RV Camping at the Beach
Today the world has experienced a lot of changes. Camping isn’t about going to the forest with tents but also using recreational vehicles. RV beach camping allows you to enjoy the sunset during the day and the beautiful stars at night.
On the contrary, you need personal essentials and tools for camping. To spice up the fun, accompany it with a night fireplace to create a warm and cozy feeling.
What are the Benefits of RV Beach Camping
Camping at the beach is a fun way to live your life to the fullest. Here are the benefits.
Open Space
One of the main benefits of RV beach camping is taking advantage of the open space. Nothing feels good like the clean and fresh breeze. You can walk on the sand and gaze out onto the ocean.
The RV camping open space is unparalleled, and you’ll often find you can drive or ride along the coastline. However, this is only acceptable on a few beaches. Most of them prohibit this act, but they set aside such campsites.
Sunshine & Stars
Who doesn’t love the scenery of sunshine and stars? The best place where you can view these two is at the beach. You will get enough sunlight, especially in destinations that receive sun the whole year.
When the sun sets, you will enjoy the view of thousands of sparkling bright stars. Instead of getting stuck in prestigious hotel rooms, why don’t you camp at the beach and enjoy the clean air? In the end, you will rewind from the busy week and maintain a calm and happy mood.
There are Beaches Everywhere
There are beaches in every corner of the world waiting for you to tour. However, you can make things easier by getting an RV to complete your camping. With an RV, you’ll enjoy viewing the coastline.
You Can Avoid Bad Weather
Many people fear camping because of bad weather. But with an RV, you will forget about the heavy rains in tents. An RV will protect you from bad weather as you will lie comfortably in your bed. You will also have access to warm blankets.
The better part is that you can prepare your favorite meal or a hot cup of coffee at your convenience. When the weather becomes unbearable, you can visit nearby sites and return when it’s sunny—no need for unnecessary packing and unpacking.
With the benefits outlined above, it’s clear that you want to go for RV beach camping. But before hitting the road, here are the best beach camping spots in the US.
Top-Rated Beach Camping Spots in the US
There are different types of beach camping spots in the world. These areas contain all the wonderful things to make your camping a success. If you are about to go camping, look at these top-rated beach camping spots. You might find an exciting place to visit.
Bahia Honda State Park Southern Florida
Opening the list of the best places to visit while in the US is the Bahia Honda State Park in Southern Florida. With its emerald-green ocean, white sand beaches, and palm-lined shorelines, this park is another treasure of the Florida Keys. Swimming and kayaking are among the popular activities in the park. These activities span the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Additionally, this campsite is a great place for families, offering an RV, tent, and even a hammock camping area. Although many people prefer camping in summer, camping in Bahia is permitted all year. A tent or RV site typically costs around $40, though prices vary. Showers, drinking water, and RV hookups are available as amenities. The best thing is to make early reservations.
Biscayne National Patrol, Southern Florida
Biscayne National park is one of Southern Florida’s most unique national parks. You can do several activities, such as sleeping under the stars on a tropical island surrounded by hardwood forests and swaying palms. Campers must travel here by boat because the park is 90% submerged. There are no bridges to get there.
Bring a kayak and a pair of light hiking boots to explore the mangrove forests and coral reefs that make up the underwater jungle that is Elliot Key. It isn’t easy to realize that this campground is near the thriving metropolis of Miami!
Both Boca Chita Key and Elliot Key allow beach camping. However, Elliot Key is bigger and has more facilities, like showers and running water. Only bathrooms are available at Boca Chita Key, and campers must supply their drinking water.
A kayak shuttle is about $20, a round-trip ferry shuttle is approximately $60, and beach camping is around $15 per night. The campground is open all year. However, the ferry service depends on the weather. So although you don’t need to make a camping reservation, you should contact the park to inquire about ferry schedules and space.
Crystal Cove State Park In Southern California
From your tent, take in the sunset, or enjoy the surf on this well-known sandy southern California beach. A few hours south of Los Angeles, Crystal Cove State Park is a fantastic weekend getaway spot for families or novice campers.
Eighteen miles (29 kilometers) of backcountry trails go through coastal trees with ocean views in the park. For access to bathrooms and drinking water, stay at the Moro campground. Even though reservations are advised in this well-liked and picturesque park, the climate is temperate enough to allow for year-round camping. You can rent at around $55 per night if you don’t have an RV.
Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
If you are looking for low stretches of sand over 50 miles (80 kilometers) long, dunes, beach grasses, and low forest, opt for Cape Lookout National Seashore. Located in North Carolina, this is the ideal location for anyone looking for a peaceful place to swim, watch birds, or fish. Tent camping is permitted at Cape Lookout, while a few cabins are available.
However, you need to bring your food and water. Personal boats or approved park ferries are the sole means of access to the island. The boat’s operation depends on the weather. The park is open throughout the year. You can find a boat fare, but the park has no entrance price. Depending on the area of the barrier islands, prices range from about $17 per person.
Grayton Beach State Park, Northwest Florida
Compared to some of the larger campgrounds in California and Florida, Grayton Beach campground offers a peaceful option. As one of Florida’s most stunning beaches, It is well-known for its fine white sand and coastal trees.
Since the park is between Grayton Beach and Western Lake, a lake with salt marshes and many fishing options, there is also a lot of wildlife in this area. This campground has all the facilities, including water, hookups, and bathrooms, and is only an hour and a half east of Pensacola. Camping is available all year long for around $25 per night.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Central Florida
This sandy beach, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway along a barrier island, is located one hour south of St. Augustine. Along with sunbathing, swimming, and taking in the park’s various wildlife and plant life, beach fishing is a favorite activity here.
