The Best Places in the U.S. To Go Camping on the Beach

Camping on the Beaches in the United States

There are plenty of places for camping on the beaches in the United States. Whether considering a vacation on the rocky shores of the Northeast, the white sands of the Gulf Coast, the cliff lined Pacific Coast, or even the Great Lakes, there are many choices to pick from. Here are a few options to get started.


California Beach Camping -
The Pacific Coast, Doran Park - Bodega Bay, California

In the heart of the Sonoma Coast lies the beaches of Bodega Bay, specifically Doran Park (sonoma-county.org). Located on a strip of sand separating the bay from the Pacific. This is a great region for catching soft shelled crab and squid. This campsite has a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, toilets, running water, and shore fishing. There are accommodations to fit 127 RV or tent sites and 20 tent only sites with parking nearby, all of which are available year round.


Beach Camping in Florida -
The Gulf Coast, Bahia Honda State Park - Big Pine Key, FL

One of America's southernmost state parks, Bahia Honda State Park (floridastateparks.org) is accessible only by Route 1 or by boat. Bahia Beach offers 80 campsites over three campgrounds: Buttonwood, Sandspur, and Bayside. Buttonwood is recommended for RV's, Bayside has only eight sites reserved for small cars, and Sandspur is for large cars and trailers. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are available for rent at the concessions, with guided tours for beginners. There is also hiking trails, bird watching, and endless water activities.


East Coast Beach Camping -
The Northeast Coast, Bar Harbor Camping Resort - Bar Harbor, Maine

Up the eastern coast of the United States, a few miles off Route 1, is Bar Harbor Camping Resort (barharborcampingresorts.com). This densely wooded park is backed up to the Acadia National Park and has three campgrounds to choose from. One of the Campgrounds, Mount Desert Narrows, offers oceanfront select campsites that must be held by reservation or Narrows tenting just inland for travelers or last minute arrivals.


Camping on the Beach on the Great Lakes -
The Great Lakes, J. W. Wells State Park - Cedar River, MI

Located on Green Bay in the north end of Lake Michigan is J.W.Wells State Park (michigandnr.com). This 678 acre park with three miles of sandy shoreline has been welcoming visitors since 1925. It offers five rustic cabins, one 12 person lodge, and 150 campsites with running water, electrical hookups, restrooms, and fire rings. Fish for Bass, Salmon, Trout, and Walleye in the nearby Cedar River. Or take a hike down the Wells-Cedar River trail.


RESOURCES

Campsite Reservations

http://www.reserveamerica.com/



REFERENCES

Sonoma County: Doran Park

http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_doran.htm.

Bahia Honda State Park: Big Pine Key, FL

http://floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/activities.cfm#12

Bar Harbor Camping Resort

http://www.barharborcampingresorts.com/content/4014/FIND_US/

J. W. Wells State Park: Michigan Department of Natural Resources

http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=432