We just returned from Lakewood where we rented "Villa" 2618. We needed something pet friendly with room for 3 kids (male 21, female 14, male 13) to have their own beds, plus my husband and me. We've had campers since we were married in 1981, with the exception of two years, and of those campers, since 1991 they'd been motor homes. We definitely had a lot more room in the rental unit. It was nice and shady where we were. However, the rental was a park model with an enclosed porch. There were upgrades (new wood laminate flooring throughout), but there was definitely some wear and tear on the unit. The floors were very soft and in some places I worried that one of us would fall through! Overall it was okay, though.
We had a bad experience in Lakewood with our motor home a number of years ago (I think it was 2007 - it's in my signature below, which I can't see as I type this). With the exception of a very few, the bath houses were not air conditioned so you'd get a shower, dry off, and be sweatier than before your shower! They've since upgraded to AC in the bath houses. That may or may not be an issue for you in September.
We have been die-hard Ocean Lakes people, but in 2007 we decided to try something different and regretted it. This time we went with Lakewood because it was the only place we could find rentals that took dogs. We did have an overall good experience this time. The water slides and lazy river are a nice addition, and the "High Steppin' Country" show is now free! You do have to get tickets in advance, but there's no charge.
They lock the entrance gate between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m., so if you're bar hoppers you'd have to keep an eye on the time or risk a long walk back to your campsite. Quiet time is allegedly 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., but we heard noise, people driving by, and fireworks (which aren't allowed) being set off until well after midnight almost every night. Again, though, that may not be an issue in September.
As for golf carts, they're not nearly the problem that they are in Ocean Lakes. They do parade up and down the road along the beach, though, which makes traversing that area difficult, especially after dark. Again, I imagine it won't be so much of an issue in September.
I have no input on Pirateland, as we've only ever driven through but never stayed there.
_________________ Myrtle Beach Travel Park - 1992 Apache Campground - 1993 Ocean Lakes Family Campground - 1994-2006; June 2009 Lakewood RV Resort - August 2007; 7/26/2014-8/2/2014 (in a rental unit) Dayton House - December 2007 Dunes Village - 12/27/08-01/03/09 Oceanside Village - June 2016
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