In 1970, Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson moved to Myrtle Beach to jumpstart a dream: A vacation destination built on land Mary Emily inherited from her parents, a long-held oceanfront property. The Jackson family had been inspired by their experiences in a converted bus-turned-motorhome.
The Jacksons opened Ocean Lakes Family Campground – consisting of 30 campsites and one bathhouse – on July 2nd, 1971.
“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,” Nelson later recalled.
Nelson Jackson, Co-founder
Our story began long before 1971. It began with the land, a vision, a love for family, for people, and a dynamic couple. Our 51-page booklet, “Ocean Lakes A Family Legacy,” features photos and facts about how Ocean Lakes began.
More than 50 Years of Family-Friendly Fun
We’ve grown is an understatement! Ocean Lakes Family Campground is the largest campground on the east coast and one of the largest in the United States. With 859 campsites and 2,573 annual lease sites, today Ocean Lakes employs more than 700 teammates. Watch our Docuseries [insert hyperlink to YouTube Playlist].
“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.”
Nelson Jackson
The Legacy Continues
Nelson and Mary Emily Jackson passed away in February and December of 2010, respectively, but their vision remains strong with their five daughters at the helm. Today, Ocean Lakes Family Campground is the largest campground on the East Coast and continues its belief in people first – the reason 30,000 guests on average visit daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day!
The Jackson Companies
Ocean Lakes Family Campground’s success prompted more Jackson family pursuits, known collectively as the Jackson Companies. In 2006 the Jackson Companies was named one of the fifteen “Best Places to Work in South Carolina.” Learn more about the Jackson Companies.