Experience the magic of beach camping by day and gaze upon a mesmerizing starry sky at night. Beach camping may not be everyone's cup of tea, but luckily there are various camping types available to try. Consider a national park for an outdoor adventure. For beach camping, fun destinations can range from California’s secluded rock coves in Southern California to family-friendly freshwater coasts and white sandy Florida beaches. Whether you prefer to stay close to the city or explore remote places to go, we've got you covered with a list of fun sights to see and tips on trip planning.
Bring your own supplies, and follow leave-no-trace ethics
When embarking on a beach camping adventure, it's important to heed leave-no-trace principles that are designed to protect the natural environment. This may include refraining from harvesting driftwood, respecting camping regulations, properly disposing of food waste and being mindful of fragile sand dunes and plants. In some areas, such as Assateague Island National Seashore, wood must be locally sourced within 50 miles, and fire rings must not be moved. By following these essential guidelines, we can help ensure that environments stay stable and future generations will be able to enjoy a pristine coastline setting.
1. Assateague Island National Seashore: Assateague Island, Maryland
Experience the thrill of camping near wild horses in one of America's most famous equine destinations. Assateague Island, nestled between Chincoteague Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is the perfect destination for beach camping. Camping options range from oceanside drive-ins to horse camping sites, but be aware that reservations are available only on the Maryland side of the island. Fees start at just $30 per day, which include picnic tables and fire pits. Head to Recreation.gov to make reservations, which are required from mid-March to mid-November. Try to book 6 months out, as weekends fill up fast on this popular island.
Remember, the beach environment can be challenging, so be sure to follow all campground regulations. Bring locally purchased firewood (a must) in addition to essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a screened tent and sturdy long stakes to keep your equipment anchored down. With proper planning, camping at Assateague Island National Seashore can be an epic adventure to remember.
2. Bahia Honda State Park: Big Pine Key, Florida
Nestled along US 1 at mile marker 37, Bahia Honda State Park offers an idyllic escape. Relax on the clear blue ocean and soft sandy beaches while enjoying a variety of activities, such as boating, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, bicycling, fishing, swimming, picnicking and camping. It's popular for its three beaches, where guests can snorkel in the pristine waters and sparkling sand. Choose from several campsites, including Buttonwood Campground, Sandspur Campground and primitive camping at Bayside Campground. Reservations start at $36 and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Florida State Parks reservations website or by calling (800) 326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. Pets are welcome but must be leashed (up to 6 feet) or confined and under control at all times.
Looking for a unique camping experience? Check out the boat slips available for overnight rental. Reservations are suggested at the marina, which has 19 slips available. Amenities include water, electricity, bathhouses, showers, trash disposal and a pumpout facility.
3. Cape Lookout National Seashore: Outer Banks, North Carolina
For the ultimate rugged camping experience, there's Cape Lookout National Seashore. This unique destination sets itself apart from most other national parks and state park areas with no traditional campgrounds and minimal amenities. Prepare to challenge yourself by bringing everything you need and packing out all trash with you back to the mainland. Camping is permitted on most barrier islands with a few beach camping exceptions.
North and South Core Banks allow both vehicle and tent camping, while Shackleford Banks only permits tent camping. Keep in mind that all camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Permits are generally not required for camping, but groups of 25 or more must obtain a Special Use Permit for overnight stays.
4. Channel Islands National Park, Ventura, California
This Southern California archipelago provides beachy island camping. Anacapa, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa are five islands in Channel Islands National Park (out of eight in the archipelago). Each has unique drawing points. However, Santa Cruz Island, the largest island in the National Park, is recognized for unusual plant and animal species as well as a family-friendly camping site in a valley near the pier.
The island has no services, so gear (and trash) should be packed with you. Before visiting the island, don't forget to reserve guided kayak tours and rentals. Recreation.gov has camping and park activities information.
