Beach Camping
Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Kipahulu Campground
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
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
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.
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
Explore Beach Camping Nationwide
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
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.
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.
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Popular Beach Camping Sites Book Fast
The best beach camping sites book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Kipahulu Campground
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- Search 20+ beach camping sites
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