Fort De Soto County Park
Theres hardly an award this Park hasnt won. Dr. Beach chose it as the number one beach in the nation in 2005, in 2011 it was named Americas best family beach by the editors of Parents, and TripAdvisor named it Americas Top Beach in 2009. Its beautiful campground is also noteworthy. Many of its campsites are situated on the calm backwater, with the beach just a short drive or paddle away. Mature trees provide thick shade over most of the campsites, and the breeze coming off the water is heavenly. Both tents and RVs are accommodated and the sites have electricity and water. The Park also offers bike and kayak rentals, two fishing piers and a historical fort.
Campgrounds Near Me: Sonoma Coast State Park
The craggy coastline of northern California has a rugged beauty that can take your breath away, and if you’re not content with just passing through, Sonoma Coast State Park offers some spectacular places to camp. The biggest and most popular campground can be found at Bodega Dunes, but there’s a campground at Wright’s Beach as well, although campers will have to use the showers and drinking water taps at Bodega Dunes. There are also two smaller, primitive campgrounds that are only open during the summer both these sites are walk-in only and are available on a first come first served basis.
CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, Phone: 707-875-3483
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Camping Near Me: Hunting Island State Park
Tucked in between Fripp Island and Harbor Island, Hunting Island State Park is undoubtedly the most popular state park in South Carolina, and it boasts five miles of the state’s most picturesque beaches. Both tent and RV sites are available, and all sites are only a short walk away from the ocean, where you might spot sea turtles, migrating birds, and beautiful seashells. There’s also a simple cabin with a screened porch that can be rented for a more luxurious stay. Reservations for the campground are necessary during the high season, and a two-night minimum stay is required.
2555 Sea Island Pkwy, Hunting Island, SC 29920, Phone: 843-838-2011
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Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach State Park, just outside Wilmington, sits astride the 761-acre island. In addition to RV and group campsites, the park features a marina with two launch ramps and 40 boat slips. Spot and flounder wait both the boating and shore-bound angler. Miles of trails allow you to explore distinctive habitats, including one that is home to carnivorous plants like the pitcher plant and Venus flytrap.
Merchants Millpond State Park
Not far from the states northern border in Gatesville, Merchants Millpond State Park is a camping destination with water as its centerpiece. Here, coastal pond and southern swamp forest mingle, creating one of North Carolina’s rarest ecological communities. Canoeing and fishing are popular activities here, and campsites range from drive-up family campsites to backpack primitive sites to canoe-up sites.
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Camping On The North Carolina Coast
The soft dunes and flat plains of this region are perfect for setting up camp and stargazing.
Some of North Carolinas most undeveloped places are along our beautiful coast. The soft dunes and flat plains of this region are perfect for setting up camp and stargazing. From state parks and national seashores to river platforms and RV parks, camping options abound.
Bahia Honda State Park Florida
If youre heading down to Key West, at Mile Marker 36.8 youll findBahia Honda Island. The entire island is one of Floridas most southern state parks. Bahia Honda is a Spanish name meaning deep bay, and you’ll see this is a paradise for boaters, anglers and nature lovers. Its not bad from the shore either the island boasts beautiful white sand beaches with over 80 campsites to choose from. If you dont have your own watercraft, you can rent canoes, kayaks and snorkeling equipment at the park.
Also See: 20 Top Beaches in Florida
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Camp Next To A Private Waterfall At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
has only two camp spots, both of which sit above the iconic 80ft-tall McWay Falls, spilling directly into the azure Pacific Ocean below. This stop is a highlight on any Big Sur Coast or Rte 1 road trip but campers get it all to themselves when the day trippers have gone home.
Its a half-mile hike through tropical forests and 300ft redwoods to get to the environmental pitches, where there are fire rings, picnic tables and restrooms available, but no water or firewood .
Book at ReserveCalifornia.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Campground
- Location: Big Sur, Monterey County
Feeling lucky? Try scoring a night at one of the four-person environmental campsites at . These two sites, the only ones in this park, are located about a half-mile hike from the parking lot and right above the famous McWay Falls. You wont be able to see the falls from your tent, but youll be the only people in the park once it closes for the night.
Spend the day hiking to Cone Peak, at 5,155 feet, the tallest coastal mountain in the lower 48. At night, head to Treebones for some outstanding omakase at the Sushi Bar or garden-to-table campfire fare at Wild Coast Restaurant, also onsite. If youre up for a late-night adventure, book hot springs time at Esalen the spring-fed tubs are only open to the public in the wee hours of the morning.
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Where Can You Go Camping On The Beach In California
My wife and I are going to be visiting our son in California for a few days this summer. Instead of getting a hotel like we usually do, we want to get in touch with our adventurous side and try camping on the beach. Our question is: where can we go camping on the beach in California?
