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RV Beach camping has become a desirable activity because of its ability to positively stimulate all five senses. This camping style enables you to partake in various activities, ranging from a leisurely evening walk to a competitive cornhole contest.
Whether you enjoy camping oceanfront or prefer full hookups within walking distance of the beach, you’re guaranteed a million-dollar view. The beauty and serenity are evident when your feet touch the sand, and you smell the salty air.
Types of RV Beach Camping
Regardless of your preference for parking your home-on-wheels, there are many options for RV beach camping. Let’s begin with boondocking.
This form of camping means utilizing free camping without amenities or hookups. Many people enjoy boondocking because of the $0 overhead and picturesque views.
Next on our list: RV parks and campgrounds. There are state parks with limited hookups vs. resort-like campgrounds with full hookups and attractions.
No matter what you choose, you’ll probably be asking when you can schedule your next oceanside getaway before your trip ends.
How to Find the Best RV Beach Camping
Locating the best places to beach camp in your RV can sometimes be a challenge. Many locations that people may not realize offer access to camping along the beach include Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and other oceanfront states. Although they’re not as well-known as other locations along the Carolinas or California, for example, these less popular destinations often prove to be equally as breathtaking.
Several resources are available for people unsure of where they’d like their next RV beach camping excursion to take place. The internet has become the dominant outlet for people looking to research, find contact information, and read reviews from past visitors.
Reputable organizations that help travelers navigate the best places to RV beach camp include GoodSam, Campendium, and Outdoorsy. Not only do they provide photographs for potential guests to explore, but they also have a detailed description of the location as well.
Another option for RVers seeking answers related to their search would be to speak with fellow travelers from a personal experience. Nothing compares to first-hand reviews from people that have previously visited your location of interest. If nothing else, these individualized accounts would serve as a helpful tool when choosing a site.
Best RV Beach Camping in Texas
When you think about camping along the beach in your RV, I don’t believe Texas is necessarily at the top of your list. Perhaps it’s because of the country vibe that comes to mind with the state’s signature reputation for cowboy boots, country music, and square dancing.
With that in mind, there are 350 miles of beaches you can camp along in Texas. There’s significant camping culture here, but not many people are aware of beach camping options that exist close to the cities.
Larger cities have beach camping options that are nearby. For instance, Houston and San Antonio have great beach campsites, but not enough people are aware of their proximity. In particular, the southern gulf coast remains popular because of the warm waters year-round, and this coastal camping is about as good as it gets.
Visiting Texas to go RV beach camping may or may not have crossed your mind, but it’s definitely worth a trip to at least try it out. As the saying goes, it never hurts to try, right?
North Beach, Corpus Christi Texas
A genuine camping experience from the moment you arrive, North Beach campground in Corpus Christi, Texas, is an experience in itself.
This campground runs along the northernmost section of the National Seashore beside the Gulf of Mexico. All camping in this area is open to tents and RV’s. There’s a park entrance fee, while a free camping permit is available at either the park station or the self-registration kiosk.
Amenities exist approximately 12 miles away, so we highly recommend that you prepare accordingly. The Malaquite Visitor Center has flushing toilets and cold-water showers, and it’s open daily except for cleaning from 7:00-9:00 AM.
You’re not allowed to run your generator between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Also, campers may not exceed a total number of 28 calendar days per year, whether it be separate visits or consecutive nights.
There are a few additional rules in place at this campground. Overall, they are relatively straightforward, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone looking to enjoy RV beach camping in Corpus Christi.
Reading reviews before your visit is critical when you’re traveling to a new place. You can find a rating of 9.1 out of 10 based on 20 reviews on CampGroundReviews.com for this particular beach camping location.
In December 2020, a camper posted a 5-star review about the beautiful area and thoroughly enjoyed not only the location but also other essential factors that beach campers take into consideration, such as cleanliness, noise, and site quality. North Beach in Corpus Christi, TX, is an excellent place for anyone to visit, especially those who enjoy boondocking.
Mustang Island, Port Aransas, TX
Small in size with a catchy name, Mustang Island in Port Aransas, Texas, is an 18-mile-long barrier island located on the Gulf Coast. This island is a popular destination for vacationers during Spring Break because of the beaches. People residing in the north as far away as Canada, sometimes referred to as snowbirds, also enjoy visiting Mustang Island to enjoy their winters in warmer climates.
There are numerous outdoor activities to keep visiting RV beach campers active during their stay. Whether you enjoy relaxing in the sand, birdwatching and building sandcastles, or maybe after a 5-mile hike, you’d like to cool off by surfing in the ocean. There’s something to do for everyone!
Mustang Island State Park offers 48 water and electric campsites and 50 sites to provide you with a basic level of comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Full restrooms and hot showers are available and located near the water-electric campground. So, if you enjoy a few basic amenities or prefer having all public conveniences at your fingertips, everyone’s bound to have a pleasant experience.
Earning a Travelers’ Choice award in 2020 with an overall star rating of 4/5, it’s evident that Mustang Island has excellent RV beach camping. Just last year, in December 2020, a traveler left an exemplary review of his visit, citing ”a wonderful park, clean beaches, good attentive staff.” Next time you’re near the Gulf Coast and looking for a quick getaway, Mustang Island will not disappoint.
Best RV Beach Camping in Florida
When I think about Florida, I immediately think of beach camping, especially in my RV. What also crosses my mind is pondering just how many beach camping destinations exist in one state.
Maybe it’s the crystal-clear waters, the white sandy beaches, or the consistently warm temperatures that draw such large crowds. When you find yourself searching for a great place to park your RV and hunker down, rest assured you won’t have to look for long.
Below, you’ll find two campgrounds that you’ll be able to settle into for some memorable rest and relaxation.
