Oceanfront Campgrounds
Latest

Oceanfront Campgrounds: Best for Family Camping

Apr 03, 2024

You will adore these 19 Oceanfront Campgrounds if you don't mind some sand on the bottom of your vehicle. These parks are dispersed around the United States and are either directly adjacent to or in the center of sandy beaches.

Although Florida is home to a large number of these beaches, you may also find several in other states with coastlines, such Oregon and even New York. Now is the time to pack the towels and flip-flops, so make some room in the rig.

The East Coast boasts a few beautiful beachfront campgrounds located right against the silver and blue seas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Oceanfront Campgrounds

Most of these campgrounds are extremely popular, necessitating careful planning and a little luck to secure the best sites. So, if you want to experience beach camping on the East Coast, you should start doing your homework.

Best Oceanfront Campgrounds

If you are among the nature lovers that go camping with entire family, here is a cheat sheet on popular campgrounds to get you started.

These beautiful Oceanfront Campgrounds are some of the best on the East Coast. Just remember to pack your sunscreen and bathing suit, okay?

1. Island Beach State Park - New Jersey

Island Beach State Park - New Jersey

Island Beach State Park seen at the Seaside Heights is a conserved barrier island that safeguards a variety of natural shoreline and nearshore habitats.

The park has over ten miles of sandy beach, a long shoreline along Barnegat Bay, lush maritime forests, rolling sand dunes, as well as tidal marshes.

Island Beach is said to be home to foxes, ospreys, various wildlife, and over 400 different plant species.t's a favorite beach to drive to and surf fish. You must have 4WD to drive onto the beach, and there is no camping.

However, you are permitted to stay overnight as long as you are fishing. You will need to leave a line in the water all night and have never been asked to leave.

The most known recreational activities are swimming and surf fishing. You can also ride a bicycle, surf, go hiking, have a picnic, bring your horse, kayak, or watch birds. You also gain access to Barnegat Bay, where you can kayak, fly fish, crab, as well as watch stunning sunsets.

READ ALSO: Sturgis Campgrounds and RV Camping Parks

2. Ocean Lakes Family Campground - South Carolina

Ocean Lakes Family Campground - South Carolina

The vast Ocean Lakes Family Campground is located in Myrtle Beach. With more than 800 sites spread across 310 oceanfront acres and more than a mile of shoreline, five bath houses, and other amenities, it's the biggest campground on the East Coast.

The pull-through, spacious sites provide all the amenities needed for full hookups. They are mostly on concrete platforms and are situated alongside paved roadways. You can always go on a short walk.

At the campground, there's a lot to do, especially if you have kids. Enjoy a cool stroll down the shore, visit their recently opened water park, play a round of golf at the adjacent par 72 Prestwick Golf Course, or stop by one of the many eateries in the area. For a family holiday, this is an excellent RV beach campground. 

3. Lakewood Camping Resort

Lakewood Camping Resort

There is more sand and grassy area between your toes at Lakewood Camping Resort than at any other Grand Strand resort because to its 0.5 square mile beachfront location!

In addition to their very own fully equipped water park, they also include basketball courts, a dump station, an indoor as well as outdoor pool, a mini golf course, beach volleyball courts, live performances in our beachfront amphitheater, kid- and teen-focused programs, and much more.

Lakewood is a sizable family playground. They offer approximately three hundred acres of family-friendly entertainment, including two pools, a half-mile beach, a full-sized water park, a mini-golf course, about a dozen sports arenas, bikes, pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and the most amazing atmosphere for celebrating camping culture!

Lakewood extends almost a complete half mile of shoreline. Compared to other Grand Strand resorts, the one has the most sand between its toes!

The first community to build its own water park was Lakewood! We have an Olympic-sized pool, a lazy river, enormous water park slides, a kiddie pool, a kid's water park, live bands, a deck area where you can lounge in the sun, and even private cabanas by the pool. We even have a sunbathing terrace and an indoor pool with a jacuzzi!

The Myrtle Beach region is known as the global center for mini golf, but you don't have to leave the resort to play!

These guys own River Town Golf, an 18-hole putt-putt course! You can also begin a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat into one of our numerous lakes straight from the docks in River Town!

4. Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras / Outer Banks KOA Resort, North Carolina

The Cape Hatteras KOA may be the best option for you if you want to camp directly on the beach and have access to tons of fantastic amenities including an Olympic-sized pool and hot tub.

Not only does the beach in front of the campground have some of the best surfing on the east coast, but you should also have a bar of surf wax in your backpack in addition to sunscreen.

There isn't much shade here, so you might be tempted to open the awning on your RV. Just proceed with caution, as strong winds might soon build up. For this very purpose, the Wright brothers traveled to the Outer Banks.

