Beach Camping
Beach camping can be a very fun and relaxing way to enjoy America’s beautiful coastlines. It’s a great activity which can be done with the family or for a romantic weekend away. Depending upon how much of the outdoors you want to experience, you can choose to spend a few days on a popular beach in a tent or weeks on a secluded beach. If you’ve never beach camped before, we’d recommend choosing two to three days during the summer, when the weather is warm, and camping out of your car. It pays to do a little research ahead of time, because while some beaches have “ready made” campsites, others allow you to set up camp on whichever patch of sand you choose. You’ll also need to determine whether or not you’ll need to make a reservation or acquire a backcountry permit. Also, while many beaches permit campfires and wood collecting, some don’t. California and Florida are two states which have excellent beach camping opportunities which allow you to fall asleep under the stars and to the sounds of crashing waves.
California Beach Camping
California’s famous beach-friendly year-round weather means that beach camping is one of the most popular beach activities. Instead of spending merely an afternoon at the beach, camping allows beachgoers to enjoy an entire weekend or longer spent near the water.
The most popular and visited beach camping grounds usually require reservations, especially during the summer. If you’re considering going beach camping in California, you should be aware that while some campgrounds are RV only, others allow camping with tents directly on the beach. Some campgrounds offer car camping and boat-in camping, and many allow hike-in camping. For example, Pismo Beach allows you to drive your own car on portions of the beach, but four-wheel vehicles are recommended for the camping areas itself.
Best Beach Camping in California
Florida Beach Camping
The Sunshine State’s year-round temperate weather allows beach camping in every month. Many campgrounds allow RV camping, some allow car camping, and others allow camping on the beach itself in a tent. It’s important to do a little research before you go so that you’re familiar with the rules of each beach you plan to visit. Some campgrounds provide full amenities including bathrooms, showers and fresh water, while others provide only bathrooms.
If you’re interested in beach camping but don’t necessarily want to be left on your own, some Florida beaches have beach lodges and cabins which are situated directly on the beach. This allows you to feel as though you are in nature while still having all of the conveniences of home. Travelers with pets will be happy to know that many campgrounds are dog-friendly.
Best Beach Camping in Florida
Hawaii Beach Camping
If you’ve been longing to feel the “aloha” spirit of Hawaii, there’s nothing like a beach camping trip to get you to that special place. A camping vacation to Hawaii means sleeping under palm trees, then waking up on the beach, ready to go kayaking, fishing or boogie boarding! You and your family can enjoy world-class beaches while sleeping under the stars in a tent or cabin. The islands are very different. There’s the rugged, pristine Na Pali coast of Kauai and the famed campsites of The Big Island, while Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, and Maui each have their charms. Check permits in advance, and you’ll find many options between national, state, county and private parks. Take advantage of the exotic beauty (and economy) of camping in our 50th state!