Bahia Honda State Park
Next time you’re en route to Key West, make a pitstop at Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, Florida. Bahia Honda does not disappoint when it comes to activities.
You can rent kayak and snorkeling gear or take a boat trip to the reef for an afternoon of snorkeling. Scuba diving, bird watching, and bicycling are just a few of the countless opportunities here.
Bahia State Park boasts over 6,000 reviews on Google with an overall star rating of 4.5 out of 5. It’s as clear as the ocean waters surrounding it that it’s a fantastic location for RV beach camping. Many travelers rave about the park’s spectacular views and reasonable driving distance to the Florida Keys.
Frequently, Bahia Honda is booked 12+ months in advance. One particular beach camper felt fortunate to find an available site during her stay in March 2020. The atmosphere was described as being “beautiful, serene, and everything was perfect” by one reviewer.
Based on this reviewer’s description, Bahia Honda State Park is a must-see destination for RV beach campers visiting the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys. Thousands echo her words.
Fort Pickens Campground, Pensacola Beach
Fort Pickens Campground is located on Santa Rosa Island, south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors young and old enjoy this scenic campground for popular outdoor activities such as walking and snorkeling.
It contains 134 family sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 41 non-electric tent sites. This campground accepts reservations year-round. Campsites are within a quarter-mile of the Emerald Coast in the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
Amenities included are drinking water, showers, a dump station, and flushing toilets. But there are no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area for those who enjoy fishing. Moderately sized and a short drive to local nightlife and downtown Pensacola, these grounds are ideal for RV campers!
We can add this campground to our list of Travelers’ Choice of 2020 awards from Trip Advisor. It’s close to the boardwalk and the beach with a quiet, uncluttered atmosphere. Several tourists praise the campground’s prime location with consistent remarks about how the “campground was clean and well-maintained.”
When you want to immerse yourself in the undeniable natural beauty of the sand and sea, look no further than Fort Pickens campground in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Best RV Beach Camping in California
While hugging the Pacific Ocean for nearly 900 miles, you’re bound to find location after location for unforgettable RV beach camping.
If family-friendly camping is what you seek, California has that. Maybe you’re looking for a romantic spot for just the two of you to enjoy a weekend excursion – they have that too. Perhaps you’re in search of a waterfront campground that welcomes your dog and has many options for enjoying the outdoors. You’re in luck with California beach camping!
The question remains: Could there be a campground that satisfies all three of those qualities? We’ve included information for two campgrounds in California that cater to RV beach camping and more.
Half Moon Bay State Beach, Half Moon Bay
Small without sacrificing quality, Half Moon Bay State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, is a rose among thorns. Registered as a California state park, Half Moon Bay is also called Francis Beach.
You can find tent and RV camping at Francis Beach, which offers a warm and personable experience with only 52 campsites to rent. It has limited hookups that include only electric. Water and sewer are unavailable, but there are coin-operated showers for all renters. You can make campground reservations through online booking.
This cozy California hideaway boasts innumerable options , such as horseback riding, live music, and whale watching. When you find yourself in the Golden State, stop by Half Moon Bay for incredible ways to make lasting memories.
A prime location to fully enjoy the Pacific Ocean, Half Moon Bay has consistently positive reviews. It’s located in San Mateo County’s western-most region in Northern California. Located approximately 25 miles south of San Francisco, you’ll find Half Moon Bay. It may be one of the most magnificent beaches you’ll ever visit.
Many visitors commended the clean beach and even described their visit as experiencing “nature at its finest”. The trails for hikers and horseback riders stay consistently busy. The broad, sandy beaches guarantee a visit to remember for many years to come.
Wright’s Beach Campground, Bodega Bay
Situated just off Highway 1 in Sonoma Coast State Park, right between Bodega Bay and Jenner, you’ll discover Wright’s Beach Campground. You can enjoy RV beach camping with little to no distractions, thanks to the limited number of sites.
Twenty-seven campsites sit adjacent to the beach. During the winter, camps 1-18 are inaccessible due to the high storm season. That leaves only nine sites available year-round. The maximum RV/trailer length is 31 feet, limiting this location as an option for many travelers. Pets are allowed; however, they must be leashed and always attended.
Wright’s Beach campground offers few amenities, and there are no hookups available. Even so, each campsite features a picnic table, food locker, and fire ring. There are only a few reasonable rules; for example, quiet hours are from 10 PM – 6 AM.
Highway 1 in California is one of the most spectacular drives you’ll make in your lifetime. With that in mind, the next time you’re in the Bay Area looking for quaint beach camping, check out Wright’s Beach campground and soak up spectacular views.
The proof is in the pudding when referring to Wright’s Beach campground. This place is second to none for offering its visitors an unforgettable experience. Between the ample space along the beach, ease of online booking, and thorough restroom cleanings daily, the staff makes a conscious effort to go above and beyond.
As one beach camper puts it, “This is beach camping at its absolute best,” and it has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Yelp.com. It’s evident that every RVer should add Wright’s Beach campground to their list of beach camping locations while visiting California.
Time to Plan Your RV Beach Camping Vacation!
Ask anyone that relishes time spent at the beach or marvels at the many awe-inspiring lands across our great nation. They’ll tell you without a doubt that RV beach camping delivers the best of both worlds.
As with many parts of life, there lie pros and cons to every beach camping scenario. Some campgrounds are small in size but big in hospitality. Other campgrounds may present a resort-like atmosphere with plentiful activities, but they lack outstanding customer service.
One of life’s most priceless gifts as a United States citizen is to roam freely along the ocean shore as much or as little as your heart desires. And that, my friends, is the embodiment of a life well-lived.
