Legal Beach Camping
If we only have to choose a beach to camp in Florida, we go to Biscayne National Park. Conveniently located near the city of Miami, Biscayne National Park literally immerses you in the beautiful clear waters of Florida`s coast. By that we mean that you have to take a ferry to get there. There`s nothing like watching the sunset right on the beach, right? How about waking up to the sound of waves lapping on the shore while the sun greets you like an old friend? Doesn`t that sound like heaven? Well, let`s find out where in the United States you can pitch your tent or park your RV by the water! This is by far the most popular beach campground in Washington State, and it`s easy to see why once you visit. The rocky terrain is certainly different from your typical beach experience and is home to various species of wildlife, including gulls, whales and even bald eagles. Prices can range from $24 to $48 per night. For more information on reservations, visit the National Park Service website. Yes, the ocean is water. but not the kind you want to drink.
If you`re camping on the beach, don`t assume you don`t need water just because you`re on the beach. Anyone who has ever accidentally drunk seawater knows that it will not cut it. Most beach campgrounds in Washington state require a permit or reservation, so be sure to follow local laws when trying to camp on the beach. Carolina Beach State Park isn`t the only place to camp on the beach in North Carolina, there`s a lot more. One of the most coveted beach camping experiences is in a place known as «Outer Banks.» The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. In this area you will find many beach campsites. While Florida and California are the first states you think of when it comes to beaches, you shouldn`t count Oregon. The fact that states like Oregon aren`t as well known for their beaches means they`re generally more open to camping. If you want to try camping on an Oregon beach, then the Tillicum Beach Campground is the perfect choice.
Another good example of beach camping developed in Maine is Searsport Shores Ocean Campground. This campground is highly rated and offers a variety of campground types, including primitive hiking sites and jumbo RV sites. The campsite has 40 hectares of land and there is no shortage of fun activities. During the winter months, South Florida and the Florida Keys are in high demand by campers. The humidity is lower, the breeze is refreshing and insects are minimal. The beaches of the Florida Keys tend to have clear, shallow waters, making them more suitable for wading pool than swimming. A mask and snorkel are a must, as the waters are filled with beautiful live shells, fish, herbs and other interesting marine life. The state of New Hampshire has only 13 miles of ocean coastline. New Hampshire allows camping in designated campgrounds near the beach.
One of these campgrounds is Hampton Beach, State Park. This state park offers a campground directly on the Hampton River and the Atlantic Ocean. They don`t allow pop-up tents or motorhomes, only RVs with connectivity options. Another good example of beachfront camping in Louisiana is at Rutherford Beach. This beach in Louisiana actually allows you to drive on the beach and camp right there. Best of all, it`s free to camp in Rutherford Beach, Louisiana. Few places allow such camping freedom, so if you`re in Louisiana, be sure to give it a try. You can only reach this secluded island by boat, but it`s worth a visit. Visitors can explore the freshwater wetlands and spot many fascinating wildlife as they hike to this campground. It also has several modern amenities such as purified drinking water, showers and toilets. One downside: you can`t light campfires on the beach, but there is a fire pit. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and fees start at $22 per night.
For more information on reservations and permits, visit the National Park Service website. Fortunately, most of the reputable beaches that allow camping also have hookups and amenities available. This often includes access to water and public toilets. Be sure to check in advance if the place you are visiting has water to drink, otherwise you will need to bring your own. The state of Virginia has 112 miles of ocean coastline. Camping on Virginia beaches is only permitted in designated campgrounds. A good example of a beach campground in Virginia can be found in False Cape State Park. This state park offers primitive camping near the beach. Located at mile 56.2 of Little Crawl Key, the park offers 28 campgrounds located approximately 100 feet from the Atlantic Ocean. The 1,200-foot sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, kayaking, or building a sand castle.
You can camp right on the beach in this pristine paradise from November to April. Campgrounds are a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot, and there are washrooms within walking distance of the campgrounds. The park has 24 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach and only two beach campgrounds — one sleeps six and the other 15 — so don`t expect crowds. Fires are allowed in metal containers, except during dry periods. If you really want to get away from it all, this place is guaranteed to calm your soul. The reason why many beaches are so strict with camping is that camping often poses a huge risk to the environment. Even day-trippers will leave their fair share of garbage behind, and the potential for waste multiplies as people pitch tents and set up camp. If you`re lucky enough to find a great campground on the beach, you`ll want to take care of it! Black sand beaches, tidal pools, freshwater caves and a natural stone arch are enough to attract all tourists. Not only is this state park breathtakingly beautiful, but it also has some of the best beach campgrounds in the area. Visitors must purchase a permit and make a reservation, with rates ranging from $20 to $30 per night, and staterooms are available for an additional fee. To make a reservation, visit the park`s website. For more options for camping on Rhode Island Beach, visit the Rhode Island State Park website.
It`s not impossible to find RV camping on Oregon Beach, but it`s mostly in private RV parks like Beachfront RV Park in Brookings. Texas has more beachfront camping than any other state except Florida. Sure, it`s not technically beachfront (given that Texas` access to salt water comes in the form of the Gulf of Mexico), but you can grab that perfect combination of ocean views and low cost.