Wrightâs Beach CampgroundRincon Parkway Campground840 miles of Pacific Ocean coastlineredwood forest
- Doran Regional Park
- North Beach Campground
- Doheny State Beach
- El Capitan State Beach
Set Up A Fire Below High Tide
Setting up a fire below high tide will naturally wash away any debris from the fire.
While visiting the station, the park ranger at Port Angeles gave us this helpful trick. She said fires built below high tide actually help keep the beach clean.
Making your fire below the high tide will actually keep natural debris under control. Allowing the ashes to wash away helps keep the sand and surrounding area clean.
Here are some tips for preparing a low-impact Washington beach camping fire:
- When gathering firewood, use the 4 Ds of Campfires from the LNT Blog: Dead, Down , Distant and Dinky .
- Make sure firewood in no bigger than your forearm and NEVER burn huge logs.
- Do not burn trash in your fire pit.
- Burn the fire all the way down, until only ash is left.
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Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area Central Florida
An hour south of St. Augustine lies this sandy beach, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway along a barrier island. Beach fishing is popular here, as is sunbathing, swimming, or viewing the parks diverse wildlife and plant life. There are 68 campsites, some along the beach and a few along the river. Amenities include showers, water, and restrooms, as well as RV hook-ups. Reserve a campsite online for around $30 a night, depending on the season and site. Camping is possible year-round.
Hampton Beach State Park
Sitting on a peninsula where the Hampton River runs into the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Beach State Park features the only RV campground right on the coast of New Hampshire. There are 28 sites to choose from, all of which have full hookups, and the campground only accepts vehicles that can hook up to water, sewer, and electric. There’s a small store on site, and campers also have access to a pleasant day use area with picnic tables, restrooms, and a children’s playground. The park is open year-round, but the campground is only open between the beginning of May and the end of October.
160 Ocean Blvd, Hampton, NH 03842, Phone: 603-926-8990
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What Is Beach Camping
As experienced campers may already know, there are plenty of different ways to camp. Whether you prefer getting away from it allbackpacking, biking, or boating to a remote campsite near the oceanor parking a luxury RV at a beachside resort, there’s a beach camping experience for you.
Beach camping is essentially setting up your home away from home near or on the beach. And as with staying in a hotel or a vacation rental, you can find campgrounds with an ocean view, or you can choose to stay in an area that offers other attractionspools, marinas, restaurants, shoppingbut is a short walk, bike or drive to the beach.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore along the Outer Banks stretches some 70 miles across barrier islands and offers more then 30,000 acres in which to enjoy the pristine maritime environment. Four campgrounds in the park are located at Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco and Ocracoke Island. The campsites on Ocracoke can be reserved the rest are first come, first served. Ocracoke is a favorite spot because of its 14 miles of pristine beaches, quaint village, lighthouse and maritime forest. The only way to reach the island is by ferry, but the journey is well worth the solitude youll find here.
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Where Are Some Great Places To Camp At The Beach
When most people think of camping, they envision pitching a tent in the woods and roasting marshmallows over a fire. But there are plenty of great places to camp at the beach, too! Here are just a few of our favorites:
Assateague Island National Seashore is home to miles of sandy beaches, making it a perfect spot for camping and beachcombing. There are also several campgrounds located within the park, so you can easily find a place to set up your tent or RV.
Bahia Honda State Park is another great option for those who want to camp near the beach. The park has two beautiful beaches Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach as well as numerous campsites that offer stunning views of the water. Black Sand Beach is another excellent choice for camping not only does it have dramatic black sand cliffs and crystal-clear waters, but it also boasts more than 100 campsites that are perfect for both tents and RVs.
If youre looking for something truly unique, Cumberland Island National Seashore should be at the top of your list. This island is only accessible by ferry, which adds to its secluded feel. Once youre on Cumberland Island, youll find miles of unspoiled beaches as well as dozens of primitive campsites that are perfect for getting away from it all. Grand Isle State Park is another fantastic option if youre looking for solitude this state park occupies an entire barrier island off Louisianas coast, offering visitors plenty of space to relax and enjoy nature.
Npali Coast State Wilderness Park: Kauai Hawaii
Grab your backpack and walking shoes and set out on an epic adventure. While you will need a valid camping permit, this unique spot is about as wild as it gets. As the only way to access this remote park is by hike or boat, you can glug down that clean fresh air and camp in a secluded cliffside spot with the beach stretched out in front and a waterfall thundering behind.
- Location:Kalalau Trail, Kapaa, HI 96746, United States
- Best for: Hike in, wild and remote
Coast Campground, California
Pitch your tent in the cool coastal grasses of sunny California and soak up that ocean breeze. At the end of a hiking trail, caught between tide pools and the sea, this rustic no-fuss campsite invites you to whip down on your bike and sleep in secluded bliss. Surrounded by endless hikes, surf, and off-road biking ops, we are all California dreaming for sure.