5. Eklutna Lake Campground, Chugach State Park, Alaska
Want your kids to play on a beach with picture-perfect views of mile-high peaks? Paddle clean lakes? This 15-site campground at the northern foot of Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park offers families unique access to a mountain wilderness valley with interesting features and 25-mile multi-use trails. Summer visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, climbing, picnics, fishing, boating and ATVing. In snowy weather, cross-country skiing, dog mushing and snowmobiling are favorite recreational activities. Camping, wildlife watching and photography are year-round activities.
Day-use area picnic shelters allow gatherings for groups. Facilities are accessible and ADA-compliant, according to the Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation.
6. Kalaloch Campground, Olympic National Park: Washington
Olympic National Park offers temperate rainforests, tidepools, mountains, lakes and other natural wonders to discover. Kalaloch Campground is among the park-operated sites there that accept summer reservations. It’s just 34 kilometers south of Forks, Washington, on Highway 101. Swimming is allowed but not recommended due to massive drifting logs that wash ashore, which can be dangerous. Swimmers also should beware of rip tides.
Kalaloch Campground includes 168 campsites, including one group site and four accessible sites. Each bookable campsite features picnic tables and campfire rings; firewood and other supplies can be bought at a nearby business. There are no hookups, but a dump station costs $10 ($5 with a Senior or Access Pass) and is not included in the reservation fee. Early booking is encouraged; campsites open up via block releases — in 6-month, two-week and 4-day increments. Please note that some spots may be closed due to erosion.
7. Port Aransas Beach, Port Aransas, Texas
Port Aransas, also called “Texas' forgotten island,” is on the northern tip of Mustang Island on the Central Texas Coast, across from Corpus Christi and Aransas Bay. “Mustang” comes from the wild horses that Spanish sailors brought to the area. Most visitors come to enjoy the 6.3 miles of beachfront along the warm Gulf of Mexico. Swimming, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, and surfing are just a handful of the most well-liked water activities.
For those wanting to wake up beside the Gulf, there are places to stay beachside. Note that visitors can only camp for three nights every 21 days. Small campfires are allowed, but they must be put out with water. If bringing a vehicle on the beach, purchase a $12 permit, which is available from various locations, including City Hall (710 W. Avenue A), local stores and beachfront vendors. The City of Port Aransas maintains a list of services (trash pickup) and regulations.
8. Sea Camp Campground: Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
Plan to visit Cumberland Island via ferries or private boats to camp — with a permit. Yes, there's some advance legwork to be done. However, the history and scenic views make other prep like pack-in, pack out and other leave-no-trace principles well-worth the time spent. It's one you'll be talking about for years.
Sea Camp features a few notable offerings, including flush toilets, cold showers, picnic tables and food storage lockers. Note that potable water and campfires (with designated fire rings) are available at Sea Camp or Stafford Beach, whereas fires are prohibited at wilderness sites like Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff.
Campers staying at Sea Camp Campground must depart from Sea Camp Dock, a half-mile away, at 10:15 a.m. to catch the ferry back. Reservations can be made 6 months prior. Permits for individual sites for up to six guests start at $22 per night. Camping information and reservations are available online from the National Park Service.
9. Wright's Beach, Sonoma Coast State Park: Sonoma County, California
Discover the Instagram-worthy campsites at Sonoma Coast State Park! Stretching along and off SR 1 from Bodega Bay north to Jenner, where the Russian River meets the sea, this stunning Sonoma County coastline boasts craggy shores, secluded coves and natural arches rising from the offshore waters. For those looking to stay overnight with their canine companions, Wright Beach offers 27 pet-friendly campsites at $35 per night, though dogs must be leashed, according to the State Park and Recreation website. (Dogs are not allowed in Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek environmental campgrounds.) Please note that like many other coastal California beaches, strong rip currents, heavy surf and sudden ground swells make swimming hazardous, even near the shore.
Potable water is not available at Wright Beach, so fill any water tanks at Bodega Dunes. Reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis from 24 hours to 6 months prior.
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