There are 68 campsites, some located by the river and others by the shore. You will also find restrooms, water, showers, and RV hookups among the amenities. Depending on the place and the time of year, you may reserve a campground online for around $30 per night. All seasons are suitable for camping.
Mattole Beach Campground In Northern California
As one of the most remote beach campgrounds on the California coast, Mattole Beach Campground is only accessible by car after traveling down a long, windy road from the little town of Petrolia.
The beach is secluded and typically windy, with breathtaking ocean views. You’ll enjoy the 7-mile (11 kilometers) out-and-back journey to the Punta Gorda Lighthouse, beachcombing, swimming, or fishing.
Both hikers and wildlife abound here; backpackers come to start their 35-mile (56 kilometers) Lost Coast Trail trek, California’s longest and most difficult coastal trail. Campsites are around $8 per night and come with vault toilets and seasonal drinking water. Fourteen locations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Summertime is the best time to camp here with your loved ones.
Refugio State Beach in Southern California
If you love sandy beaches with shallow water, then Refugio State Beach is the place to be. It is 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Santa Barbara, California. From May to September, the State Park Lifeguards keep an eye on the swimming area and even provide kayak tours.
Sixty-six tenting and RV places are available at this family-friendly campground, where camping is permitted all year long, but bookings online are the best option. Camping costs around $45 per night and includes access to bathrooms and drinking water.
Tillicum Beach Campground in Oregon
Discover the peace and tranquillity of the Oregon coast, which features miles of dunes and extensive lengths of sandy, unspoiled beaches. The beach at Tillicum Beach Campground is ideal for swimming and surfing.
On sunny days, you can see mountains in the distance. A half-hour drives away is Newport, Oregon, which has facilities and the excellent Oregon Coast Aquarium, thus a perfect place for a rainy season.
By now, it’s evident that you have an idea of the best places to visit in the US. But, surprisingly, you might have the perfect place to visit first at your fingertips. So, it’s time to prepare for camping at the beach. But how do you do this? Are there any essentials needed? Check out below.
How to Prepare for Camping at the Beach
Before embarking on your beach camping journey at the beach, you must prepare in advance. Doing this will help you put everything in place. Like camping anywhere else, you still need supplies like your tent and sleeping bag.
Yes, you want to enjoy all the fun; the cool breeze and fresh air. But before you get to the sand, there are a few things you should be aware of. Here is a list to help you prepare for camping along the beach.
Prepare for Rainy and Windy Days
The first thing is to prepare for rainy and windy days. Most beaches are wet, windy, and cold. The cool, moist air from the water takes over the sea in the evening, turning a lovely, beautiful beach day chilly. Therefore, always pack warm clothes for safety.
Familiarize With the Rules
Every beach has rules and regulations to be followed. For example, you can’t just pitch your tent on any beach. In addition, most beaches are closed to beach camping. It is advisable to check with the Parks and Recreation Department for the city you plan to camp. Some sites might allow you to camp on the beach and prohibit campfires, while others allow both.
Bring Your Source of Fire
Most campsites don’t allow firewood, so bring your camp stove and firewood if they allow it. Also, bring a camp stove with a windscreen that won’t clog.
Don’t Forget Hiking Shoes
It might be challenging on your feet to hike along the beach on soft sand or rocks. So, get a good pair of waterproof hiking shoes.
Bring a Sleeping Pad
All beaches are not sandy. Some are rocky and thus uncomfortable to lay down. So get a comfortable sleeping pad and ensure that it is waterproof.
Make a Beach Camping Checklist
When you arrive at your campsite, you first set up the tent and start unpacking your items. But then, you realize that you’ve forgotten one or two things like a chair.
Don’t panic because you’re not alone! Almost every camper forgets. To solve this issue, create a beach camping checklist and check off each item.
Some of the essentials that must be on the checklist include:
- Propane
- Garbage bags
- First aid kit
- Drinking water
- Folding chairs
- Lantern
- Utensils
- Bottle opener
- Lighter
- Sunglasses
- Cell phone charger
- Hat
- Water shoes
- Paper towels
- Cutting board
- Tent stakes
- Beverage
- Wet wipes
- Duck tape
- Board games
- Glow sticks
- Small folding table
Wait for the Tides
Sometimes, tides can be a big issue, except when camping at a constructed campground. However, consult tide charts if you intend to go hiking or camp in a more isolated location.
High tides can rise swiftly and unexpectedly if it doesn’t seem like the area is frequently underwater. Since it can wash away tents, stay away from water, especially during the dark.
Go Waterproof
Sometimes, it cant be wet to camp on the beach! But considering the likelihood that you’ll be camping during the summer, expect heat and humidity as well as water, rain, and fog. So, bring waterproof bags to store all your devices, including batteries and cell phones.
Hydrate
Did you know it is easy to dehydrate quickly in the hot, windy, and salty seashore air? Therefore, hydrate frequently and keep extra water. For safety purposes, bring a few extra gallons with you.
Abide by the Rules of the Leave-No-Trace Behind
As you pack in your items, then you must carry them out. Pack everything after use, such as food waste, which attracts animals and harms the environment. Use the offered trash and waste facilities when available. Also, don’t step or camp on delicate sand dunes or plants. Generally, preserving the beautiful beach ecosystems is vital for future generations.
Final Words
Camping at the beach can be a fantastic experience, especially if the weather is good, the bugs are at bay, and you’ve taken the time to plan your trip correctly. However, if you don’t plan properly, it could be a camping trip you would love to forget. So, come up with a checklist and outline all the essentials.