Beach Camping 101

Sand

Sand has ruined many beach camping trips by getting into every nook and cranny of the RV.  Here are some ways to keep the sand on the beach where it belongs:

• Always pack separate beach and bath towels to avoid bringing sand into the RV. Hang up beach towels outside and bath towels inside.
• Do not allow any shoes in the RV. Keep a small tub of water by the door to rinse feet before coming inside.
• Invest in a nice outdoor rug and broom. Sweep off the rug daily.
• Use the outdoor shower if your RV has one. If not, bring a splitter and attach an extra hose to the water spigot at your campsite for a quick rinse off.
• Bring separate beach and camping chairs. Once you are showered and changed, you will want to sit around the fire without getting sandy again.

Water

If you don’t bring the right gear for splashing in the waves, you may find yourself shopping in one of those expensive sundry stores. Here is what you need to bring:

• Always pack at least two swimsuits. No one likes putting on a wet suit for an afternoon swim.
• Invest in quality rash guards that will protect you from the sun. They will also ease the sting while you practice your professional body surfing moves.
• Make sure you pack a clothesline to hang up those wet bathing suits and towels. We adore the ones that attach to the RV.
• If you have younger children, pack an inflatable baby pool. Often the surf may be too rough or the water too cold for the little ones. Splashing in a baby pool on the beach will keep them happy for hours.

Sun

The sun may feel like heaven when you first arrive, but if you don’t pack the proper protection you might be calling it quits after a few days at the beach. Stay safe and stock up on these items:

• Sunscreen will be much more affordable when you buy it at home rather than in an expensive tourist shop. Make sure you get a water-resistant, high SPF.
• Make sure everyone in the family has comfortable, breathable hats that can be worn all day.
• Invest in a pop-up shade room that will offer shelter from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy the view and the breezes.
• Bring an umbrella or two for shaded breaks while hanging out on the beach.

Wind

Although ocean breezes can keep you cool, often the winds whip up without warning along the coast. Here are some tips for making sure your belongings don’t take flight.

• Never leave your RV awning extended while camping at the beach. We have seen many RVs lose their awnings in a single, sudden gust of wind.
• Pin everything down. Stake those outdoor carpets, clip on the tablecloth, and put the napkins in a caddy.
• Beach umbrella anchors are an inexpensive way to ensure you don’t end up chasing your umbrella down the shoreline.

We definitely pack a lot more gear when we are heading out on a beach camping adventure. But we find that being prepared means we enjoy our time in the sun instead of feeling beaten down by the elements. Once you have your base camp set up, there is only one other item you will need: an ice-cold drink with an umbrella in it.