Camping on the Beach

Tips for Camping on the Beach

2008-11-10T13:47:00.001-08:00

When it comes to camping some of the first impressions someone gets is of mosquitoes, bears, and sleeping on a various assortment of twigs. Although some of this might be true to most camping scenarios, it is still an overall enjoyable experience. If you didn’t want to smell like “Off” insect repellent for a weekend, but still wanted to camp outside; I would suggest a beautiful weekend of camping on the beach.

Where can someone go to camp on the beach?

Camping on the beach is a great alternative to traditional camping because it gives you the benefits of being outdoors with nature, smelling the crisp clean air, hearing the roar of the ocean and enjoying time with the family or loved one without the everyday distractions. Some great beach camping locations are located mostly on the east coast of the United States. Cape May, Wildwood Beach in NJ and Myrtle Beach are just a few places that are legendary for beach camping.

What makes beach camping so special?

There are 3 primary reasons why camping on the beach has had such a fixated cult following. First is the sound and feel of the ocean. There is no duplicating this sensation. Going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the waves puts you in a totally different frame of mind, almost as if the cares of your job and everyday stresses never even existed. The second most appealing feature to camping on the beach is absence of insects. Aside from the pesky and almost freaky way sand seems to be able to find its way to strange places on your body, places you’ve probably never even realized were there, it is an overall pretty clean experience. The third reason people are inclined to camp on the beach rather than in the woods is the ocean air. The smell of the ocean air, especially at night, is intoxicating. The minute you start a bonfire at a beach at night and smell the clean ocean air alongside the crackling of the fire, you will be hooked for life.

What should I bring to the beach if I wanted to camp there?

There are a few necessities one might bring when going on this venture. Most of them are pretty much the same supplies as camping in the woods, but there are a couple differences. You may want to bring a sand specific tent, if you want. Usually the height of the experience is sleeping in the open air in a sleeping bag. If you have no sleeping bag, then bring a big blanket because the beach at night does get a bit chilly. I made that mistake overnight on a beach in Miami once. You should also bring food, and some materials to start a bonfire with. Swimming gear, boogie/surf board, lots of changes of clothes, and sun screen are also some necessities.

Next time you are planning a camping trip, consider beach camping. It is an experience that is great for a family and a wonderfully romantic way to spend a weekend with a significant other.

Top Camping Sites in Myrtle Beach

2008-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

With it sandy beaches and many choices in campground locations, Myrtle Beach Camping is the must do camping experience. With the increasing influx of visitors to Myrtle Beach, millions to be exact, this destination is getting a lot of attention for being one of the premier camping destinations in the United States. It is evident with all the camping resorts, but another sign is how the big hotel chains have popped up around the area. A lot of these hotels are taking notice of this destination and they want the piece of the pie. These big resorts are slowly but surely redefining the Grand Strand landscape of this once sleepy resort city.

However, this is still a perfect destination for the family. The camping parks take pride in offering a variety of family orientated activities such as having large swimming pools, Fossil shell hunts on the beaches, scheduled baseball games for everyone to participate in the family, beach parties etc.
If your traveling without the family, or as just a couple, these resort also have you covered. Spend the day relaxing in the warm sand getting away from all the troubles of the day. Take a dip in the pool and hot tub, and enjoy the sensation of being breathing clean air and hearing no noise outside your own. You can also go outside of the camp grounds and enjoy all the night life that Myrtle Beach has to offer like some of the nightclubs, and the Grand Strand's live shows, or to some of the theme and amusement parks.
Myrtle Beach has some of the best restaurants that you could think of. From seafood to down home southern platters. Loads of fresh and organic foods are also available, providing a great seasonal touch to your trip.
Myrtle Beach is one RV destination that should not be missed, and here are just a few Camping Resorts:
1- Apache Family Campground - Oceanfront camping gives new meaning to family beach vacations. Apache Campground's location is close to all the fun and excitement Myrtle Beach has to offer, yet tucked away from the mainstream in a peaceful, natural, oceanfront setting.
2- Willow Tree RV Resort - One of Myrtle Beach's newest RV resorts with a large swimming pool, kiddie pool, hot tub, modern air-conditioned family-style bathhouse, laundry room, exercise room, playground, volleyball, basketball, tether ball, banquet facilities, wireless internet service, hiking & biking trails, as well as private lake fishing.
3- Briarcliffe RV Resort 10495 North Kings Highway North Myrtle Beach
4- Myrtle Beach Travel Park10108 Kings Road,
5- Myrtle Beach KOA Campground Kings Highway & 5th Avenue South, Myrtle Beach
6- Myrtle Beach State Park 4401 South Kings Highway
7- Myrtle Beach Lakewood Camping Resort 5901 South Kings Highway
8- Myrtle Beach Ocean Lakes Family Campground6001 South Kings Highway,
9- Myrtle Beach Pirateland Family Campground 5401 S. Kings Hwy. Myrtle Beach

Find The Best Beach Camping Locations in Ventura

2008-11-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Ventura beaches offer great swimming and surfing, but also great camping. The city is one hour north of Los Angeles on Highway 101, and includes some of the most varied and uncrowded in Southern California. Here's a snapshot of two of Ventura's best camping beaches, if you're looking for a weekend of beach camping or RVing.