READ ALSO: Kauai Campgrounds and Parks in Hawaii State

5. Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon

Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon

Actually, this list includes two Beverly Beaches. Oregon is home to the first one. This is the RV park for you if you don't mind a little bit more wind and fog than in Florida.

Beverly Beach State Park, which is close to Newport on the Central Oregon Coast, features 76 electrical sites in addition to 53 full hookup sites.

Although the locations are in a forest, Beverly Beach is only a short distance away. For additional information about camping in this state park, see our RV LIFE article.

6. Grand Isle State Park - Louisiana

Grand Isle State Park - Louisiana

After strolling around Bourbon Street, proceed to the bayou. Only two hours from New Orleans, Grand Isle State Park offers 49 RV spots with water and electricity hookups.

There are 14 tent spots available if you would rather camp directly on the beach. This seaside campground is a great place for beachgoers and birdwatchers to enjoy themselves.

7. Sandy Neck Beach Park - Massachusetts

Sandy Neck Beach Park - Massachusetts

There are campsites right on the beach at Sandy Neck Beach Park, which spans 4,700 acres. An RV must have septic tanks and gray water if you want to bring one.

To ensure it can handle the sand, your car might also need to pass a driving test at the beach. Nonetheless, once you're on the beach, you can enjoy solitude while swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and even building a fire!

Long hiking trails that pass through a coastal forest and marshlands are also available in the park. This beach is ideal for those who enjoy running or walking over its lengthy length. Due to the abundance of rocks on the beach, make careful to pack water shoes.

There are enough little pebbles that you should bring water shoes or flip-flops. Families with little children can enjoy the water here quite well.

Depending on the tides, there may be many kid-friendly, safe shallow tidal pools during low tide. There are miles of dog-friendly beaches to enjoy.

READ ALSO: Best Mackinaw Campgrounds

8. Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach State Park, South Carolina

Coastal South Carolina boasts breathtaking scenery and a wealth of top-notch outdoor activities almost everywhere you look. Fortunately, their state park campsite system is among the greatest in the nation.

While Myrtle Beach State Park is close to the region's wild and crazy entertainment and food options, it is also far enough away to give a peaceful escape.

The spotless beaches are conveniently located near the shaded RV sites within the campsite. The pier offers excellent fishing, and it's a lovely location for dawn or dusk photography. There are also full hook-ups available here. Remamber, you should not make your walking distance too far from your RV or tent.

9. Cape Henlopen State Park - Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park - Delaware

The intersection of Delaware Bay as well as the Atlantic Ocean is home to Cape Henlopen State Park. Camp at Lewes among pine-covered dunes, just a short stroll from the Atlantic and a five-mile beach.

Discover Cape Henlopen State Park's 7,000 acres! Cape Explore the richness and beauty of the Cape Henlopen coastal ecosystem, which includes tidal salt marshes, maritime woods, and bay and ocean beaches.

In addition to new fire rings, hot showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables, a one-way vehicle circulation pattern, a camp store, laundry facilities, pull-through and walk-in tent sites, a play area, more dump stations, a remodeled registration booth, and an expanded overflow parking area, the recently renovated campground offers water and 50 and 100 amp electric hook-ups.

At Cape Henlopen, there's a bait and tackle shop, a wildlife center, food booths, and campsites available for families.

10. Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park

In what other place might one camp for a free breakfast amidst wild horses on an island? Situated on Assateague Island, between the Atlantic Ocean and Sinepuxent Bay, are Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore.

These areas offer miles of sandy beaches and campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. The beach and campgrounds are frequently visited by the renowned wild horses. While photographing them might be entertaining, take cautious not to approach, touch, or feed them.

Though it seems complicated, there is a difference between the two beach campgrounds. Access to both communities is via MD Rte 611, which is located approximately 15 minutes south of MD Rte 50 and the well-known Ocean City, Maryland. Both areas share the Assateague barrier island.

With heated showers and refreshments, the State Park is geared mainly toward families. There are 350 open sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring.

There are several sites in J-Loop with limited hookups, and there are hookups accessible in H-Loop. These locations must be reserved a full year before your trip.

There are 158 campsites available in Assateague Island National Seashore, which is located along a stunning 20-mile bay and ocean stretch. In the National Seashore Campground, there are no connections.

Pets are permitted on leashes in the non-lifeguarded portion of the National Seashore, and campfires are permitted on the beach. The National Seashore offers cold showers exclusively and has no concessions.

11. Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Florida

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, Florida

Once more, we conclude with Florida's excellent beach camping. Amazing waterfront campsites are available at Sunshine Key RV Resort, which is situated on Ohio Key.

This is the height of luxury beach camping, complete with full hookups, a store, and a recreation hall.

