Beach Camping

Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May - September

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Beach Camping by State

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

4.7

(578)

Kipahulu Campground

Haleakalā National Park
Hana, HI

Campsites perch directly on volcanic cliffs where the Pacific crashes below, offering unobstructed ocean horizons from your tent door. Morning swims await in the crystalline pools of 'Ohe'o Gulch, accessed via coastal trails that wind through bamboo forests and past thundering waterfalls.

Fort Clinch State Park Campground

Fort Clinch State Park
Fernandina Beach, FL

Campers choose between peaceful river sites beneath moss-draped oaks or the Atlantic Beach loop, where your tent sits just steps from crashing waves and ocean breezes.

Cape Lookout State Park

Tillamook, OR

Pacific waves crash just steps from your tent, where sheltered forest sites meet endless sandy beaches stretching along the dramatic Oregon coastline. Morning tide pool explorations and sunset beach bonfires frame days spent watching eagles soar above the rugged headland that juts into the ocean.

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About This Landscape

Beach camping offers some of the most memorable outdoor experiences in America, where the rhythm of crashing waves becomes your nightly lullaby and sunrise over the ocean greets you each morning. From the volcanic black sand shores of Hawaii's Kipahulu Campground on Maui's dramatic coastline to the pristine Great Lakes beaches at Bay View in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, beach campgrounds span every coastal region of the United States.

Best Time

Beach camping seasons vary dramatically by region, but generally late spring through early fall offers the most reliable weather across most coastal areas. Pacific Northwest beaches like Cape Lookout shine from June through September when fog clears and temperatures reach the comfortable 60s and 70s, though summer weekends fill quickly.

Scenery Highlights

Oceanfront and lakeside sites
Sandy beaches and swimming
Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Water sports and fishing

More Beach Camping

Discover 17 additional top-rated campgrounds for beach camping

4.7

(350)

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Hiawatha National Forest
Brimley, MI

Sandy beaches meet towering pines along Lake Superior's Whitefish Bay, where morning waves lap at your campsite and evening sunsets paint the endless horizon in gold and crimson.

Doran Regional Park Campground

Doran Regional Park
Bodega Bay, CA

Campsites sprawl across a unique peninsula where two miles of sandy beach meet Bodega Harbor, offering direct access to both calm harbor waters for paddling and dramatic Pacific surf.

Channel Islands National Park
Ventura, CA

Windswept beaches stretch for miles along this remote Channel Islands sanctuary, accessible only by boat and surrounded by turquoise waters where seals and dolphins play just offshore.

Hoffmaster Campground

Muskegon (near Grand Haven and Norton Shores), MI

Dramatic wooden stairways descend through towering dunes to deliver you onto nearly 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, where golden sand and crashing waves create an unforgettable beach experience.

Mouth Of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

Newberry, MI

Your tent sits steps from where the legendary Two-Hearted River spills into Lake Superior, creating a dramatic convergence of crashing waves and gentle river flow against ancient rocks.

St. Andrews State Park
FL

Waterfront sites perch along Grand Lagoon's edge with sweeping views of Shell Island and East Bay, where morning light paints the inland waterway in gold. Launch kayaks directly into coastal waters, explore nearby sugar-sand beaches, and watch dolphins glide past dunes and lagoons.

4.5

(416)

Sycamore Campground

Point Mugu SP
Malibu, CA

Step beneath towering sycamores that create a shaded canyon sanctuary, then walk through an underpass directly to expansive Pacific beaches where waves roll onto golden sand.

Bay Furnace Campground

Hiawatha National Forest
Munising, MI

Lake Superior's crystal-clear waters and smooth, multi-hued stone beaches stretch right from your campsite, where sunrises paint the vast horizon and northern lights occasionally shimmer overhead.

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes Station, CA

Windswept beaches stretch for miles along this dramatic California coastline, where tide pools burst with colorful sea life and harbor seals bask on offshore rocks just steps from your tent.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Beach Camping Nationwide

Map of campgrounds near Beach Camping Nationwide

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Map Key

Kipahulu Campground

Fort Clinch State Park Campground

Cape Lookout State Park

Bay View (Hiawatha National Forest, Mi)

Doran Regional Park Campground

Santa Rosa Island

Hoffmaster Campground

Mouth Of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground

East Campground

Sycamore Campground

Bay Furnace Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore Campground

Manresa State Beach Campground

Cape Perpetua

Deception Pass State Park

Carolina Beach State Park

Wright'S Beach Campground

Porcupine (Ak)

Gold Bluff Beach Campground

Grayton Beach State Park Campground

View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming and beach playSurfing and bodyboardingKayaking and paddleboardingBeachcombing and tide poolingFishing from shore or jettiesWildlife and bird watching

Tips & Recommendations

1Beach camping requires specialized preparation beyond typical campground stays.
2Bring extra-long tent stakes (10-12 inches) and sand anchors, as standard stakes pull out easily in soft sand.
3Pack tarps or windbreaks to create sheltered cooking and sitting areas—coastal winds can make camp life miserable without protection.
4Store all food in hard-sided containers or vehicles, as raccoons, foxes, and seabirds are bold and persistent at beach campgrounds.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Beach Camping

Beach Camping FAQ

The best beach campgrounds offer direct beach access, oceanfront or lakefront sites, sandy shores for swimming, and proximity to water activities like surfing, kayaking, and fishing. Look for campgrounds with coastal breezes and stunning sunset views.

Beach camping is best during late spring through early fall when weather is warmest. Summer offers the best swimming weather, while shoulder seasons provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check local conditions as coastal weather varies significantly by region.

We list 20+ beach campgrounds across the USA, from Pacific coastlines to Atlantic shores and Great Lakes beaches. Filter by amenities and location to find your perfect waterfront escape.