Beach camping is a fantastic way to spend time outside and in nature, but a good seaside vacation requires a lot of planning ahead. Furthermore, the sheer quantity of gear that you need to carry for beach camping is enough to make anyone’s head spin.
We’ll review some of the most crucial items you should always pack for beach camping in this checklist.
5 Essentials to Pack for Beach Camping
When camping on the beach you need to pack the right water, sun, and sand toys. The following are some things you should carry for a beach camping trip:
1. Camp Tarps
Sometimes the beach is windy and wet. So, when the weather isn’t cooperating, having a durable camp tarp on your list of essentials might help a lot.
When beach camping, keep in mind that you probably won’t have any trees nearby to serve as anchors for your tarp. Thus, make sure to pack additional equipment, such as hiking poles, for use when setting up your tarp.
Additionally, to assist in securing your tarp in the sand, you might also need to bring along a few extra tent stakes.
2. Bring Enough Water
It is always advisable to bring plenty of water bottles when going to the beach. This is because hanging out by the ocean always raises the risk of dehydration, whether you’re planning a summer trip to the beaches of Olympic National Park or Acadia National Park.
Always have a few reliable water bottles on hand, like Camelbak, to prevent dehydration during your beach excursions. It is best if you can drink as much water outside as possible.
3. Blankets
It’s not fun to lie down on the beach and have sand in every crevice and nook. Thus, you’ll require a set of blankets if you wish to unwind in the sand during your beach camping excursions.
We typically advise beach camping with one blanket per person, though everyone has different needs when it comes to lounging and blankets. By doing this, you may be confident that after a strenuous day of exploration by the water, you’ll have a sand-free spot to unwind.
4. Coolers
A cooler is a must for any beachside camping excursion. A quality cooler is especially more important to bring to the beach due to the hot heat and sunny circumstances, even if a cooler is a must for any vehicle camping trip.
It’s critical to choose a reasonably compact model because it’s not enjoyable to carry heavy items over long distances in the sand or on rocks. Additionally, you’ll also need some sturdy ice packs to help preserve the freshness of your food and beverages while you’re out and about.
5. Lantern
A collection of lanterns could be the solution if you’re trying to figure out how to light your beach campground at night.Although string lights are a great option in a forest setting, such as Yosemite National Park, they are inappropriate for use at the beach because there aren’t any trees there.
Thus, you can have enough of nighttime lighting for your coastal campground by bringing lanterns in addition to your headlamps and flashlights.
6. Towels
A set of towels is one item you should never forget when visiting the beach. Whether you enjoy surfing, boogie boarding, or just taking a brief swim in the ocean, having a couple of towels on hand is essential while visiting the beach.
A couple of towels will also be useful for drying yourself after taking a camp shower to remove any salt and sand that may have accumulated from a day spent relaxing by the shore.
7. Bring a Portable Fire Pit
One of the most thrilling and delightful aspects of camping is building a campfire. However, to lessen the effects of campfires, you must take specific safety measures when camping at the beach to make sure you abide by the Leave No Trace philosophy.
You might be able to build a fire on the beach below the high tide line, depending on where you live in the world. If you do this, the fire scar your fire left in the sand will be washed away by the water in less than a day.
However, it’s not always a practical approach, particularly if high tide falls during the evening when campfires are most popular. The fix? A transportable fire pit for camping.
When going beach camping, having a fire pit with you can help you enjoy your bonfire without harming the environment. Although using a fire pit is frequently an appropriate alternative, you need still abide by your local laws on campfires.
Don’t forget to include tinder, lighters, and firestarters in your pack if you plan to bring a fire pit. In this manner, you can experience an energizing fire while on your travels.
8. Solar Panel
Since sunny weather is typically seen at beaches, you may maximize those conditions by bringing along some solar panels.
Obviously, if you’re going to be camping close to your car, you could easily pack a portable generator for your trip. However, when you camp, a solar panel system and maybe even a solar-powered generator can supply more than enough clean energy to run your necessary electronics.
Additionally, you might also bring a set of portable battery packs so you can use them to charge your solar panels as an added bonus. Your GPS and other gadgets can then continue to have access to a dependable and environmentally responsible power source even if you spend the entire day trekking.
9. Camping Toilet
When it comes to disposing of waste, particularly when it comes to using the restroom, camping at the beach frequently requires some ingenuity.
If your beach camping has restrooms, those are generally your best bet for satisfying your need to commune with nature. You’ll probably need to carry your own camping toilet if there are no amenities accessible.
It’s not the best idea to dig a shovel hole for human waste at the beach, but in some areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, such as the backcountry, it is a suitable method. This is because disposing of human waste is a very, very slow process due to the lack of bacteria in beach sand.
10. Camping Table
Picnic tables and other facilities are common in normal campgrounds, but it’s rare to find one when camping by the shore.
Therefore, in order to guarantee that you have a location to prepare meals, dine, and unwind while at camp, you need pack your own camping table.
Furthermore, you might need to think about taking a set of camping chairs, depending on your own camping preferences. A set of chairs can make your journey more pleasant, even though you might also eat throughout mealtimes while sitting on your blankets.
Beach camping is an excellent way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the coastline. By bringing the right gear and considering the factors mentioned, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience. Proper planning and preparation are key to making the most of your beach camping adventure. So pack your bags, gather your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable time by the sea.