READ ALSO: 19 Best Shenandoah Campgrounds

12. Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground - Rhode Island

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground - Rhode Island

Despite not being on the coast, Narragansett's Fishermen's Memorial State Park Campground has access to Bluff Hill Cove's water. There are 147 roomy, shaded campsites with full amenities available.

There are bike routes, a kid's playground, and a variety of activities in the permission office at the campground.

The highly-liked Roger W. Wheeler and Scarborough State Beaches are both rather near to the campground, which is situated directly across the street from the Block Island Ferry.

There is a fantastic farmers market every Sunday. Additionally, there is a farm that sells regional meat directly down the street. For some amazing steaks to grill, stop by there.

13. First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park

There are 2,700 acres of protected salt marsh habitat, a bay, dune maritime forests, and freshwater ponds at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach.

In addition to boating, swimming, hiking, biking, and nature programs, the park features 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage and 20 miles of trails.

Twenty to forty-five foot RVs can be accommodated in its almost 200 spots. A picnic table and fire grill are included in each of the 108 RV campsites that have electrical and water hookups. Campers have easy access to water because every site is only a short distance from the Chesapeake Bay.

14. Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina

Huntington Beach State Park is a small campground that has a more naturally diversified topography and is a bit quieter than Myrtle Beach Area State Park. RV owners dispute over whose campsite is superior, but that ignores the main issue.

They are both excellent. Also, the campground at Huntington is quite close to the seaside and has lots of shade, so every night as you go to sleep, you can hear the waves breaking against your campsite.

Don't forget to check out Atalaya Castle, which is situated inside the park's boundaries. The history of the Spanish architecture is full of folklore from the area, and it is very gorgeous. Don't worry about cash, you can always pay with a credit card.

READ ALSO: Best Big Bear Campgrounds and RV Parks

15. Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday, Maine

Bar Harbor / Oceanside KOA Holiday, Maine

Though only the most resilient people would wear bathing suits here, you might not need sunscreen at the Bar Harbor KOA, any tour of east coast oceanfront campgrounds should begin on the craggy and stunning sands of coastal Maine.

Lovely sunsets and fantastic kayaking can be found in the Bar Harbor KOA—that is, if the wind doesn't pick up too much. Additionally, you can buy a lobster supper and eat it on your seaside property. The campground overlooks Acadia National Park, which is only a short drive away.

16. Jekyll Island Campground

<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0754/0775/3528/files/Jekyll_Island_Campground_480x480.jpg?v=1712160796">

There's a sense of hybridity between this public park and private campground here. Despite not being a part of Georgia's wonderful state park system, it is actually owned by the state.

Although the campground is shaded and well-located, the sites are not as spacious and private as those at many state parks. The island itself is stunning, offering a wide variety of beaches. Driftwood Beach, which lies near the campground, is the best of all.

The exposed bones of ancient trees scattered across the beach are caused by erosion. This gives your images an eerie effect and turns the beach into a natural playground that will keep your kids busy for hours while you unwind.

17. Holiday Trav-L Park Resort, North Carolina

Holiday Trav-L Park Resort, North Carolina

On Emerald Island, which is part of North Carolina's Crystal Coast, sits this RV resort. In addition to full hookup sites up to 50 feet long, they provide more than 300 water and electric sites suitable for tents and RVs.

The resort offers a bike path that makes getting about the island easy, a swimming pool, trash pickup, contemporary restrooms, cable TV, and free WiFi.

Along with other services (such propane refills and camper and boat storage) that are charged extra, they also host community activities like church services and live music.

18. Hither Hills State Park, New York

Hither Hills State Park, New York

In Montauk, New York, camping at Hither Hills State Park is as enjoyable as surfing. There are no connections at Hither Hills, so be ready to dry camp and use the batteries and self-contained holding tanks in your RV.

Here, RVs equipped with solar panels will be very appropriate. Montauk offers fantastic food and drink options in addition to quirky beachside stores and art galleries. The water in front of the campground can be choppy, so be cautious of riptides and currents.

READ ALSO: Best North Georgia Campgrounds

19. Hammonasset Beach State Park - Connecticut

Hammonasset Beach State Park - Connecticut

The 900-acre Hammonaset Beach State Park near Madison features two kilometers of sandy beach with moderate waves.

Overall, it's ideal for hiking, surfing, and swimming. When the large resort hotels are full, the selection of more than 550 immaculate campsites provides an affordable beach getaway.

Large, grassy campsites are available, and while they are not directly on the beach, there is a lovely sandy road that leads there.

A clean beach, camping, biking, a nature center, dog walk areas, boat access, fishing jetty, spacious pavilions with picnic tables, restrooms, and pathways leading to breathtaking vistas are all features of Hammonasset Beach. Additionally, just outside the gates are some fantastic neighborhood eateries.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.