Rincon Parkway

For RVers it doesn't get much better than this. Just north of Ventura, along two miles of frontage road next to U.S. Highway 101, stretch 127 RV parking spots, right on the beach. Visitors get surfing, beach bonfires and miles of the blue Pacific, just steps from their RV door.
The County of Ventura, which operates Rincon parkway, doesn't take reservations. So campers must take their chances. But for $25 per night, and with the fancier Ventura RV Park about a mile south, it's hard to go wrong. To get to Rincon Parkway, take Highway 101 to just north of Ventura, and look for the Seacliff Exit. Other options nearby include Hobson and Faria Beach County Parks just north of Rincon Parkway. The County of Ventura runs all three parks and has information at (805) 654-3951.

McGrath State Beach

For group or family tent camping and RVers, McGrath is popular for good reason. This state beach sits a healthy walk back from the ocean behind grass-covered dunes, with shady spots for camping. A group camping area fringes a meadow for baseball games and other group activities. McGrath also has some of the nicest restroom facilities of any beach campground, a fact that becomes much-appreciated after a few days of camping. McGrath's campground sits back from the beach for good reason. The park lies just south of the Santa Clara River estuary. That proximity also makes it a sanctuary for marine birds, so nature trails ring the park for prime bird-watching opportunities. But be sure to respect the fencing and signs to keep away from nesting areas: McGrath is a protected habitat for two endangered species: the California least tern and the snowy plover.

McGrath State Beach is five miles south of the city of Ventura on Harbor Boulevard, a few hundred yards south of the entrance to Ventura Harbor. The city of Oxnard is a few miles farther south. Fee is $25 per night, and reservations are strongly recommended.

Beach Camping in New Jersey

2008-11-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of different and incredible places to enjoy camping in the mountain areas of New Jersey. However, if you are looking for a really great place to go camping and love the breeze and smell of the ocean air, then the many beaches in New Jersey would be the most ideal destination. Many beaches have new Jersey's famous piers and boardwalks with loads of attractions. Here are a few favorite locations:

Camp May:

Camp May is one of the best New Jersey beach camping locations. It's the nations oldest seaside resort and is located on the southern shore of New Jersey. Camp May has 30 miles of clean open beach that is perfect for camping. You can enjoy the victorian era houses as well as many other attractions. This is a perfect destination for a family get away, or for a couple who enjoy the outdoors.

The Wildwoods:

The Wildwoods is one of New Jersey's most famous beaches. Here you will find a two and a half mile boardwalk as well as seven amusement piers. Although this beach is more geared for family amusement outings, you can still enjoy great beach camping in the more out of the way areas of the beach.

Morey's Pier and Mariner's Landing:

Morey's Pier and Mariner's Landing is located on the wildwood Boardwalk. This is mainly designed for families and is filled with piers and amusement rides. You will also find two water parks here.

Historic Cold Spring Village:

Here you will find a nineteenth century South New Jersey farming village. There are many special events and activities that take place here throughout the year.

Fortescue State Marina:

Fortescue State marina is located on the Delaware bay. There are a wide variety of fishing and dining options available. You can see fleets bring their oysters and then go to a diner and eat the oysters when they are fresh. You will also find historic buildings restored to look as they did in revolutionary times. This location is a must for history buffs.

Cape May Point Lighthouse:

This is where you can find the oldest functioning lighthouse. You can also find a bird observatory and natural history museum here. This location is a must visit for lighthouse and naval enthusiasts.

The above locations are just a few of the amazing sites on the New Jersey beach. You will find New Jersey beach camping enjoyable, because not only do you get the the joy of camping, but you can visit so many of New Jersey's famous attractions in the process. If you are interested in finding out more great locations to go New Jersey beach camping, talk with a travel agent and they will be happy to share more great places to visit and tips for New Jersey beach camping. The Internet also has a wealth of information on New Jersey beach camping and can help you find that great spot for your next vacation.

The Greatest Experience of My Life - Beach Camping

2008-11-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

One of the most perfect and budget friendly ways of getting a front row seat to beautiful sunrises and sunsets is to camp on the beach. You have your choice of plenty to do, from simming all day and listnening to rolling waves of the ocean, to sleeping your day away in the clean fresh air. For those who think of camping in the traditional burdens of mosquitos, dirty clothes, and too much wildlife, beach camping is a great alternative.
There are a lot of beaches that are friendly to campers these days. Most of them post signs telling you where they allow camping, or you could check their websites for more details. The more friendly ones have actual campsites located right on or near the beach. All that is needed is making a reservation to hold an available spot, and you will be right in, as these are very popular campsites.
Before you go to the beach to do some relaxing camping, you have to come with a few needed essentials. First, a beach tenet will keep out the early morning sun. These are usually designed as pop up tents that work very well in sand and usually priced lower than $20.
Before your trip, check ahead of time whether the beach that you will be camping on allows bonfires. Although some of them do, they might requre a permit, while others do not allow bonfires at all. If you are able to make a bonfire, make sure you bring lighter fluid, matches, and of course some sticks to cook some s'mores. If the beach doesnt allow bonfires, then at least bring a portable stove to cook your meals out on the beach. Or maybe even a little grill.
Most people who decide to go the beach camping route, do so for the romantic atmosphere of the ocean and the fun for the kids, as well as for the hiking and nature experience. Very few people have the unique experience of living directly on a beach. But for a night or a weekend, your whole family can experience the allure that draws the huge beach crowds, and what it is like the sleep and play on the beach 24 hours a day.
So, the next time you decide on planning a camping trip, consider foregoing the traditional campsites in the middle of the woods and enjoy a more relaxing experience of camping on the beach. This is a fantastic way to spend the night or a weekend, whether you are a beach lover or just want to wake up and jump right into the ocean as the sun rises.