At this time, all operations have returned to normal. We would like to thank all guests for their patience throughout the duration of the storm.
Rivertown Boats & Golf will reopen today at 3 p.m.
At this time, the Front Office of Lakewood Camping Resort is now open. Check-ins will still be on hold until 2 p.m. to allow our team to clean-up throughout the resort.
Thanks to the hard work of our team, the Outdoor Pool will reopen at noon TODAY. The Water Park and Splashpad will reopen at 2 p.m.! The Information Center will also reopen at 12:30 p.m.
Lakewood Camping Resort team members have started to evaluate the impacts from Tropical Storm Idalia.
The flooding we experienced overnight has subsided. Guests, however, may still encounter some ponding on the roads. We ask that you do not drive through any standing water.
While we don’t appear to have any significant damages from the storm at this time, there is a lot of debris that will need to be picked up throughout the resort.
We ask for your patience as we work to reopen our amenities and get other parts of the resort cleaned up.
Gusty winds are still expected into the afternoon hours. We recommend guests keep their awnings in until the remnants of Idalia are out of the area entirely.
If you are traveling to Lakewood on 501 from inland Horry County, you may experience road closures due to flooding.
As of this update, Highway 501 is shutdown in both directions near Aynor.
Guests can monitor road closures by using the SCDOT website, here.
If you are due to arrive today and need to speak with someone, please connect with us in one of the following ways:
Lakewood Camping Resort would like to thank all guests for being patient with us throughout this storm!
We will continue to update you on all operations here on the Idalia Information Center.
With Lakewood Camping Resort’s offices closed, we want to make sure guests know how to get in touch with our staff.
Please see details below on how to stay in touch while we’re working remotely!
Emails will not be monitored overnight. For assistance in the evening and early morning hours, please call Lakewood Security.
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for our area. This watch will remain in place until 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Read more from WMBF News here.
Overview:
Source: WPDE News 15
Lakewood Camping Resort is already beginning to see the early impacts of Idalia. The light rain we’re experiencing this morning will increase as the storm moves into the area this afternoon.
The storm is expected to weaken when it approaches South Carolina later today. Meteorologists say the weather will begin to go downhill at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The storm’s impacts will continue overnight Thursday.
Meteorologists predict the storm to be out of our area by Thursday afternoon, leaving behind beautiful weather just in time for Labor Day Weekend.
Lakewood Security will be on-site throughout the duration of the storm. You can reach them through the Contacts page of the Lakewood Camping Resort App or by dialing 843-447-7333.
Operations:
All Lakewood Camping Resort amenities, including the Arcade are closed Wednesday. The Trading Post, Laundromat, Information Center and all offices will close today at 2 p.m. Annual Lease residents are encouraged to visit the Front Office this morning if they need to pick-up mail or packages.
Most operations are set to resume Thursday at 2 p.m. The pools & water park will be assessed by staff in the early afternoon Thursday. We will announce when they will reopen through the Lakewood Camping Resort App.
The Arcade will remain closed on Thursday.
These hours of operation may be adjusted depending on the storm’s impacts. We will continue to use the Lakewood Camping Resort App and social media to inform guests of any changes.
Notes for Guests Due to Arrive:
Wednesday Arrivals: If you booked a site on the North end of the resort, your site has been reassigned for Wednesday
due to the flooding potential. You will receive your new site number when you check-in. Lakewood will give you the green light to move to your originally assigned site sometime Thursday.
For the safety of our staff, the Front Office will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. If you arrive after 2 p.m., please head straight to the security booth to receive your assigned site number and car tag.
Thursday Arrivals: For the safety of our staff, the Front Office will open at 2 p.m. on Thursday. Early Check- In will not begin until 2 p.m. Thursday. Regular check-in will begin as normal at 3 p.m.
Impacts & Timing:
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Source: WMBF News
Wind: Gusty winds will arrive Wednesday evening. They will peak overnight into Thursday morning. Officials do not expect destructive winds, but there is a possibility for gusts to reach up to 50 miles per hour along the coast. Subtle changes to the track and intensity of Idalia could result in higher wind speeds, according to WMBF News.
