Summer is here, and there is no better camping spot then on the beach. Who wouldn’t want to fall asleep snuggled up with your favorites to the sound of the Ocean? Check out these hot spots for summer camping on the beach.
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Waimea, Hawaii
For those of you who might want to camp on the beach without all the sand in your tent, this is your spot. Hapuna Beach has six 4-person A-frame shelters for overnight guests as tents and RVs are not allowed. These shelters super cute fully screened rooms that come with wooden sleeping platforms as well as a picnic table outside. You’ll also find a shared stove, refrigerator, and tables on-site, which allows you to travel lightly. When the waters calm, it’s a great spot for swimming and beach play.
Sandbeach Campground, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Siuslaw National Forest, Tillamook County, Oregon
Yes, the views are nice and of course, it’s a plus to relax on the beach, but the real attraction here is the 1,100-acre coastal sand dunes area that’s open for exploring and off-roading. Paved parking spaces at Sandbeach make it easy to tow in the toys without worrying about getting stuck. An off-road vehicle loading ramp makes it easy to unload and pack up. When you’re done playing in the sand, head to the nearby Sand Lake Estuary for crabbing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. East Dunes and West Winds Campgrounds also have sites if Sandbeach is full.
Second Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington
You’d never guess that Second Beach is less than a mile from the trailhead. The rugged coastline and lack of facilities make it feel like you are in the remote wilderness. Campers can pitch a tent anywhere on the beach and explore the natural arches, wind-blown headlands, and old-growth forests. All food, scented items, and garbage must be kept in bear canisters to keep out overly-curious raccoons and bears. Skip the busy summer months and snag a spot in March, April, or October to watch the whales feed along the coast as they migrate.