Wilderness Accommodations

There’s nothing better than falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean’s waves, which makes beach camping appealing to a lot of people. With beach camping, there are a wide range of fun activities just a few moments away, which makes it appealing for both couples and families. Beach camping is also great because the ocean often deters pests like mosquitoes, that tend to frequent areas near lakes and rivers.

When planning a beach vacation, it’s important to be aware of all the beach campsites available. Camping on the beach can be a real hassle because of all the sand, and tent camping on a beach can be somewhat difficult. In general, it’s a good idea to be a few feet back from the beach on a grassy area, instead of right on the sand. With the beach, it’s also important to be aware of animals like seagulls, which are notorious for grabbing food and other objects if left unattended. The beach can also be frequented by other animals, as tributaries often feed into the ocean, so it’s best to be aware if there are bears or other dangerous animals in the area.

The ocean has a mystical allure, and camping near the ocean can be a great way to spend a block of time at the beach.  The usual rules apply when setting up a beach campsite – find a safe location, don’t damage the environment, and maximize comfort.  However, camping at the beach presents some special challenges and opportunities that you won’t encounter camping in the mountains.  Special rules often apply at beaches, due to their unique and coveted nature.  A beach campsite gives you a unique opportunity to relax and have fun in a beautiful place.

Many public beaches do not allow beach camping at all.  If camping is allowed, it may be restricted to a campground away from the beach, or there may be special rules regarding glass, open fires, and motor vehicles at a beach campsite.  Other beaches may be totally unregulated and you will have to use common sense when setting up camp.  Remember to stay safe, get comfortable, and tread lightly.  Minimize your impact on the environment.

Beaches are always humid places.  For that reason, dew  will form at night and it is wise to plan accordingly.  Depending on the weather, sleeping out in the open can be great, but be prepared for a damp, chilly experience right around dawn.  Making a tent part of your beach campsite will take care of this problem, and will block wind and blowing sand.  During the day, a tent will also provide welcome shelter from the sun and wind.

The ocean demands the utmost respect from land-dwelling mammals.  Dangerous currents, rough surf, and tenacious sea creatures abound.  Be careful, especially with children.  Also, tides come in and go out.  Understand the tide cycle before setting up your camp.

Overall, beach camping can be great family fun, and a romantic getaway for couples.  Surfers and fishermen have their own reasons for spending time at the beach.  Beach camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the ocean!

When it comes to camping, location is always essential to enjoyment.  While it might seem like fun camping in certain places, there are always a few factors to consider.  For example, if the location is a lake and has flats or marshes near it, chances are there will be a lot of mosquitoes, which are irritating enough to ruin a vacation alone.  It’s also important to consider weather; don’t count on fair weather all the time when camping at high altitudes or on the coast.  Despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions, the beach is a great place to camp.  The ideal beach campsite won’t be right on the beach (mostly to avoid all the nasty sand that gets in the tent and all over the campsite), but an ideal location is great for all the various beach activities, camping activities, and fantastic sunsets. 

It’s also important to bring the right camping equipment for the location; you might need rain gear, a rain fly for the tent, and waterproof boots for example.  For high altitude camping, it’s important to have a four season tent if there’s even a chance of snow.  Being prepared is more than half the battle when it comes to an enjoyable camping trip!

There are few words I could write to describe one of my latest experiences.
Along the Pacific Coastline, it’s hard to see a sunrise like this unless of course you found a campsite like I did on Vancouver Island looking East back to the Canadian shores.

The rocks were cool and moist still from the tide that evening. The waters were still and the sky was calm as the I began to wake that morning. My tent was still imbued with the smoke from last nights campfire and dew was collecting on the dome.

I sat bewildered, not because of the simplicity of the moment and not because of the sheer beauty before me. No, I was bewildered because at that moment, I didn’t care about anything else in the world. I couldn’t remember where I worked, or what I HAD to do next week. I probably couldn’t have even told you my name. Yet there I was, at a pretty little beachfront campsite enjoying the only amenity they need to advertise….serenity.