Ocean Lakes

Five years ago, we opened the new location of the Nature Center. This much-loved amenity has seen tremendous growth in the past five years, including new exhibits, activities, teammates, and visitor traffic.  Kaylei recently joined the Ocean Lakes team, so we sat down with her and our Recreation Director, Craig, to discuss the Nature Center’s growth and where we see this amenity going in the future: Chattin’ With Craig |  What is the Nature Center’s biggest accomplishment thus far? I think the biggest accomplishment for the Nature Center has been relocating the facility to its new home, allowing us to start fresh with new displays, content, and an expanded Nature-based activity schedule. Let’s talk about the old building and where the idea came from for a new building? It has always been our intention to continue the work and passion that Leonard Raker created when we first opened the Nature Center. The old building served as a store on the south side of the campground. It was...

Slither on over here, Ocean Lakes, and listen to this awesome rescue mission performed by our Security Teammate, Carley! Carley came across a Rainbow Snake behind the Recreation Center. The snake had injuries that needed medical treatment, so the Snake Chaser was contacted and his partner, Jamie, has taken the snake. He will make sure it gets the needed medical attention and care.  Before We Get Started | It is probably a good thing Carley was the Teammate that found the snake – I would have been terrified. We know snakes can be scary, but when you take the time to learn about them, you will find that not all snakes are bad snakes.  So, that is what we are talking about today – Let’s learn a thing or two about the Rainbow Snake! We reached out to our Master Naturalist at The Nature Center, Brandy Cloos, for more information on the Rainbow Snake |  Rainbow Snake, or Farancia erytrogramma, has its name for a reason – Take a look at its beautiful colors! This picture is of t...

This week, on Campground Conversations, we are talking to Brandy Cloos, Ocean Lakes’ very own South Carolina Master Naturalist! She will be discussing the Nature Center and all the educational fun our guests can experience during their stay at Ocean Lakes. Brandy loves reading, has worked at Ocean Lakes for 12 years, and received her Master’s in Parks Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson University (Go Tigers)! Here is what Brandy had to say on the Nature Center | Location | The Leonard Raker Nature Center Discovery Lab is located behind Camptown Center along Lake Magnolia. The easiest way to get to the building is to turn onto Magnolia Lake Circle next to the Sandy Mart and then make the next left. The building is on the right. Follow these landmarks to find the Nature Center:      History | The Leonard Raker Nature Center Discovery Lab began in 1994, as a small dream of Reverend Leonard Raker, who wanted to share a love ...

Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, along with their 5 daughters, opened this 310-acre campground on July 2, 1971 with only 30 campsites and 1 bathhouse. Today, we have 859 campsites, 2,569 beach houses, and 5 bathhouses.  The Jackson's had a vision and they wanted all to enjoy God’s beautiful ocean. Ocean Lakes Entrance - 1971 Ocean Lakes Entrance - 2019 Every now and then, we meet guests that have been vacationing with us since we opened in 1971. 48 years of loyalty, support,  and lots of love.  This week, we are taking you all back to 1971 with Barbara Wood.  Meet Barbara Wood Meet Barbara Wood | She Knows A Thing Or Two About Ocean Lakes Q: How long have you lived in Ocean Lakes? A: Well, permanently since 1983, but my husband and I started coming here once the campground opened in 1971. Q: What changes in the campground have you been most excited for? A: I see it improving all the time, and they have done such a beauti...