Ocean Lakes Family Campground welcomes most dogs, has its own dedicated 1-acre off-leash dog park, and includes DIY dog wash stations for cleaning the sand off at the end of the day. Not every individual rental at Ocean Lakes is pet-friendly though, and Dune Life Rentals has a subset of pet-friendly properties within our 34-house portfolio. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
We have a handful of pet-friendly houses in the Dune Life portfolio, and I’ve watched plenty of guest dogs run through the dog park over the years. The campground has invested in real pet amenities, which puts Ocean Lakes ahead of most Myrtle Beach options for dog owners.
Is Ocean Lakes Family Campground pet-friendly?
Yes. The campground welcomes most dogs at all campsites under the official Ocean Lakes pet policy. The policy excludes rottweilers, pit bulls, and exotic animals. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times outside designated off-leash zones, and there’s a $100 fine for failing to clean up after your dog.
The campground has built two specific amenities for pets. The first is Lakeside Paws N’ Play, a 1-acre off-leash dog park beside Magnolia Lake, with shaded areas for play and running. The second is Sandy’s Wash N’ Wag, two DIY dog wash stations on a concrete pad next to the dog park, with stainless steel tubs, all-natural products, and a turbo dryer.
In-season hours for both the dog park and wash stations are 7 AM to 8 PM (April 1 through October 31). Off-season hours are 8 AM to 5 PM (November 1 through March 31).
What’s the difference between Ocean Lakes being pet-friendly and a specific rental being pet-friendly?
Two different things. Ocean Lakes the campground allows dogs almost everywhere on property. But each rental house has its own pet policy set by the owner. Some welcome dogs, some don’t, and some have weight or breed restrictions on top of the campground’s baseline rules.
When you’re searching for a rental, filter for pet-friendly specifically. Don’t assume your dog can come along just because Ocean Lakes itself is dog-friendly.
Which Dune Life Rentals properties accept dogs?
A subset of our 34 properties accept pets. The pet-friendly designation is set per property, and pet-friendly inventory shifts as owner policies change. Rather than list specific properties here (the list will be wrong within months), use one of these approaches:
1. Browse our full inventory and check the pet policy on each property page.
2. Text or call me at 336-382-1415 with your dates and the size of your dog. I’ll tell you which of my pet-friendly homes are available and best suited to your situation.
The second option is usually faster.
What does the Ocean Lakes dog park actually look like?
Lakeside Paws N’ Play is one acre, set beside Magnolia Lake and the Nature Center Discovery Lab on the inland side of the campground. It has shaded areas so dogs aren’t running on hot asphalt or in full sun during peak summer days. There are benches for the humans and waste bag stations throughout.
A few rules to know before you go:
– Your dog must be at least 3 months old.
– Vaccinations must be current.
– If your dog is contagious or sick, keep them home.
– Clean up after your dog immediately. The campground enforces this rule across the entire property.
Can dogs go on the Ocean Lakes beach?
Ocean Lakes does allow dogs on its private beach during specific seasonal windows and time-of-day restrictions, which match the broader Myrtle Beach city beach rules. The exact dates and times shift year to year, so check Ocean Lakes’ official pet policy page for the current schedule before you arrive. As a general rule, the more flexible windows fall outside of peak summer mid-day hours.
Outside of the dog park, dogs must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. That includes the beach.
What should I pack for a dog at Ocean Lakes?
A practical pack list for a 7-day trip:
– A 6-foot leash (longer leashes won’t comply with the campground rule)
– A collar with current ID tags
– Vaccination records (the dog park requires up-to-date shots)
– A folding water bowl for the cart and beach
– A crate or playpen for downtime in the house
– Towels for sand and water cleanup
– Dog food. Ocean Lakes’ Sandy Mart carries some pet supplies but not always your dog’s specific food.
– A leash anchor or stake if your house has a porch your dog can hang out on
You don’t need to pack shampoo. Sandy’s Wash N’ Wag provides all-natural products at the DIY wash stations.
What’s nearby if I need a vet during my stay?
Myrtle Beach has several emergency and standard veterinary clinics within a 10-minute drive of Ocean Lakes. Before you arrive, I recommend searching “vet near 29575” and noting the closest 24-hour emergency option. If something goes wrong mid-stay, text or call me and I’ll point you to the option my guests have had the best experiences with.
Are golf carts dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs can ride on golf carts at Ocean Lakes as long as they’re secured (leash attached to the cart) and you’re driving carefully. Most of our guests find that golf cart rides become the dog’s favorite part of the trip. The 6-foot leash rule still applies on the cart.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Dune Life rentals pet-friendly? No. A subset of our 34 properties accept pets. Check the listing page for each property or call me at 336-382-1415 to confirm pet-friendly availability for your dates.
What dog breeds are not allowed at Ocean Lakes? Per Ocean Lakes’ official pet policy, rottweilers, pit bulls, and exotic animals are excluded. The campground does not publish a weight limit, but individual rental owners may set their own restrictions.
Is there a pet fee? Pet fees vary by property. You’ll see the specific fee on the property page when you book.
Can I leave my dog alone in the rental during the day? Dogs should never be left unattended for long periods. The exact policy varies by property and is in each rental’s terms.
How big is the Ocean Lakes dog park? One acre, with shaded areas and benches. See more here.
Do I need to clean up after my dog? Yes, and Ocean Lakes enforces this with a $100 fine (see our full policy here). Waste bag stations are positioned throughout the campground.
Can I take my dog to the water park? No. Dogs are not allowed in the Sandy Harbor Water Park area or the pools.
What’s the closest pet store to Ocean Lakes? Sandy Mart inside Ocean Lakes carries basic pet supplies. For full pet store inventory (specific food brands, toys, treats), there are several pet stores within 10 to 15 minutes of the gates.
Are dogs allowed in the campground office or main buildings? Service animals are always permitted. Pet dogs may or may not be allowed depending on the specific building. The Lakeside Paws N’ Play, Sandy’s Wash N’ Wag, and outdoor areas are the dog-specific spaces.
Last updated: June 15, 2026
About the author: Shawn Huffines runs Dune Life Rentals, an independent vacation rental company managing 34 family homes inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. He has hosted hundreds of families traveling with dogs and has the lint roller to prove it. Reach Shawn at 336-382-1415 or shawn@duneliferentals.com.