Best Places to Camp on The Beach

When a day at the beach isn’t enough, why not spend the whole night? Beach camping is a unique experience that turns up the notch on your normal seaside escapes. Whether you prefer remote campsites or a place to hook up your RV, we’ve gathered some of the best beaches where you can swim in the waves all day before letting them lull you to sleep at night. 

Olympic National Park, WA

Its lush landscape has made Olympic National Park a go-to spot for campers of all levels of experience. Kalaloch, one of two campsites with beach access, includes on-site amenities and sits in a prime location, but you’ll need to book in advance to find a spot that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. If you’re a more spontaneous camper, the smaller South beach is home to first-come-first-serve campsites available for just $15 per night.

Hunting Island State Park, SC

South Carolina’s most popular state park is the place to be if you’re a more novice camper. The campsites offer full amenities, including water and electrical hookups for beachgoers camping out of their RV. But comfortable camping doesn’t mean missing out on adventure. The state park is famous for its stretch of pristine beaches, and visitors can do anything from crabbing to biking once they set up camp.

 

South Padre Island National Seashore, TX

No matter what kind of beach camping experience you’re looking for, Padre Island has what you need for the perfect getaway. Looking to camp in style? You’ll find campsites open year round and capable of accommodating the biggest RVs. If you want to be closer to nature, take your four-wheel drive vehicle out to secluded sites that are right on the beach. Just make sure you’re ready for amenity-free camping and limited cell service!

Assateague Island National Seashore, MD

What could make a beach landscape more picturesque other than wild horses? Situated between Chincoteague Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this small island offers a once-in-a-lifetime beach camping experience. And when you’re not admiring the herd of wild ponies, you can take a dip in the warm Atlantic waters or take your kayak out to explore the secluded, bayside coves.

Cape Lookout National Seashore, NC

If you’re a more experienced camper looking for the ultimate escape, take a ferry out to these secluded North Carolina beaches. Because the site is not accessible by car, it’s a quiet haven compared to many other beach campsites. Plus, you can pitch your tent right on the sand without needing a permit. But the peaceful seclusion means there are no amenities apart from restrooms in some areas along the beach, so don’t forget to pack a backpack and cooler with all the essentials!

Bahia Honda State Park, FL

No need to travel far to find a tropical paradise. Perfect for anyone looking to camp out on whitesand beaches, Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys includes 80 campsites with varying levels of amenities for both tent and RV camping. But with the beach’s turquoise waters and whitesand at your fingertips, you’ll want to spend all your time lounging on your beach towel and enjoying the island atmosphere.

Pismo Beach State Campgrounds, CA

San Luis Obispo Country is known for its natural beauty, and Pismo Beach is no exception. Both the North Beach and Oceano campgrounds allow RV, van, and tent camping on their 180 campsites, which are surrounded by opportunities to explore the local beaches, sand dunes and lagoons. For an extra-special experience, set up your RV or tent along the North Beach Campgrounds for the chance to see the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the U.S. Oceano.

___

Follow our new Instagram at @theoriginalpanamajack for updates on the latest promotions—like our Labor Day Sale going on until 9/6!