Visiting Your Own Backyard Can Be Fun!
Camping at Myrtle Beach State Park
I live near Myrtle Beach, and for some strange reason haven’t been to Myrtle Beach State Park for almost seven years! Until last week. We decided to book three days at the MBSP Campground to test out our new-to-us motorhome, with the dogs included of course.
I had originally booked the reservation for three days in June, but as the date approached, it looked like a big rain storm was coming and would pummel us for all three days. So, I looked into canceling and rebooking, and what do ya know, the State Park reservation system lets you rebook on a different date for a very small fee of just $10. I re-booked the reservation exactly one month later, to mid-July — after the July 4th craziness, and past the time when most people take their two obligatory weeks off. I knew that the third week of July was always a tad slower here because everybody has gotten the summer kick-off madness out of their systems. I was not wrong. Score!
The June dates came and went and guess what? No rain! Not even a drop. As has been usual this year, the rain bypassed Myrtle Beach and made a beeline for the northeast. We have been in a serious drought, which is really unusual for Myrtle Beach as May, June and July can often be a complete washout. This year it has not been the case. We could use some rain!
On the day we were set to camp, it was HOT. Heat advisories and all, we went anyway. My biggest worry was Charlie, now 14 1/2, and a big, arthritic dog so we have to help him in and out of the RV, and he can’t walk long distances, especially in the heat.
We took the long way, even though we only live 15 miles away from MB State Park! Our RV is older and sometimes it likes to plod along slowly, which isn’t ideal on the freeway. As we left home, wouldn’t you know it, it started raining! Of course.
Upon arrival, I reminded my husband to request the Senior Discount because I had forgotten to when I booked the reservation online. I waited in the motorhome with the dogs, as we never leave them unattended even if it is allowed. It’s my own rule, and that’s that. End of discussion.
Brad went into the office to check in, and when he asked about the Senior Discount, the clerk asked him for his ID which he handed over. The clerk looked at the ID, looked at Brad, looked at the ID, looked at Brad, rinse, repeat. Then he said, “HOW old are you???” and Brad said his age, and the guy goes, “NO WAY. You are NOT. Do you take vitamins? Do you work out? What’s your secret?” (this all was relayed to me by Brad after he returned to the rig). Brad told the guy that he does take vitamins, he does work out every day, he doesn’t eat much meat and he eats NO sugar. Yes, my hubby is remarkably healthy and he can tell you his age himself next time you see him. I think he’s about 38 [wink].
(We got a $56 refund so hey, it pays to be old!)
All checked in, we found our site, Brad backed the rig in, hooked up the lines and hoses, and we settled in to campground life.
The dogs did great. Better than me! Yes, there was some barking (them, not me) but they were more well-behaved than some of the other dogs. The place is VERY dog-friendly, even in the middle of summer. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 am and 5 pm. That is not bad because most other beaches start the morning window at 8 or 9 am. I think maybe because it’s a campground, they know people want to sleep in a little, and need extra time. It was nice to be able to go down to the beach (about a 10-minute walk from our site) in the morning. We also took the dogs to the beach in the evening after dinner, so this was probably my favorite feature of the State Park. Being able to get to the ocean that fast is really super.
Our beds, which are chairs that fold out into beds, were SO uncomfortable. When we got home we immediately removed them and put them in our bedroom at home as an extra pair of seats in case we want to lounge around without lying in bed. Thankfully, our room is big enough to accommodate the extra furniture.
Brad got busy building a bed for the RV and it’s already in place and ready for us to use next time.
It just goes to show you, you can have fun in your own backyard! Try it some time! Find a place about 20-30 minutes away from home and go exploring. You might really like it — after all, there’s a reason you chose to live where you do, right?
Until next time! Thanks for reading, and don’t mind the barkin’!
P.S. Check out my book “Dear Hobie: Letters to My Heart Dog” available on Amazon and elsewhere. It’s the story of how I learned to reinvent my life after multiple losses including the passing of my beloved dog, Hobie.
