Beach Getaways for RVers
From White Sands to Craggy Outcroppings
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When people think about RVing, they’re usually thinking about pulling into a state or national park, setting up their rig beneath a canopy of tall pine or redwood trees, and being surrounded by lush greenery full of (for better or worse) insects and animals. And sure, that’s definitely part of it.
The beauty of an RV, though, is that you can go anywhere the road will take you. Thanks to a pretty impressive expanse of interconnected highways and interstates (and a basic need for water) a lot of those roads lead to beaches.
When you’ve had enough of the woods and need a change of pace, or if you’re just looking for a little temporary piece of beachfront property, there are plenty of great beach getaways that are perfect for RVers. Let’s look at a few beach getaways and the best ways to camp your RV on (or near) the surf.
How to Camp on a Beach in Your RV
There are a few good tips to know before taking your RV to the beach.
Where to Camp
First thing’s first. Your RV is probably not an offroad vehicle and is not suited for driving across the sand, no matter how packed down it is. That’s a surefire way to get yourself stuck, and also a prime way to ruin your vacation.
Handling Sand
It gets everywhere, and you absolutely will drag some inside no matter how careful you are. Get an outdoor mat and a small broom to dust any sand off your feet before you go inside. If you have an outdoor shower, use it to rinse off your feet. Otherwise, bring along a hose with a spray nozzle.
Bring Beach Gear
If you’re used to the woods, you may automatically pack for the woods. But you’ll want other gear, like beach blankets, sun hats and sunscreen, swimsuits, and other things for beach fun.
After the Beach
Once you leave your small slice of surfing heaven, take your rig for a good washing. Sand has a really terrible way of getting into every single crack and crevice and increases wear and tear, which causes all sorts of issues down the line.
Best Beach Getaway Spots
Long Key State Park, Florida
Do you want a real beach vacation? Like a series of them? A beach vacation that’s so serious you can’t even get away from the beaches unless you’re driving your RV across the water? Then let’s talk Long Key State Park, in the Florida Keys.
At Long Key State Park, you’ll be able to enjoy all the beach has to offer. (Image from Shutterstock)
Located about halfway along the Overseas Highway, Long Key State Park used to be a hot spot for the fabulously well-to-do. Now, though, it’s accessible to anyone and is a prime spot for birdwatching, ocean kayaking, fishing, and generally enjoying paradise. If you want to do a beach getaway and do it big, visit Long Key State Park.
- Beachfront Sites: Yes
- Hookups: Electric (30 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: 32 feet
Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby
- Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina: 17 miles from Long Key State Park – this 8-month old RV resort sits halfway between Key Largo and Key West and includes a 12-slip marina, 25 RV sites, 50 room hotel, and private sunset beach on the Gulf.
- Fiesta Key RV Resort: 3 miles from Long Key State Park – this 28-acre resort sits on its own island in the heart of the Florida Keys. Enjoy on-site marina, restaurant, beach bar, pool, and spa.
Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina
South Carolina is well known for its beaches, and Hunting Island State Park is one of them. While it’s not exactly a quiet respite full of peace and quiet—the park gets nearly a million visitors a year—it’s still a gorgeous area jam-packed with sand and surf, and that’s the real point of a beach getaway anyway.
One of the most unique places to see in South Carolina, Hunting Island State Park is worth the trip. (Image from Shutterstock)
The park features South Carolina’s only accessible lighthouse and sits on five miles of beach. There’s also a saltwater lagoon for a little extra exploration. There are a whopping 100 sites to choose from here, but they go fast so book ahead.
- Beachfront Sites: No
- Hookups: Electric (20/30/50 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: 50 feet
A Good Sam Campground Nearby
- Lakewood Camping Resort: 18 miles from Huntington Beach State Park – Selected as the Official Best Campground in South Carolina by Best of SC. Spread over 200 oceanfront acres with 2,000 campsites, 112 rental villas, and their very own full-featured water park, it’s a lot more than just camping.
Crystal Cove State Park, California
California knows a lot about beaches. And when you find one right off of Pacific Coast Highway, you know it’s going to stand out. Crystal Cove State Park is one of those. It sits on a little over three miles of beach and has actually been a popular film spot with over 15 films having been shot here.
If you’re looking for a truly idyllic paradise, look no further than Crystal Cove. (Image from Shutterstock)
You can swim, surf, or kayak, or just sit outside your RV and watch the waves roll in. With some of the beachfront sites available, you’ll love waking up to the sound of crashing waves.
- Beachfront Sites: Yes
- Hookups: Electric (30/50 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: 40 feet
A Good Same Park Nearby
- Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina: 8 miles from Crystal Cove State Park – Pull up your trailer into a beachfront RV site, or relax in a beachfront cottage. Enjoy instant ocean access via the Newport Beach Marina Club, featuring Orange County’s premier boat launch.
Sea and Sand RV Park, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest sometimes gets a rap for being rainy and cloudy, but that’s not the case on the coast. And while Oregon’s coasts range a bit more from sandy and easy to traverse to rocky and more comfortable to stay off of, it’s still beautiful and definitely counts as a beach getaway.
The coast of Oregon can be more rugged, but it’s extremely beautiful. (Image from Shutterstock)
The Sea and Sand RV Park puts you right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. In fact, there are several spots that are terraced to allow more people beautiful views. The beach here is sandy and perfect for beachcombing and finding shells, or you can rent a charter nearby and do a little fishing or crabbing.
- Beachfront Sites: Yes
- Hookups: Electric (30/50 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: 40 feet
A Good Sam Campground Nearby
- Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort: 12 miles from Sea and Sand RV Park – Located on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, enjoy their fitness center, heated pools, and trails to the beach.
Libby’s Oceanside Camp, Maine
Now, one place you admittedly may not think of when you think “beach getaway” is Maine. And while it’s true you’re not likely to take your RV there in the offseason, Maine still has a booming tourist industry with beaches not unlike Oregon’s on the opposite coast.
Prebbles Point is just up the road on the Maine coast and is quite beautiful. (Image from Shutterstock)
While some of this coast is smooth and sandy, other parts are rocky and less convenient for walking. Libby’s Oceanside Camp spans two beaches—Pebble and Low Tide Sandy Beaches—and has sites located all along the way. Now, the season is only open from May until October, so get there fast.
- Beachfront Sites: Yes
- Hookups: Electric (50 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: 40 feet
A Good Sam Campground Nearby
- Sandy Pines Campground: Tucked into a secluded beach forest and bordered by a salt marsh, the setting is enhanced by ocean views and salty breezes. Minutes from Goose Rocks Beach and Dock Square.
Grand Haven State Park, Michigan
Who said the beach has to be on one of the oceans? If you’re anywhere in the midwest, you’re perfectly familiar with the third coast—that is, any of the thousands of miles of coastline on the Great Lakes. Grand Haven State Park sits on Lake Michigan, and aside from the lack of salt, you might not even realize you’re not on the ocean. Seriously, these lakes are big.
If you’re looking for a Midwestern beach getaway, check out Grand Haven State Park in Michigan. (Image from Shutterstock)
And camping on Lake Michigan still gives you everything you’d hope for in a standard beach vacation, along with freshwater fishing and the classic midwestern hospitality—plus chilly nights that are perfect by a fire.
- Beachfront Sites: Yes
- Hookups: Electric (20/30/50 amp), Water
- Max RV Length: >32 feet
A Good Sam Campground Nearby
- Little River Casino Resort RV Park: 92 miles from Grand Haven – this RV park has 95 deluxe campsites with access to indoor and outdoor pools. Also enjoy their elegant hotel, full-service spa, restaurants, and renovated gaming floor.
