Best Beach Camping on the East Coast

Best family campgrounds east coast

The thought of summer often brings up memories of past camping trips, bonfires, star-filled skies, and all the amazing sights and places visited.

After traveling down memory lane, it should not be a surprise to catch yourself thinking about future camping trips, where you want to go, what you want to see, relive past experiences, or possibly find new ones. Get your tent, RV, and sleeping bag ready as we dive into beach camping!

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What is Beach Camping?

If you are new to beach camping, the setup, supplies, and equipment are similar to mountain or desert camping.

Some campgrounds may be tent or RV only, so checking the campsite rules before adventuring to your destinations is crucial.

Without paying close attention to seasonal camping dates and campsite rules, beach camping can quickly evolve from legal to illegal. Always check campground websites for updates, restrictions, regulations, seasonal operating dates, if reservations are required, and the nightly cost.

Being prepared and aware is highly advised to avoid fees, fines, and unwanted interactions with local law enforcement.

Be Weather Ready

Sudden weather changes can make or break a beach camping trip. Flash floods, high temperatures, rain, drastic temperature drops, and not having the correct camping gear to accommodate any of these changes could put a quick and unhappy end to your vacation.

Frequently check the weather forecast for areas of interest and reserved campgrounds. Food storage is also essential to prevent wildlife from inviting themselves to dinner, getting soggy from rain or moisture, melting in the sun, or letting sand find its way into your meals and beverages.

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Best family campgrounds east coast

Libby’s Oceanside Camp, Maine

Libby’s has over 100 campsites perfect for tent or RV camping. Campsites closer to the beach will be larger, and some will have premade fire rings ready to be used. RV sites have water, electricity, and sewer hookups.

Hiking trails near the campground are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, and being near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, there are plenty of historical sights to see, as well as shopping.

Are pets allowed at Libby’s Oceanside Camp?

Yes, pets can be added to the online reservation form when booking your vacation.

Libby’s oceanside camp prices

2022 Daily Rates*

Oceanfront Sites$125.00
Pull-through Sites$105.00
Pop-up Sites$70.00
50-amp surcharge (as available)$5.00
Additional Vehicle (must reserve before arrival)$5.00
Additional Child$3.00
Additional Adult$5.00
Visitor – Day Only$3.00

Horseneck beach camping

Horseneck is one of few campgrounds open to tents, trailers, and RVs. Due to the popularity of this location, reservations are required.

A boat ramp, two miles of beach, a playground, and over 600 acres to explore will keep the family entertained for days. Showers and picnic areas are also located within the campground.

How much does it cost to camp at Horseneck Beach?

Camping is available from the first week in May until Columbus Day.

Camping is $22/night for Massachusetts residents and $70/night for non-residents.

Hither Hills State Park, Montauk, New York

Hither Hills gets busy on the weekends, but a little social interaction is expected, with 190 campsites to choose from.

Hiking and walking trails, gorgeous views, sandy beaches, woodlands, and 30 feet high dunes make this an exceptional location to set up camp.

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground, Rhode Island

Fishermen’s Campground doesn’t sit directly next to the ocean, but there are two beaches nearby, Scarborough and Roger W. Wheeler, and water access through Bluff Hill Cove.

Miles of bike trails, playgrounds, and a weekly farmer’s market add character to this location. 150 large campsites with water and electricity hookups are excellent for RVs.

Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware

Cape Henlopen has 5,193 acres of coastal beach, forests, marshlands, and more than 150 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails waiting to be explored. This park is no stranger to visitors, but with its massive size, it is not difficult to find something to do without large crowds.

Dolphin watching, horseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and three different beaches specific to surfing, anglers, and families with children are only a few ways to enjoy your time at Cape Henlopen.

Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire

Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean from this RV-only campground. Located directly on the beach, the park hosts weekly events ranging from firework shows and concerts to family-friendly events. There are only 28 sites available, so make your reservations early! Reservations can be made for the camping season between May and October.

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut

This large campground has over 500 campsites, including tent spaces and cabins. Reservations for camping on the beach are crucial due to the summer crowds. Swimming, kayaking, and participating in activities hosted by the nature center are among the top ways to enjoy your time near the Long Island Sound.

First Landing State Park, Virginia

Over 100 tent and RV sites are available at First Landing. Beach walks, nature hikes, swimming, maritime educational programs, and boating in the Chesapeake Bay are only a handful of the exciting adventure ready to be had. With over 2700 acres and 20 miles of trails, it will be challenging to get everything done before vacation ends.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, South Carolina

Having over 800 sites, this is the largest campground along the East Coast. Sites have full hookups, great for RV travelers, pull-throughs, concrete pads, and paved roads. Aside from having access to Myrtle Beach, there is a golf course, water park, five bathhouses, restaurants, and plenty of kid-approved activities.

Freeman Park, North Carolina

Freeman Park is an alternative to the RV resort Camp Hatteras. Camping on the beach will be a primitive experience since no facilities exist. While camping is legal anywhere on the coast at Freeman Park, getting to the beach early in the morning is crucial as the camping sites along the dunes and the camping area on the beach will fill up quickly.

River’s End Campground, Georgia

River’s End is a private beach campground that provides full services. Beach access, an island pool, laundry, a pavilion, a dog park, a fitness center, and even a TV lounge are sure to please everyone in this campground. Campers can choose tents, RVs, trailers, and even fully loaded-cabins when they make a reservation at River’s End.

Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine has an abundance of sandy beaches, hiking trails, four miles of shoreline swimming, songbirds, and the peaceful sounds of the surf at night. Whether you choose to relax on the beach and soak up the sun or rent a SUP, canoe, kayak, sailboat, or bicycle, you will not be disappointed.

There are 139 campsites fitting for both tents and RVs. Set up a hammock and be one with your surroundings.

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