Thanksgiving at Ocean Lakes: The Full Week of Activities (2026)
I’ll be honest. I’ve been renting houses here for years and until this fall I didn’t know Ocean Lakes ran a Thanksgiving 5K. Or a turkey terrarium workshop. Or a butter-making class. There’s a pet costume contest. A rock-painting event. Bingo for a turkey. Thanksgiving at Ocean Lakes is way more than I realized, and it’s one of the easier weeks of the year to still book last-minute.
I’m Shawn. I run 34 houses inside Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach. 33 of them come with a golf cart.
What activities does Ocean Lakes host during Thanksgiving week?
Here’s what runs across the week of November 23 through 28, 2026.
- Turkey Bingo. Monday Nov 24 at 7 PM. 10 games, grand prize turkey.
- Thanksgiving Rock Painting. Tuesday Nov 25 at 2 PM. $3/person.
- Thanksgiving Minute-to-Win-It. Tuesday Nov 25 at 6 PM.
- Thanksgiving Butter Making. Wednesday Nov 26 at 10 AM. $6/person.
- Turkey Terrariums. Wednesday Nov 26 at 12 PM. $6/person.
- Thanksgiving Bingo. Wednesday Nov 26 at 7 PM.
- Gingerbread House Contest drop-off. Thursday Nov 27, 9 AM-8 PM.
- Starfish Strut Family 5K. Thursday Nov 27 at 9 AM. 4th Annual.
- Thanksgiving Placemats. Thursday Nov 27 at 10 AM.
- Pie Bingo. Thursday Nov 27 at 3 PM.
- Seashell Candles. Friday Nov 28 at 10 AM. $6/person.
- Pressed Flower Ornaments. Friday Nov 28 at 12 PM. $5/person.
- Pet Costume Contest. Friday Nov 28 from 12:30-1 PM. $5/pet.
- Pet Photos with Santa. Friday Nov 28 from 1:30-3:30 PM.
- Campground Canvases. Friday Nov 28 at 3:30 PM. $20/person.
- Christmas Music Bingo + Stupid Trivia. Friday Nov 28 from 6-8 PM.
- Tree Trimming Event. Saturday Nov 29 from 10 AM-12 PM.
- Ugly Sweater Contest. Saturday Nov 29 at 11 AM.
- Santa visits. Saturday Nov 29 from 2-5 PM.
- Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Dance. Saturday Nov 29 at 7 PM.
- Cornhole tournament, Saturday. Year-round weekly.
What is the Starfish Strut 5K?
Ocean Lakes’ Thanksgiving morning race. 2026 is the 4th Annual. Thursday November 27, Thanksgiving Day. Starts 9 AM. Casual family 5K on campground roads. Costumes and turkey hats encouraged.
When is the Thanksgiving pet costume contest?
Friday November 28, 2026 from 12:30 to 1 PM. $5 per pet, proceeds benefit local animal rescues. Prize categories: Most Unique, Cutest, Most Festive, Best of Show.
Can I bring my family to Ocean Lakes for Thanksgiving?
Yes. A single rental house can fit 10-14 people. Weather mild. Beach empty. Full kitchen for cooking.
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What’s open at Ocean Lakes on Thanksgiving Day?
Beach, playgrounds, dog park, basketball courts, fishing pond, Rec Center programming, Sandy Mart store side. The Starfish Strut 5K. Outdoor water park closed. Old indoor pool gone. Mini golf closed through construction.
What should we cook for Thanksgiving at a rental house?
Cook at the house. All houses have full kitchens with ovens that fit a turkey. If you don’t want to cook: Boston Market, Cracker Barrel, grocery stores sell pre-cooked meals.
How late can I book Thanksgiving at Ocean Lakes?
Later than you’d think. I’ve booked guests the Monday of Thanksgiving week more than once. Text 336-382-1415 for availability.
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving at Ocean Lakes 2026? November 23-28, 2026.
Is the Starfish Strut 5K hard? No. Casual family-paced on flat campground roads.
Does Ocean Lakes serve Thanksgiving dinner? No. Cook at your rental or bring in takeout.
Can I book just the long weekend? Yes. 3-4 night stays available.
Is the water park open? No.
Can I bring my dog? Yes.
Last updated: November 1, 2026