America’s 7 Prettiest Beach Campsites
Why spend hundreds of dollars at a beach resort when you can camp for a fraction of the price just footsteps from the ocean? If you want a primitive beach experience, camp at one of the prettiest beach campgrounds in America.
Kalaloch Campground, Olympic National Park, Washington
The Pacific Northwest has it all, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and remote beaches. Immerse yourself in a pristine environment where murres and puffins post on the offshore islands. Campers can also see bald eagles, gulls and other coastal birds soar above the shoreline. Kalaloch is open year round and contains 175 campsites, four of which are wheelchair accessible.
Bird Island Basin Campground, Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
If you desire endless miles of undeveloped coastlines, camp at Padre Island National Seashore. Sun, sand and sea are in sight for as far as the eyes can see. This area is popular windsurfing, boating, fishing and kayaking. RV and tent camping is available on a first come, first served basis, year-round.
Bahia Honda State Park, Bahia Honda Key, Florida
Nothing is more idyllic than camping underneath a palm tree while watching aqua-blue waves roll into shore. Bahia Honda is noted as one of the best beaches in South Florida and the key once earned recognition as one of the “World’s Most Romantic Islands.” The warm tropical waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Camp can choose between tent or cabin camping options.
Cape Perpetua Campground, Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon
Discover the best of the Northwest at Cape Perpetua Campground. The campground is nestled alongside Cape Creek between an old-growth forest and the beach. Campers can hike around moss-covered boulders in a forest, and jump over pools of water, on top of rocks gazing into the ocean. Campers sleep at one of the 37 sites that are open between May and September.
Jalama Beach County Park, California
Jalama Beach is a one-hour drive from Santa Barbara. This popular campsite features whale-watching, surfing, birding and fishing. Campsites are first come, first served and offer basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings. Those who prefer home-cooked meals, walk to the nearby Jalama Beach Grill for a juicy hamburger topped with the restaurant’s secret sauce. Dogs are welcome for a small fee.
Wai’anapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii
If you want to save hundreds of dollars and escape mainstream tourism, camp at one of the 60 sites at Wai’anapanapa State Park. Located near the end of the famous 52-mile Hana Highway, campers immerse themselves within Hawaii’s tropical and volcanic sceneries. Deep blue waves crash into black volcanic sand, marking this as an authentic and primitive Hawaiian experience.
Oceanside Campground, Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
This protected seashore stretches from Maryland to Virginia and is home to the legendary wild ponies that have roamed the beach for 300 years. The park offers 104 beachfront camping spaces located in the Maryland side. Don’t forget a bucket. Campers can collect up to one-gallon of seashells from the beach.
