Campground Review: Ocean Lakes Family Campground
Ocean Lakes Family Campground is not just your average campground. It is definitely what you would consider a resort-style destination with camping options. If you are looking for a quaint, woodsy place to park, this is not the place for you. Upon exploring the campground by bike, we realized the place was huge. Felt more like a small town with everything you might need behind the front gate. Ocean Lakes Family Campground has over 850 campsites as well as over 2500 lots with a variety of homes and structures on them. It was shocking how big some of the homes were within the Ocean Lakes property. We are used to seeing moderate sized park models or cottages, but at Ocean Lakes you will find full-blown 5+ bedroom beach houses tightly packed side-by-side.
The Ocean Lakes Family Campground gives you the option to find the season that is right for you. For us, that would not be in the height of their season when they mention there could be up to 35,000 people enjoying the amenities provided. YIKES - get us out of there before that happens. During our spring stay, things were much more laid back since some of the amenities were still closed - the multitude of pools & waterslides. However, they do have an indoor pool that was alive and kicking. Ocean Lakes has nearly a mile of beachfront, making it great stop if you are looking to camp on / by the beach!
In 1971, Ocean Lakes Family Campground opened with just 30 campsites and one bathhouse. It has since grown to the largest campground on the east coast. Sites are fairly close together, but are all pull-thru making parking a breeze. However, do pay attention to the roads marked "Big Rig Route" as they are wider and easier to maneuver in. Many of the sites are not overly level, with a bump in the middle of the site. The sites range in size, but the website does provide an accurate size description for each and every site. The campground is well-kept with very clean bathroom & laundry facilities. While doing laundry, it is almost hard to believe you are still at the campground. Their laundry area, Soapy Suds, has over 100 machines! During peak season you can also opt to drop your laundry off at Sandy’s Fluff N’ Fold and return to find it washed, dried, and folded (for a per pound fee). If you are having too much fun to cook, breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be enjoyed at Sandy’s Meet N’ Eat where you will also find ice cream.
Feeling sporty, take some time to enjoy the options of shuffleboard, fishing, basketball, horseshoes, bocce ball, volleyball, ping pong, mini golf, or roll through the skate park.
We enjoyed our stay at Ocean Lakes Family Campground, but wouldn’t probably find it so fun during the summer months. During the spring & fall the park has a bit more of a mellow feel to it as well as a cheaper price tag. If you are looking for a place for the kids to enjoy during the summer months - this campground would be busy and bustling with activities for families to enjoy together. As we say…. a day at the beach is always a good day!
