We Found the Most Breathtaking Beach Camping Sites in America
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When the hustle and bustle of everyday life starts to feel overwhelming, few things sound better than tucking away for a few days in a coastal haven—but what about going one step further, and planning a stay directly on the beach? If you want to hear the waves as your lullaby while you enjoy an outdoor playground from sunrise to sunset, there’s no better way to experience the great outdoors than camping on the beach.
From the sun-kissed shores of California's prettiest towns to the untouched beauty of the East Coast, the United States is home to many breathtaking beach camping destinations. Traverse the sandy shores of Assateague Island National Seashore, where wild horses roam freely, or explore the dramatic cliffs of Oregon’s Cape Blanco State Park, where panoramic vistas and rugged landscapes paint a picture of rugged beauty. Or, venture down to the Gulf Coast, where the pristine beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore beckon with turquoise waters and abundant wildlife.
Know before you go: Many beach camping destinations require permits or reservations. So plan ahead before you roll up and pitch a tent on the beach—and then grab your gear and head to one of the 35 best beach camping sites across the country, carefully selected here for their unique natural splendor, ample amenities, and the unforgettable experiences they offer.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
This rural mid-Atlantic island is a haven for nature lovers, as it's home to more than 300 species of birds—and a famous herd of wild ponies. Beach camping here is a highlight, but visitors can also enjoy biking and walking paths around the island. Don’t forget your binoculars! Note that camping is only available within the Maryland area of the preserve.
Big Sur, California
With 90 miles of pristine coastline, visitors can enjoy various activities, from swimming, surfing, hiking, and fishing. Several campgrounds in the area, including Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and Plaskett Creek Campground, offer fantastic views and access to hiking trails. Campers can also take a short drive to explore nearby attractions, such as Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida
This state park in the Florida Keys offers everything from snorkeling to stargazing and beautiful white sand beaches. There are 80 campsites available, most of which offer electric and water hookups. Amenities at Bahia Honda include restrooms, hot showers, trash disposal, and a sani-dump. Visitors can also enjoy a visitor center, amphitheater, and restaurant.
Olympic National Park, Washington
From its rugged coastline to snow-capped mountaintops, Olympic National Park boasts diverse landscapes to explore. Must-do activities include the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and Sol Duc Falls, and if you're up for it, consider embarking on the strenuous 17-mile Hoh River Trail.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
The Padre Island National Seashore offers nearly 70 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Nature lovers can observe sea turtles nesting as well as migratory bird habitats. The park offers primitive, developed, and group camping options with five campgrounds to choose from that are open year-round.
Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia
The natural wonderland that is Cumberland Island National Seashore features beaches, dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. The island's wildlife includes wild horses, loggerhead sea turtles, and migratory birds, and its rich history is evident in the many ruins and structures left behind by previous inhabitants. Make sure to bring enough supplies, as there are no stores (or other amenities) on this island, which is only accessible by ferry.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses the northeast shore of Lake Michigan in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, including the South and North Manitou islands. The park is celebrated for the dunes at the Dune Climb and beaches like Platte River Point, which includes a campground open year-round and features hookups for RVs, tent sites, as well as a backcountry campground for adventurous types.
Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina
Pitch your tent among the dunes at this beautiful North Carolina beach camping site, surrounded by around 56 miles of unspoiled beaches. Take in the historic 163-foot tall Cape Lookout Lighthouse—and when it's open for climbing, check out the panoramic view of the island.
Spencer Beach Park, Hawaii
Graced with crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling conditions, Spencer Beach Park is situated on the Big Island's Kohala Coast. Camping permits are required, and amenities such as restrooms and showers are available.
Pismo State Beach, California
There are two campgrounds at Pismo State Beach: North Beach, just off Highway 1 and behind some dunes near the beach, and Oceano Dunes, near Oceano Lagoon and a short distance from the shoreline. Campers can enjoy swimming, hiking, surfing, clam digging, fishing, and bird watching, and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area is popular for off-roading.
First Landing State Park, Virginia
Set on the Chesapeake Bay, First Landing has a wide sandy beach, dunes, and maritime forests, and happens to be known as the site where English colonists first landed in 1607. In addition to cabins and yurts, there are plenty of primitive camping options—as well as creature comforts like restrooms, showers, and a camp store.
Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi
The Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches more than 150 miles (big enough to span two states!) and features stunningly secluded beaches. Paddle around the 400 acres of bayou, or explore the historic forts and hiking trails along the water. The seashore has two developed campgrounds—one in Mississippi and one in Florida—complete with fire rings and grills, restrooms, and picnic tables.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
A stone’s throw from Boston, Massachusetts' Cape Cod National Seashore is home to stunning beaches, quaint small towns, and ample camping opportunities by sand and surf. While tent and trailer camping is prohibited here, vehicle camping is allowed. If you’re hoping to camp for the Fourth of July or Labor Day, don’t forget to make reservations well in advance.
Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
South Carolina’s most popular state park draws more than a million visitors each year, and with its sandy white beaches and incredible land and marine wildlife, it's easy to see why. Landmarks include the historic namesake lighthouse, first built in 1859. The park offers 100 campsites with water and electrical hookups (note the two-night minimum).
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
A popular destination for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts, Point Reyes features sprawling grasslands, lush forests, and winding hiking trails. Point Reyes National Seashore provides backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping only, so RV and car campers can find nearby sites along the shore in Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina
More than 50 miles of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore coastline have beach access points, making it an ideal destination for families, group trips, and regular beachgoers. There are four beach-adjacent campgrounds within the park with spots for tents, trailers, and RVs, and it's best to reserve online ahead of time.