This wind could cause power outages for our guests. Please make sure you are prepared to run campers on propane & that you have flashlights on-hand. It’s also important for you to charge your phones & other devices that you may use to stay informed on the forecast overnight.
Please make sure ALL outdoor belongings are either brought inside or secured. Awnings should also be brought in at this time.
It is also encouraged that guests fill up their water tanks ahead of the storm.
Rainfall: 2 – 4 inches along our coastline
Tornado Risk:
Source: WPDE News 15
Increased tornado risk, with the highest threat being along the coast. Meteorologists say the tornado potential will be between the hours of 3 p.m. Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday. Since the risk includes the overnight hours, it’s important to have a weather app downloaded to alert you of potential watches or warnings overnight. We recommend downloading a local weather app from WPDE, WBTW or WMBF to stay informed on any threats that may arise overnight.
Should you feel unsafe inside your camper, our Front Office will be unlocked to guests looking to seek shelter. Guests can also visit one of the bathhouses listed below for shelter. These are all cinder block buildings.
Storm Surge: Moderate coastal flooding is expected. Meteorologists say we will not see the flooding we did last year with Hurricane Ian.
Friendly Reminders:
Lakewood Camping Resort cautions guests from being out and about during the storm. While the beaches are open, you should also be aware of dangerous surf conditions.
At no time should guests wander or drive through areas that may become flooded.
We would also like to remind guests it is against the law to walk on the dunes.
Trash pick-up is continuing as normal today. Annual Lease residents are asked to please bring in their trash cans as soon as possible to prevent them from being damaged or misplaced by the wind.
Lakewood Camping Resort will continue to monitor the storm. Our operations may be adjusted depending on the storm’s track and impact.
Here is our current operational plan for Idalia. Please remember, these schedules may change depending on the storm’s timing & impact. Please continue to monitor the Lakewood Camping Resort App & social media for updates regarding our operations.
Lakewood Security will remain on site 24/7 to assist as needed. They can be reached at 843-447-7333.
All Block 1 sites with rented golf cars must return their golf cars to Graham’s by 9 a.m. Wednesday. Guests will have the option to pick-up golf cars again after the storm. Contact Graham’s Golf Cars at 843-447-7422 if you have questions.
Lakewood Camping Resort continues to prepare for the potential impacts of Idalia. The storm is now a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico. There is a Tropical Storm Watch issued for our area at this time.
Idalia is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a major hurricane. By the time it reaches South Carolina, meteorologists predict the storm will have weakened to a Tropical Storm.
Source: WMBF News
We can expect scattered showers beginning Wednesday morning. More widespread, heavy rain will arrive into the afternoon as the outer bands of the storm creep into our area. Rain will become heavier overnight and into Thursday morning. Rain totals can be anywhere from 2 – 6 inches, depending on the track the storm decides to take. Fortunately, meteorologists say Idalia is a fast-moving system.
While meteorologists say we will not see a storm surge like we did with Hurricane Ian, the heavy rain is likely to cause flooding within the resort. Lakewood Camping Resort has already notified guests staying in the most flood prone parts of the resort. Those who haven’t moved to their re-assigned site, must do so by 9 a.m. Wednesday.
While the next King Tide is due late Wednesday, meteorologists say the strongest onshore winds associated with Idalia will likely arrive after high tide late Wednesday evening. Still, minor coastal flooding can be expected.
Source: WPDE News 15
The storm will bring gusty winds to our coast Wednesday night into Thursday morning, reaching up to 45 miles per hour at times. This could cause tree limbs to fall & isolated power outages.
Source: WMBF News
Local meteorologists say there is a low risk for a possible tornado near our coastline Wednesday afternoon & night.
Should you feel unsafe inside your camper, our Front Office will be open to guests looking to seek shelter. Guests can also visit one of the bathhouses listed below for shelter. These are all cinder block buildings.
While the weather is beautiful right now, there is a strong risk for rip currents. If you’re going to the beach today, it’s recommended not to go past your waist.
We are still working to evaluate how to adjust our operations at the park Wednesday and Thursday.
At this time, here is a list of activities already canceled due to the storm.