- Location: Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, United States
- Best for: Hike in, tents
- How to book: Coast Campground
Cobscook Bay State Park, Maine
Discover the magic of Maine with this family-friendly camping spot for those wanting scenery and solitude. Scattered spots that stretch down to the beach, the ebb and flow of the tide, and the chance to dig for soft-shell clams for supper make life in Cobscook Bay a blissful dream.
- Location:40 S Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628, United States
- Best for: Ocean front, tents, drive-in, families
- How to book: Cobscook Bay
Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Sunset Bay State Park, Oregon
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Cape Lookout National Seashore: Outer Banks North Carolina
Anyone who is looking to really rough it should definitely take a trip to this campground in North Carolina. There are no formal campsites and few amenities, so you’ll mostly have to fend for yourself, but the gorgeous, sandy beach and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean are tough to beat. In general, you don’t need a permit unless you have a party of 25 or more. More information can be found on the National Park Service website.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Thanks to the park, you can camp at the most famous surfing spot in Florida, located right off A1A. Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s fun to watch them riding some of the best waves in the state. The camping area isn’t right on the beach, but it’s close enough. The park spans both sides of Sebastian Inlet. The jetty, popular with fishermen and surfers, is on the north side of the inlet the camping area is on the south side. With three miles of beautiful beaches, a boat ramp, and the Indian River Lagoon for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, you’ll never run out of things to do.
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Central And Southwest Gulf Coast Of Florida
Known for placid Gulf waters, white sand beaches and abundant bird life, the central and lower Gulf coast features some stellar beach camping in Florida. Your options include discovering a remote island accessible only by boat, or kicking back in a full-service campground within minutes of downtown St. Petersburg.
Crystal Cove State Park In Southern California
Watch the sunset from your tent or enjoy the surf in this classic sandy southern California beach. Crystal Cove State Park is only a few hours south of Los Angeles and is a great weekend destination for families or newer campers. The park also features 18 miles of backcountry trails through coastal forests with ocean vistas. Stay at Moro campground for access to drinking water and restrooms. The climate here is mild enough to camp year-round, although reservations in this popular and scenic park are recommended. Family sites or RV sites are $55 a night.
Refugio State Beach is just 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, California, and offers beach camping on a sandy beach with shallow water perfect for swimming. The State Park Lifeguards watch over the swimming area from May through September, and even offer kayak tours. This family-friendly camping destination has 66 tenting and RV spots, and camping is possible year-round, although online reservations are recommended. Camping is $45 a night and includes drinking water and restrooms.
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What To Pack For Camping At The Beach
When packing for a camping trip to the beach, its important to remember to pack items that will protect you from the sun. This includes sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Youll also want to bring insect repellent to keep bugs away. And be sure to pack plenty of food and drinks, especially if youre planning on staying for more than a day. Dont forget to pack essential items like a first aid kit, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Bahia Honda State Park: Big Pine Key Florida
If you’ve ever dreamed of camping under palm trees, this campground located in the Florida Keys is the perfect place for you. Here, visitors love to go snorkeling while exploring Bahia Honda’s pristine sands and emerald waters. Reservation rates begin around $36 per night. More information can be found on the Florida State Parks website. Sandspur Beach is currently closed for camping due to hurricane damage.
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Best Beach Campsites In The Us Accessible Via Ferry Or Kayaks
Imagine a secluded beach campsite that no one but you can get to!
While some of the beach campsites on this list can be accessible by ferry, some of them can be reached only via kayaks or other personal watercraft.
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Looking for remote beach camping in Florida?
Accessed by a powerboat shuttle or seven mile kayak trail across Biscayne Bay, the park offers beautiful beach camping at two of its keys Boca Chita Key or Elliott Key.
These campsites are water enthusiasts paradise there is plenty of snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and marine life in the area.
We highly recommend avoiding hurricane season of June through November getting stuck in a hurricane is not easy!
Little Tybee Island, Georgia
One of the best places to camp in the United States!
Georgias beautiful Little Tybee Island is an undeveloped barrier island that can be reached only by a boat or kayak.
The reward for those who venture is a charming white sand beach covered with driftwood and seashells.
Little Tybee Island is definitely one of the most romantic camping destination in the USA.
The campsites on this island are free and the island is great for boondocking.
A site by the wavy sand dune, hiking in the coastal marshland, and exploring the dense forest there is little for everyone at Little Tybee Island.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
So what and where exactly are the Dry Tortugas?
Have you always wanted to star on your own version of a Stranded movie ?