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
This popular coastal state park offers RV and tent camping, cabins, and 2,200 acres of nature to explore. Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake, is accessible by boat ramp and provides paddling and kayaking opportunities in brackish waters. Fishing is available in both fresh water and saltwater, and trails allow for hiking and biking amongst dunes, salt marshes, and a thick forest of magnolias, scrub oaks, and pine flatwoods, where visitors can observe birds and wildlife.
Kalaloch Campground, Washington
Camping at Kalaloch and South Beach are the only options for the southern coast of Olympic National Park. Open year-round, Kalaloch has 175 campsites, and it's best to reserve early as sites fill up quickly—especially during summer. South Beach, just south of Kalaloch, has a smaller selection of 50 campsites, and is open from Memorial Day to late September.
St. George Island State Park, Florida
St. George Island State Park provides 9 miles of untouched white sand beach in Florida with plenty to do, whether that's basking in the sun, swimming, shelling, canoeing, kayaking (rentals are provided), boating, fishing, and/or hiking. There are 60 modern family campsites with water and electricity, restrooms, and showers; a primitive camping and youth group camping site is also available.
San Clemente State Beach, California
San Clemente State Beach has been popular among visitors since 1937. Its mile-long stretch of shore, curling ocean surf, and steep bluffs make it an ideal escape from inland heat and nearby cities. An RV campground provides water, electrical, and sewage hookups, while the tent area offers fire pits, tables, shade, and nearby water.
Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina
Enjoy the tranquility and sunrise of Myrtle Beach from one of its campgrounds. Get closer to nature with a shoreline site near the ocean, or find a more secluded spot among the many magnolia trees. You won’t have to search long to find a great place to rest, with over 300 campsites across three unique areas.
Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington
Don’t be fooled by the name—Cape Disappointment State Park is a stunning 1,882-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula, fronted by the Pacific Ocean. The park offers two miles of ocean beach, two lighthouses, an interpretive center, and hiking trails. There are 137 standard campsites, 60 partial-hookup campsites, and 18 full-hookup campsites.
Polihale State Park, Hawaii
Located on the western side of Kauai, Polihale State Park has one of the more remote and scenic beach camping experiences you'll find in Hawaii. The park features a long, wide sandy beach backed by towering sand dunes and views of the Napali Coast. Camping permits are required and amenities are limited, so be sure to come prepared.
Crystal Cove State Park, California
Explore Crystal Cove State Park's tide pools (head to Reef Point and Pelican Point), or get in the water to snorkel and scuba dive—Moro Beach and the Historic District offer excellent experiences. The park also has many hiking trails, including El Moro Canyon Trail, Poles Trail, and Moro Ridge Trail, when you want a break from the sea.
Anastasia State Park, Florida
The Florida park features over 4 miles of pristine beachfront and offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and surfing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking or biking on the nature trails or exploring the tidal marshes. The campground offers both RV and tent camping with plenty of amenities like clean restrooms and showers.
Refugio State Beach, California
Refugio Beach is a popular camping destination, surrounding beachgoers with palm trees, sandy shores, tranquil waters, and kayak trips. A biking trail also runs along the coastline to the south. Best of all, most of the 66 campsites have ocean views and are just steps away from the beach.
Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida
This idyllic Florida state park is set on Honeymoon Island, a barrier island near Palm Harbor and Crystal Beach. With 4 miles of beach and over 350 acres, the park offers plenty of activities for visitors, from kayaking in Pelican Cove to biking along miles of scenic trails.
Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina
Set along a salt marsh, South Carolina’s Huntington Beach State Park has plenty of camping options, ranging from tent sites to larger RV sites with water, electrical, and sewer hookups. Spend your time here birdwatching, fishing, or walking one of the secluded nature trails.
Leo Carillo State Park, California
One of California’s best camping spots, Leo Carrillo State Park in stunning Malibu is ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, and tide-pooling. Find over 130 campsites in its sycamore-shaded campground.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Nestled among pine trees and sand dunes, Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park is an incredible destination with plenty of wildlife and activities. After spending your day admiring seals, dolphins, and birds, tuck in at the cozy campground— or rent one of the 12 two-room camping cabins for a slightly upgraded stay.
Jekyll Island Campground, Georgia
Steps from Georgia’s famed Driftwood Beach, Jekyll Island Campground is spread across 18 wooded acres studded with quintessential oak trees draped with Spanish moss. In addition to ample sites suitable for everything from RVs to tents, the spacious campground includes a bird sanctuary and an on-site general store.
Salt Creek Recreation Area, Washington
Showcasing the Pacific Northwest at its very best, Washington’s Salt Creek Recreation Area is loaded with scenic views, hiking trails, and Instagram-worthy landscapes—don’t miss the five-mile Striped Peak trail. Of the 92 campsites here, 72 offer water views from a rocky bluff.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Florida
Palm Beach County’s only state park offers nearly two miles of pristine beaches (often home to nesting sea turtles). Snorkeling, fishing, and birdwatching are all popular activities here, as well as stand-up paddle boarding through the remarkably diverse estuary.
Popham Beach State Park, Maine
Known for its expansive sandy beach, dunes, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean, Popham Beach State Park provides beach camping facilities where you can set up camp close to the beach and enjoy swimming, fishing, and exploring nearby Fort Popham.
Waimanalo Beach Park, Hawaii
Waimanalo Beach Park is located on the eastern coast of the island of Oahu. The park features a long stretch of golden sandy beach—the longest uninterrupted white-sand beach on the island—clear turquoise waters, and views of the Ko'olau Mountains. Beach camping permits are required, and amenities such as showers and restrooms are available.
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