a store and repair technicians, golf cart sales, service and rentals, camper storage, and 24/7 security patrol.

“Ocean Lakes Campground offers many great lodging options in the Myrtle Beach area,” said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. “They have top-notch facilities and service, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved award.”

The 310-acre park is open year-round and accommodates between 25,000 and 35,000 guests a day during an average summer day. To earn the honor, a campground must deliver consistent exceptional guest experiences as a result of all around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement.

Nelson and Mary Emily Jackson opened Ocean Lakes in 1971 with 30 campsites and one bathhouse and operated the campground until they passed away in 2010. The Jacksons’ five daughters still own Ocean Lakes and guide its growth, including the addition of a high-end, resort-style water park in 2016.