Beachfront camping is a special kind of magic. There’s something extraordinary about drifting off to sleep with the sound of waves in your ears and waking up with sand between your toes.
Across the United States, countless coastal campgrounds offer this enchanting experience, each with its own unique charm. Ready to discover some of the best places to pitch a tent by the sea? Let’s go!
Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Ever camped next to wild horses? At Assateague, you can. The ponies roam free on the beach, and if you’re lucky, you might wake up to find them grazing right outside your tent.
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys
Crystal clear water, amazing snorkeling, and sunsets that’ll make your jaw drop – that’s Bahia Honda for you. It’s a slice of tropical paradise that doesn’t require a passport.
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Olympic National Park – Kalaloch, Washington
Kalaloch is where the rainforest meets the sea. Picture massive trees, driftwood-strewn beaches, and the chance to spot whales from your campsite.
Jalama Beach County Park, California
Jalama is a hidden gem on the California coast. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but that’s what makes it special – oh, and don’t forget to try the famous Jalama Burger at the beach store.
Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
Palm trees, a lighthouse you can climb, and the chance to see loggerhead turtles nesting – Hunting Island is full of surprises. The beach here goes on for miles, perfect for long walks at sunset.
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Homer Spit Campground, Alaska
Camping in Alaska? You bet. The views of the mountains and Kachemak Bay are unreal, and you can fish for salmon right from the beach.
Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Padre Island is wild, undeveloped, and beautiful. You can drive right onto the beach to find your spot, and if you time it right, you might see baby sea turtles making their way to the ocean.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Ever been to the Apostle Islands? It’s a kayaker’s dream – crystal clear water, hidden sea caves, and camping on your little slice of Lake Superior. Perfect if you want to get away from it all and chill in nature for a bit.
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Hither Hills State Park, New York
Camping in the Hamptons without breaking the bank? Yep, it’s possible at Hither Hills. You get the same beautiful beach as the millionaires next door but at a fraction of the cost.
Sonoma Coast State Park, California
The Sonoma Coast is rugged, dramatic, and absolutely gorgeous. Wright’s Beach campground is everyone’s favorite – nothing beats watching the sunset over the Pacific from your campsite.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
This one’s an adventure – you need a boat or seaplane to get here. But once you’re there, it’s like being on your private island, with crystal clear water and a historic fort to explore.
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Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia
Kiptopeke is a bit quirky – where else can you camp with a view of sunken concrete ships? The calm waters of the Chesapeake Bay are perfect for paddling, too.
Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Hawaii
Getting to Kalalau Beach is tough – it’s an 11-mile hike. But oh boy, is it worth it. It’s quite possibly the most beautiful beach ever.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Massachusetts
Horseneck has this laid-back, quintessential New England beach vibe. It’s great for windsurfing, and bird watchers will love it – there are over 300 species to spot.
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Gulf State Park, Alabama
White sand, warm water, and lots to do – Gulf State Park has it all. The campground is modern and comfortable, but you still feel like you’re out in nature.
San Elijo State Beach, California
San Elijo is classic Southern California camping. Surf in the morning, chill on the beach all day, and fall asleep to the sound of waves – what more could you want?
Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina
You need to take a ferry to get to the campground on Bear Island, and that’s part of what makes it so special. It feels wild and remote, but it’s not too far from civilization.
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Sand Beach Campground, Michigan
Another Great Lakes gem, Sand Beach in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is stunning. The water is Caribbean blue, and the sandstone cliffs are out of this world.
Tillicum Beach Campground, Oregon
The Oregon coast is spectacular, and Tillicum Beach lets you camp right on it. Keep your eyes peeled for whales – you might spot them right from your campsite.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Florida
Gamble Rogers is small, but it packs a punch. The campsites are steps from the Atlantic, and the sunrises here are something else.
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Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area, California
Ever wanted to drive on the beach? At Oceano Dunes, you can. It’s a unique experience – just make sure your vehicle can handle the sand!
Blackwoods Campground, Maine
Acadia National Park is gorgeous, and Blackwoods lets you camp right in the thick of it. The views of the Atlantic are amazing, and you’re surrounded by some of the best hiking in the East.
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
Grayton Beach is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. The sand is like sugar, and the water is that perfect emerald-green color.
Malaquite Campground, Texas
Part of Padre Island National Seashore, Malaquite is a great base for exploring miles of undeveloped beach. It’s a sea turtle nesting site, too, which is pretty cool.
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Honeyman State Park, Oregon
Honeyman isn’t right on the ocean, but it’s close enough to count. The big draw here is the massive sand dunes – perfect for some sandboarding!
A Beach for Every Adventure
There you have it – 25 amazing places to camp by the beach in the U.S. Each one is special in its own way, from the wildlife you might see to the unique landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience or a family-friendly beach vacation, there’s a spot on this list for you.
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