There’s nothing quite like beach camping to put you in that relaxed summertime frame of mind. Waking to the sound of water splashing the shore is a reminder that you have a VIP pass to one of nature’s best shows. Unzip your tent flap to feel the warm sand between your toes. Swing the RV or cabin door wide open and let the waterfront breezes in. Everything you need is right at your doorstep.
From primitive, boat-in floating camping platforms to yurts and cabins, you have your pick of lodgings and amenities to fit your style.
Pack the sunscreen and shades for a camping vacation at these beach destinations.
1. Cypremort Point State Park, Louisiana
Thanks to its unique geography, located on the Vermilion Bay and less than ten miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Cypremort Point is a popular spot for those looking to picnic, beachcomb and take advantage of some of Louisiana’s best saltwater fishing. The park has a fishing pier and an area to launch sailboats on the beach. Campers have their pick of six deluxe cabins to choose from, all located on the water on Shark Bayou.
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2. Lake James State Park, North Carolina
Tent camp in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the forested shores of the 6,812-acre Lake James with more then 150 miles of shoreline perfect for sunbathing or enjoying a quiet picnic along the lakeshore. Three campground areas have direct access to the water, and offer everything from primitive camping to full hookups. Drive-in sites at Paddy’s Creek are the best option for families with lots of camping gear, while the walk-in sites at the Catawba River area are best for campers looking for more solitude. Both campgrounds have potable water and bathhouses with hot showers. Remote, paddle-in campsites on Long Arm Peninsula give you a true backcountry camping experience. Launch your boat at two public ramps, rent kayaks in the park or swim at the beach at Paddy’s Creek. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is best in the lake coves at dawn and dusk.
3. Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, Illinois
Stretching leisurely for six and a half miles along the sandy shore of Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park encompasses the only remaining beach ridge shoreline left in the state. The 4,160 acre park, consists of two separate areas that offers ample opportunities for swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and camping. More than 650 species of plants have been recorded here, including dozens of colorful wildflowers and large variety of grasses beautifully seen in the spring, summer, and fall. Anytime during the year, wildlife viewing opportunities are everywhere.
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4. Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Massachusetts
Play in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of northern Massachusetts. It’s a boardwalk stroll to the sea from your tent or RV site, with hookups, restroom and shower access, barbeque grills and a playground. Spend the day swimming and beachcombing, or canoe and kayak on the Merrimack River. Launch motorized boats, canoes and kayaks at two public launches on the river.
5. Ponderosa State Park, Idaho
Paddle, swim and fish on Payette Lake surrounded by the high elevation pine forests of southwestern Idaho. Tent and RV campsites are clustered in four camping loops with full and partial hookups, bath houses with hot showers and short trails leading to the lake. Lakeview cabins come with a full kitchen and central restroom facilities. Reservable picnic shelters, horseshoes, volleyball and a deep draft boat launch are all nearby. Enjoy a serene picnic or play at the beach near the visitors center. Rent kayaks and canoes in the park, or launch your own boat to look for osprey, bald eagles, deer, moose, beaver and bears along the wooded shoreline.
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6. Elephant Butte Lake State Park, New Mexico
Set up camp with water views and amenities like full or partial hookups, restrooms with showers and a playground on New Mexico’s largest reservoir. To be even closer to the lake, drive to primitive campsites right on the beach, or boat-in to backcountry sites away from the crowds. Swim, scuba dive and fish off the pier for black, white and striped bass, or cruise the 36,000-acre lake in your kayak, sailboat, pontoon boat, jet ski or motorboat.
7. Curry Hammock State Park, Florida
Camp on the pristine Atlantic beach half way between Key Largo and Key West to explore the mangrove swamps, maritime hammocks and marshlands of this undeveloped tropical sanctuary. Tent and RV campsites come with bathhouse access and electric hookups. Go swimming and snorkeling in the ocean, or fishing for snapper, snook and sharks in the channel that runs alongside the park. Launch your kayak, SUP board or canoe at the campground to find pelicans, herons, bald eagles, osprey and ibis. Watch the waters for manatees, dolphins and spotted rays.
8. Beachside State Recreation Site, Oregon
It’s just a short stroll from the campground through the pines to the Pacific Ocean on Oregon’s central coast. Camp in tent and RV sites with full or partial hookups, or stay in one of the park’s pet-friendly yurts. Beachcombing, kite-flying and whale watching are favorite activities here, with plenty of tide pools to explore along the beach. Go crabbing and clamming on the wide, flat beach.
9. Sea Rim State Park, Texas
Sleep on white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, boat-in to a floating wooden platform campsite or stay in a tent or RV site just a short stroll off the beach. Rustic primitive campsites offer solitude and privacy, while the campground sites come with picnic tables, grills and full hookups. Another option is the park’s one marsh-view cabin, with a full kitchen and bath, air conditioning and beds. Canoe and kayak the tidal marsh, and fish and swim off five miles of coastline.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.