Whether you’re an experienced camper or new to the scene, beach camping can be an amazing way to vacation during the summer. Of course, every state boasts amazing state parks and campsites, but a few stand out when it comes to beach campsites. There’s just something special about falling asleep to the sound of waves and sleeping on the sand! This summer, you may want to consider thinking outside the box and setting up camp beachside for a unique vacation.
California
California is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. Jalama Beach County Park about an hour from Santa Barbara and is notorious for its pristine beach camping. This is the perfect vacation for families who may be new to camping. Not only are there plenty of RV hookups, but the campsite has a range of amenities as well. There are restrooms, hot showers and BBQ pits available for campers. Activities range from surfing to fishing, and the view is unbeatable. The spots are first-come-first-serve, so be sure to get there early! Needless to say, this is a popular beach camping area.
Florida Keys
Everyone can probably safely assume that the Florida Keys feature quiet beachside camping. At Long Key State Park, there are about 60 campsites that each feature a unique view of the ocean. Popular activities include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and hiking the Golden Orb trail. This campsite also features charging stations and hot showers.
Grayton Beach State Park
Also in Florida is Grayton Beach State Park. This park is located in between Panama City Beach and Destin, Fl. For campers who want a more wooded and cabin-oriented experience, this is the destination for you. The cabins can house up to six campers, and it runs for $110 a night during the off-season and $130 a night throughout the in-season (summer months). Of course, there are also 30+ traditional camping sites and RV hookups as well. Popular activities at this beach include biking, fishing and hiking.
Assateague State Park
If you’re looking for a beach on the East Coast, be sure to check out Assateague State Park in Maryland. There are 350 campsites, and showers and grills are provided. The beach is located between two historic towns, the most notable being Berlin, where the movie Tuck Everlasting was filmed. The beaches are beautiful, but campers complained about the amount of bugs due to the swampy climate. If you’re camping with children, be sure to check out the wild beachside ponies that roam around!
Illinois Beach State Park
Want to beach camp in the Midwest? Believe it or not, Illinois is home to one of the best beach camping sites in America! Illinois Beach State Park is located in Zion, IL and is a favorite among camper as well. There are plenty of campsites, so the beach is never too crowded. There are also woods and dunes located around the beachfront for hiking activities. This is one beach that you’ll want to make sure not to miss out on this summer!
Malibu
For RV enthusiasts, check out the RV campsites in Malibu, CA. This is by far one of the most beautiful campsites, as it’s carved right into the Pacific coast and features an amazing view of the beach. Though the camping is not directly on the beach, there is a winding trail of RV and camp lots. Besides beach activities, there aren’t a lot of hiking or biking trails. This is a vacation spot for those who want to relax on the beach and be a tad less active. However, be sure to make reservations for these spots since they can go very quickly during some parts of the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or clueless newbie, beach camping is an affordable and each way to relax and unwind. There are countless gorgeous beaches across our great nation, so pack up the family and get exploring today!
Written by the staff at Quality RV, one of the leading Missouri RV dealers. Quality RV serves the entire state of Missouri, from St. Louis to Kansas City!