Lakewood Camping Resort remains committed to making necessary adjustments for the safety of our guests and staff. Continue to stay informed by downloading the Lakewood Camping Resort App and monitoring our social media accounts.
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Source: WMBF News
Lakewood Camping Resort is closely monitoring the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Idalia on our coast. We will use the forecast to make decisions going forward that may impact our guests & operations. Continuing to monitor our social media & enabling alerts on the Lakewood Camping Resort App are the best ways to stay informed.
While the storm is expected to reach hurricane status today in the Gulf of Mexico, local meteorologists do not anticipate the storm to maintain its hurricane status as it approaches the Carolinas mid-week. Instead, weather officials are monitoring tropical storm impacts to the Carolinas.
The first step in our preparation is to move all guests currently staying in Block 1 North or Block 2 North (the campsites shown in blue on our resort map). Our team will begin the process of notifying those guests today of these precautions due to potential flooding.
For guests arriving between now and Thursday, if you are currently scheduled to stay in Block 1 North or Block 2 North, your site is being reassigned. You will receive your new site number upon arrival at the Front Office.
If conditions allow, once flooding concerns have diminished, guests will have the option to move to their previously assigned campsite.
If you are staying with us and decide to leave prior to your scheduled departure date you MUST see the front office before you leave. If the front office is closed, you can email the Front Office Manager, Courtney Mauldin, at CMauldin@LakewoodCampground.com or reservations@LakewoodCampground.com.
Source: ABC 15 News
Locally, we will begin to see tropical moisture creep in mid-week with rain chances increasing to 90% by Wednesday. We can expect to see about 3-4” of rain.
We also need to consider the impacts of the King Tide and the additional flooding it may cause along our beachfront. Local meteorologists say it’s still too early to give an official forecast regarding potential storm surge.
The north of the resort is prone to flooding, which is why guests staying in that area are being moved to the south end of the park.
We want to take this time to familiarize our guests with Lakewood Camping Resort’s hurricane protocols. At this time, Lakewood’s regular cancellation and early-departure policies remain in place.
– In-House Guests: In the event a mandatory evacuation is issued by the State, Lakewood Camping Resort will place credits onto guests’ accounts once the office reopens. Lakewood Camping Resort doesn’t credit in-house guests who opt to leave when there isn’t a mandatory evacuation order or State of Emergency issued by the State of South Carolina. Lakewood Camping Resort does not issue credits due to rain or false predictions associated with a tropical system.
– Expected Guests: As long as Lakewood Camping Resort remains open, our cancellation policy remains in effect. However, in the event a mandatory evacuation or State of Emergency is issued for South Carolina and the campground closes, until the storm passes, expected guests will receive a credit for nights lost.
– LCR Vacation Rental Guests: Vacation Rental guests need to contact the LCR office, 843-447-7373, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday regarding reservations. Guests are encouraged to file with their trip insurance if they have purchased this protection. If an LCR guest needs to leave early or delay their check-in, but don’t have trip insurance there are no refunds.
All guests are encouraged to continue to monitor local media outlets for the latest forecast & storm impacts. Local meteorologists can predict more localized impacts. Consider downloading apps from WMBF News, WPDE or WBTW to stay informed on the forecast.
Here are a few things to do now to prepare your campsite or Annual Lease site:
– Secure outdoor belongings, including trash cans
– Prepare to bring in awnings & umbrellas
– For Annual Lease residents, if you’re leaving the resort, please turn off your water first.
If I leave early, will I be compensated?
At this time, Lakewood Camping Resort’s early-departure policy remains in place. There are no refunds for early departure, no-shows, or changing to lesser-priced accommodation after arrival.
Lakewood Camping Resort only changes this policy if a mandatory evacuation is ordered by the Governor of South Carolina.
If I decide to cancel my reservation, will I get my money back?
Lakewood Camping Resort will only modify the cancellation policy if a mandatory evacuation is issued by the Governor of South Carolina.
Guests are encouraged to monitor Myrtle Beach news outlets to stay updated on the local impacts of the storm.
Guests with questions are encouraged to call us at 877-525-3966.