Are you looking for a new camping adventure? Have you ever gone camping on a beach? Beach camping offers a whole new experience. In this article, we highlight some key points so you can enjoy a beach camping adventure.
Choosing the Perfect Beach Camping Spot
Popular Beach Camping Places
| Location | State/Country | Key Features | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assateague Island | Maryland/Virginia, USA | Wild horses, oceanfront camping, kayaking | Spring – Fall |
| Jalama Beach | California, USA | Secluded, surfing, ocean views | Year-round |
| Hunting Island | South Carolina, USA | Lighthouse, hiking trails, wildlife | Spring – Fall |
| Bahia Honda State Park | Florida, USA | Crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, tropical scenery | Winter – Spring |
| Cape Lookout National Seashore | North Carolina, USA | Remote beach camping, ferry access, shelling | Spring – Fall |
| Pacific Rim National Park | British Columbia, Canada | Rugged coastline, rainforest, whale watching | Summer |
| Fraser Island | Queensland, Australia | 4WD beach driving, freshwater lakes, sand dunes | Winter (May – Oct) |
| Shell Island | Wales, UK | Sandy beaches, dunes, family-friendly | Summer |
| Tortuga Bay | Galápagos, Ecuador | Pristine beach, unique wildlife, remote camping | Year-round |
| Whitehaven Beach | Whitsundays, Australia | Powdery white sand, turquoise waters, boat-access only | Winter (May – Oct) |
Looking for a beach camping spot can be intimidating at first. There are two things to look for. Are there fires permitted? and what is the access like? Some beach camping spots allow you to drive vehicles in and others you have to hike to. If you opt for a hike-in spot, you will have far less gear with you.
Keep an eye on the tide lines and schedule if you are camping on the ocean. Look for natural windbreaks like dunes or rocks, or bring some windscreens if you’re camping on an exposed beach. If you are into freshwater beach camping, check out these Lake Erie Public Access Spots!
If you are beach camping near a state park, or in it. They often have facilities such as showers, bathrooms, and a store.
What Gear is Needed for Beach Camping
Alright, let’s talk gear. You can’t just bring any old camping stuff to the beach and expect it to work.
What tent you bring is key. There are specific tents made for beach camping. They have a sand skirt to aid in keeping it out of the tent. To go along with a specialized tent, bring a sleeping bag that is right for the weather. You do not need a large, puffy sleeping bag in the summer. It will just create problems with the sand.
LED lights are useful while beach camping. They come in all strengths and types. Some LED lights are made specifically for camping and can be mounted on your equipment. This is the best type to bring.
Setting Up Camp on the Beach
A good, waterproof tent is needed for beach camping. Wind and rain can wreak havoc on your campsite if you don’t have the right tent. Sand anchors are a must also. They will keep your gear secured on the beach.
Creating shade is a good idea. Either use a tarp or canopy to create protection from the sun. Sunburn is no joke, especially if you hiked into the area you are beach camping.
Remember, we’re guests on the beach. Pack it in, pack it out, and leave no trace. Mother Nature will thank you, and so will the next campers.
Beach Camping Activities and Entertainment
Water sports is a main activity while beach camping. Surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding – the options are endless. Kayaking in the morning can be calming. Just keep an eye on the weather and know your limits.
Beachcombing is a great activity. You get to find hidden treasures while getting some exercise. You can look for shells or lost items. Looking for Lake Erie Beach Glass is a great way to pass the time.
Coastal hiking is popular. Research hiking trails before you make the trip. Often there are marked trails along the beaches and cliffs you can hike on. Remember, bring a navigational aid with you so you don’t get lost. A first-aid kit is an essential item also.
At night, some beaches allow fires. Starting a fire is not only essential for cooking, but it can be relaxing in the evening after a long day of beach activities.
The Challenges of Beach Camping
Sand. It gets everywhere. In your food, in your clothes, in places you didn’t even know you had. What is the solution, embrace it. Bring baby powder to help get sand off your skin, and accept that you’re going to be finding sand in your gear for months after your trip.
Sun and wind exposure are always a problem while at the beach. Sunscreen is your best friend. Be sure to bring plenty of it and re-apply it often during the day. The wind can be strong because of the open water. Be sure to secure everything down and wear the appropriate clothes. Windbreakers are great, even in the summer as storms can blow in.
Saltwater is amazing to swim in, but it’s brutal on gear. Rinse everything off with fresh water as often as you can. I learned this the hard way when the zipper on my favorite tent corroded shut after a particularly salty trip.
You may have to deal with animals while beach camping, depending on where you are in the world. Birds can be a problem if they know food is around. Secure your food in sealable bags, containers, or coolers to help with keeping animals away from your campsite.
Camping Meals and Food Storage
Let’s talk grub. Beach camping meals can be awesome, but they require a bit of planning. One-pot meals or pre-made camping meals are the best. Sand gets into everything, you do not want sand in your meals. Pre-packaging meals in bags will help with this. Cooking on the beach can be tricky with the wind, but it’s not impossible. A windscreen for your stove is essential. And if you’re using a campfire, try foil-packet meals. They’re easy to prepare and even easier to clean up.
For snacks, think portable and non-meltable. Trail mix, beef jerky, and fruit are great for hiking to the beach. And always, always bring more water than you think you’ll need. Dehydration is no joke, especially when you’re in the sun all day. If you are using a local water source, be sure to bring some kind of purifier or boil the water.
Eco-Friendly Beach Camping Practices
The most important rule in camping, leave no trace. Whatever you bring in, you take out. And yeah, that includes your trash AND other people’s trash if you see it. It is good practice to bring plenty of trash bags. They take up little space and can be packed out.
When it comes to products, go biodegradable whenever possible. This goes for everything from your soap to your sunscreen. Regular sunscreen can be harmful to marine life, especially coral reefs. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen instead.