Ocean Lakes land ownership: What you really need to know

When people talk about Ocean Lakes, a large, privately owned beach campsite in South Carolina that draws thousands of visitors each year. Also known as Ocean Lakes Family Camping Resort, it’s not public land—it’s a private resort with strict rules on who can enter, when, and for how long. This matters because if you’re planning to camp there, sleep in your car nearby, or just grab a day pass to the beach, you’re not walking onto government land. You’re stepping onto someone else’s property, and they set the terms.

That’s why knowing Ocean Lakes land ownership, how the resort controls access, fees, and usage rights is critical. Unlike national forests or state parks, Ocean Lakes doesn’t allow free access. You pay for entry, whether it’s a day pass, a weekly stay, or a seasonal membership. The land is owned by a private company, not the state or federal government, which means they can ban campers, restrict parking, or change rules with little notice. And yes, they enforce those rules—security patrols are common, and trespassing fines can add up fast.

This also ties into public land camping, where you can legally camp for free on government-owned land like national forests or BLM areas. In places like Michigan or Oregon, you can pitch a tent on public land with few restrictions. But Ocean Lakes? Not even close. It’s a commercial operation, not a public right. That’s why so many people search for alternatives: where can you camp near the ocean without paying $50 a day? The answer often leads you away from Ocean Lakes and toward state parks, county beaches, or even boondocking spots that don’t charge a dime.

And then there’s the beach access laws, the legal rights people have to reach the shoreline, even if the land above the high tide line is privately owned. In South Carolina, the public has a right to access the beach below the mean high tide line—but that doesn’t mean you can park your RV on the dunes or set up a tent where the resort says no. The resort controls the parking lots, the entrances, and the facilities. If you’re not paying, you’re not welcome. This is the same story across many popular beach resorts in the U.S.—access isn’t guaranteed, it’s bought.

So if you’re wondering why Ocean Lakes charges so much for a day pass, or why you can’t just sleep in your car on the side road, the answer is simple: someone owns that land, and they’re not letting you use it for free. The posts below dig into the real costs, the hidden rules, the discounts for veterans and seniors, and the alternatives that actually work. You’ll find out how to save money, avoid crowds, and still get that beach experience without breaking the law—or your budget.