The summer is here. And if you are dreaming of falling asleep to the soothing sound of ocean waves and waking up to breathtaking sunrises over the water, the best beach camping in the U.S. is offering a unique experience.
The best beach camping in the U.S. offers a unique way to connect with nature while enjoying sandy shores. In addition, the depth of the ocean will take you to the deep thoughts.
In this guide, we have listed the best places to beach camp in the U.S.
The United States is home to a diverse range of coastal campgrounds. You might look for unwind beside calm waters or explore tidepools and dunes. The good news is each camping destination across the U.S. offers its own slice of seaside paradise.
Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses and serene Atlantic coast. You can pitch a tent directly on the sand and enjoy peaceful mornings with views of the dunes and surf.
Additionally, activities include kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Therefore, it is a unique escape that blends untamed beauty with coastal charm—an ideal spot to experience the best beach camping in the U.S.
This park is in the Florida Keys. It offers turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. Additionally, Bahia Honda State Park is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying a laid-back tropical vibe. Lastly, its oceanfront campsites provide direct beach access.
Kalaloch Campground is situated within Olympic National Park. It offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastlines. If you camp there, you will be surrounded by driftwood-strewn beaches and lush rainforests.
Additionally, it is perfect for nature lovers seeking solitude and scenery.
Stretching over 70 miles, Padre Island is a haven for primitive beach camping. You can camp right on the sand, watch sea turtles nest, or fish in the Gulf. With minimal light pollution, stargazing here is also unique.
You can access the Cape Lookout park by boat. The campsite offers remote camping with few distractions. The wide, open beaches are perfect for shelling, fishing, and soaking in uninterrupted ocean views. It is a true back-to-nature experience that’s hard to beat when it comes to the best beach camping in the U.S.
Nestled beneath live oaks and Spanish moss, Jekyll Island Campground is a short bike ride from Driftwood Beach. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with modern amenities. The mix of maritime forest and beach access makes it a unique choice for the best beach camping in the U.S.
Located near Virginia Beach, this park offers bayfront campsites and miles of hiking trails. It’s rich in history and natural beauty, with campsites just steps from calm Chesapeake Bay waters. It’s a family-friendly option among the best beach camping in the U.S.
This campground offers a luxurious twist on beach camping with full-service amenities and proximity to iconic Haystack Rock. You can enjoy the rugged Oregon coastline and quaint seaside town while still having all the comforts of home—making it a contender for the best beach camping in the U.S.
Set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and Kachemak Bay, Homer Spit offers a truly Alaskan beach camping experience. Campsites are right on the beach, perfect for watching bald eagles and otters. The raw beauty of this site easily ranks it among the best beach camping in the U.S.
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island offers beachfront RV and tent camping with Gulf views. Enjoy fishing, crabbing, and birdwatching in a serene setting. It’s an off-the-beaten-path gem for those seeking the best beach camping in the U.S.
Perched on oceanfront bluffs, South Carlsbad State Beach offers stunning views and easy beach access from well-equipped campsites. You’ll fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up to warm, sandy strolls. Its location near San Diego and natural beauty make it a top destination for the best beach camping in the U.S.
This lush barrier island features palm trees, a historic lighthouse, and five miles of pristine beaches. Campsites are shaded by maritime forest and just steps from the Atlantic. It’s a perfect blend of wilderness and relaxation, truly reflecting the best beach camping in the U.S.
Known for its dramatic sea stacks and tidepools, Harris Beach offers scenic beachside campsites near the town of Brookings. The park’s rugged beauty and easy access to the beach make it a standout spot for anyone seeking the best beach camping in the U.S.
Located on a series of small islands near St. Petersburg, this park boasts award-winning beaches and excellent kayaking trails. The campground is shaded, spacious, and close to the Gulf. Fort De Soto’s combination of recreation and scenery exemplifies the best beach camping in the U.S.
This campground offers miles of sandy beach along Buzzards Bay, ideal for swimming, surfing, and shell hunting. It’s family-friendly, scenic, and rich with New England charm. As a lesser-known but loved spot, it holds its own among the best beach camping in the U.S.
Overlooking the Pacific from high cliffs in Big Sur, Kirk Creek Campground offers unbeatable ocean views and sunsets. While it’s a dry campground, the vistas and location make it one of the most sought-after sites for the best beach camping in the U.S.
Located along Maui’s famed Road to Hana, this park features black sand beaches, lava tubes, and tropical scenery. Beachfront campsites provide a rare chance to camp in paradise. It’s a bucket-list-worthy stop and a tropical version of the best beach camping in the U.S.
Set beside a freshwater lake near the Atlantic coast, Ocean Pond offers a quiet, less crowded experience with easy water access. It’s a hidden gem in the Osceola National Forest and a tranquil escape among the best beach camping in the U.S.
Just west of Santa Barbara, Refugio offers grassy campsites steps from a crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming and kayaking. With palm trees and mellow vibes, it’s an idyllic SoCal retreat and a shining example of the best beach camping in the U.S.
Located in Miramar Beach, Camp Gulf is a luxury RV resort with beachfront sites and resort-style amenities. You’ll park right next to the sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters. For those seeking comfort and views, it’s a premium option for the best beach camping in the U.S.
Just north of Santa Barbara, El Capitan offers shaded campsites and a gently sloping beach great for families. Popular for surfing and tidepooling, this coastal retreat balances activity with serenity—truly capturing the spirit of the best beach camping in the U.S.
This East Coast gem features ocean and bay access, miles of trails, and WWII-era observation towers. The campsites are shaded and close to the beach, making it a great pick for history buffs and beach lovers alike among the best beach camping in the U.S.
Located south of Santa Cruz, this beach is known for its expansive shoreline and quiet atmosphere. The walk-in campground offers a more rustic experience with sweeping Pacific views. For those wanting solitude, this is one of the best beach camping spots in the U.S.
This remote beach is only accessible by a challenging 11-mile hike on the Kalalau Trail. The reward? A secluded, dreamlike beach with towering cliffs and turquoise water. It’s the ultimate adventure and arguably the most breathtaking choice for the best beach camping in the U.S.
Set on a narrow peninsula near Bodega Bay, Doran Park offers easy access to fishing, birding, and sandy beaches. With its peaceful setting and dramatic coastal views, it’s an underrated favorite for campers chasing the best beach camping in the U.S.
