WillowTree RV Resort & Campground — Hotel in North Myrtle Beach

This was our second time staying at Willow Tree, and unfortunately, it just reinforced some of the same issues we ran into last year. For the price you pay, you’d expect a more guest-focused experience.

Amenities close way too early—the lake shuts down at 7 PM and the pool at 9 PM—even when events like karaoke are happening nearby. It would’ve made the stay more enjoyable to hang out by the pool and listen to music past 9, but instead, everything feels rushed and shut down too early. On top of that, there’s a strict 10:30 PM curfew. If you’re driving your golf cart after that, security will stop you and send you back to your site. It feels overly restrictive and takes away from the relaxed, fun vibe you’d expect at a family campground.

Another frustration: wristbands are required for using the lake and checking out life vests. After the first day, our kids had taken theirs off and forgot to grab new ones. In the past, lifeguards would simply check for wristbands and hand out vests without issue. This time, they made our kids walk to the front office, which would’ve been fine if not for the receptionist’s reaction. She said, “You have a large family—are you sure everyone is with you?” It came off as condescending and unnecessary. That kind of comment doesn’t make guests feel welcome.

To make matters worse, they shut the lake down 15 minutes early just because we were the only family out there. It was obvious the lifeguards just wanted to leave. They said that we couldn’t go down the waterslide because it needed to be pumped up. (Without a doubt there was zero maintenance on the slide after they said that. They were just telling us to get off of the amenities to hurry us along.) I don’t think the lifeguard station is managed by adults. Then the next morning, we were woken up by lawn mowers buzzing around each site—racing through with zero regard for guests or their property. I heard multiple pieces of debris hit the side of our camper. It felt careless and disruptive.

The campsites themselves are actually really nice—spacious, clean, and with plenty of room for large campers and extra vehicles. But the way Willow Tree is managed feels like it’s more about enforcing rules and pushing guests through than creating a memorable, family-friendly experience. This place has the potential to be a top-tier campground, but right now it feels more like a business that just wants...

This is such a well-kept, well-maintained resort that's not too big. Seems very family oriented yet quiet. Pets are allowed, and as is sometimes the case, while the resort requires pet owners to pick up after their animals, there are always those owners who think they're above it and can't be bothered. Two poops were left in our site by dogs that apparently were massive. And I don't understand it - receptacles are everywhere!

We're been to two resorts now that require consent from pet owners at the time a reservation is booked where it is clearly disclosed that failure to pick up after your animal will result in immediate dismissal from the resort and a forfeiture of any remaining monies paid. It's effective! These resorts were clean and clear. And having been at a resort where I unknowingly stepped in dog poop which I then proceeded to track into our 5th wheel, we truly appreciate a resort that guards against such behavior. It's a reward to those of us who do the right thing and take the time to assume the responsibilities of pet ownership.

At the least, a resort courtesy service could be offered - perhaps where campers can call in 'poop sightings' for retrieval. After all, why require pet owners to pick up after their animals if there's no consequence? Two significant poops in our campsite where our two small dogs are sniffing and running create an obstacle we are forced to address.

We intend to return to WillowTree in early 2025 and are confident that stay will be as peaceful and relaxing as our previous stays. Thank you for your prompt response time and welcoming spirit! You genuinely seem interested in improving and providing great customer service.

Feb-'25 UPDATE We so enjoyed this trip. The weather was perfect. The campground was beautiful. The staff was very accommodating. Aside from one owner allowing his black shepherd to charge us and our 2 small dogs while walking (there will always be campers who feel they are above the rules), mgmt has communicated the importance of keeping bark nuisances to a minimum for maximum peace and relaxation - no one likes a yappy dog, and texts have been issued to keep your dogs either confined in a fence or leashed and pick up after your pet - campground rules.

This visit has been beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. We met camping friends for a couple of days of fun and card games, and our site neighbors have been...

My family has been camping at Willow Tree almost exclusively ever since they opened. My daughter and her husband then bought a camper and started camping there with us. We usually go 2 or 3 times a year and choose lots close to each other.

We love Willow Tree for several reasons:

The lots are very large, and they are staggered in such a way that you aren't looking at the back of the next camper. There is plenty of space to spread out. I could rave about the genius layout!

The campground is beautiful and always well maintained. Every time we go back, we see that new improvements have been made.

The campground is in a country setting with a long winding entrance road to the campground. It's very quiet, but there is the occasional sound of gunshot during hunting season... it's in the country after all, and hunting is legal.

There are plenty of opportunities for activity, so we walk the mile-long path around the beautiful lake where the turtles peep from the water and huge carp are seen eating any algae. The white-sand beach is especially appealing to the kids and teens, along with gorgeous pools. Pickke ball and other activities are readily available. The store is equipped with basic necessities, as well as WT clothing, hats, etc.

The bath house units are large and very clean. We discovered a delightful new dog washing station on one side of the bath house during this last trip.

My husband and I love going to Willow Tree. I can't wait...we just returned home from there, but we have reservations for a week in September. We've actually made friends with people who camp at the same time we do every year and we look forward to seeing them.

Look for me when you come. You can't miss me. I'll be right outside my camper reading a book, walking or biking around the lake, or chatting with a new-found...