Discover the top 10 beaches for camping in the USA, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers! From the rugged shores of Olympic National Park’s Second Beach in Washington to the pristine sands of Assateague Island in Maryland, these coastal gems offer stunning views, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. Enjoy campfire nights under the stars at California’s Jalama Beach, or explore the serene beauty of Padre Island National Seashore in Texas. Whether you’re pitching a tent on Oregon’s Cannon Beach or Florida’s Bahia Honda State Park, these destinations blend sun, surf, and outdoor thrills. Ideal for family trips or solo escapes, these beaches promise memories that last a lifetime.
Wai’anapanapa State Park (Maui, Hawaii)
Wai’anapanapa State Park, on Maui’s rugged Hana coast, is a camping paradise with its black-sand beach, lava tubes, and coastal trails. Surfers can catch consistent 3-6 foot waves in winter (November-March), ideal for intermediates, while the dramatic shoreline offers a serene backdrop. The campground provides 12 cabins and 40 tent sites with restrooms, showers, and picnic tables, starting at $20-$30 per night (permits required). Its remote vibe and cultural significance make it a bucket-list spot for surf and nature lovers.
Address: Wai’anapanapa State Park, 54 Wai’anapanapa Rd, Hana, HI 96713
Website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov
Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland)
Assateague Island, straddling Maryland and Virginia, is famed for wild horses roaming its 37-mile sandy shore. Surfers enjoy 2-6 foot waves in fall (September-November), best for beginners to intermediates near the Maryland side. Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds offer 150+ drive-in and walk-in sites for tents and RVs, with picnic tables, fire rings, toilets, and showers ($30-$40/night, reservations required March-November). Kayaking and wildlife spotting enhance this untamed coastal escape.
Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811
Website: https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
Bahia Honda State Park (Florida Keys, Florida)
Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys offers white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for a tropical camping getaway. While surfing is limited, nearby reefs provide occasional 2-4 foot waves for beginners in winter (December-February). The park’s 80 campsites, including tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, start at $36/night, with restrooms, showers, and a visitor center. Snorkeling, kayaking, and stargazing make this a family-friendly surf-and-sea haven.
Address: Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043
Website: https://floridastateparks.org
Padre Island National Seashore (Texas)
Padre Island National Seashore, the world’s longest undeveloped barrier island, stretches 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico, offering prime beach camping. Surfers flock to spots like Malaquite Beach for 3-8 foot waves in spring (March-May), suitable for all levels. Five campgrounds (Malaquite, Bird Island Basin, North Beach, South Beach, Yarborough Pass) provide 100+ sites for tents and RVs, starting at $8/night (first-come, first-served), with chemical toilets and picnic tables. Kayaking and turtle hatchling releases add adventure.
Address: Padre Island National Seashore, 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Website: https://nps.gov
Hunting Island State Park (South Carolina)
Hunting Island State Park, 17 miles from Beaufort, boasts 5 miles of pristine beaches and a historic lighthouse. Surfers can ride 2-6 foot waves in fall (September-November), ideal for beginners and intermediates. The beachfront campground offers 100+ sites for tents and RVs with water/electric hookups, hot showers, and restrooms ($40-$65/night, reservations required). Trails, fishing, and loggerhead turtle nesting make this a vibrant East Coast surf-camping destination.
Address: Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, Hunting Island, SC 29920
Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com
Sonoma Coast State Park (Wright’s Beach, California)
Sonoma Coast State Park, near Bodega Bay, features dramatic cliffs and sandy coves along a 17-mile coastline. Surfers tackle 4-10 foot waves at spots like Salmon Creek in winter (December-March), best for intermediates. Wright’s Beach campground offers 27 sites for tents and RVs with picnic tables, fire rings, and flush toilets ($35/night, reservations via ReserveCalifornia). Hiking, fishing, and sunset views make this a NorCal surf-camping gem.
Address: Wright’s Beach, 7095 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
Website: https://parks.ca.gov
Olympic National Park (Kalaloch Campground, Washington)
Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and mossy coastal forests. Surfers brave 4-12 foot waves at nearby La Push in winter (December-March), suited for advanced riders due to strong currents. The campground’s 170 sites for tents and RVs include fire rings and restrooms ($24/night, reservations May-September). Tide pools, whale watching, and bald eagle sightings create a wild, surf-inspired Pacific Northwest experience.
Address: Kalaloch Campground, 165199 US-101, Forks, WA 98331
Website: https://nps.gov
Jalama Beach County Park (California)
Jalama Beach County Park, a hidden gem near Santa Barbara, offers a rustic coastal escape with rolling dunes and uncrowded shores. Surfers enjoy 4-8 foot waves in winter (December-March), ideal for intermediates at this point break. The campground provides 107 sites for tents and RVs, with fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms ($30-$50/night, first-come, first-served). The Jalama Beach Grill’s famous burgers and nearby wine country add local flavor.
Address: Jalama Beach County Park, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436
Website: https://countyofsb.org
Hammocks Beach State Park (North Carolina)
Hammocks Beach State Park, near Swansboro, is a pristine barrier island accessible only by ferry or private boat, offering a secluded camping experience. Surfers can catch 2-6 foot waves in fall (September-November), great for beginners to intermediates. The campground features 14 tent sites with basic amenities like restrooms and drinking water ($15-$26/night, reservations required). Kayaking, fishing, and starry nights make this an East Coast surf-camping haven.
Address: Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Rd, Swansboro, NC 28584
Website: https://ncparks.gov
San Clemente State Beach (California)
San Clemente State Beach, a SoCal classic, combines a mile-long sandy shore with reliable surf near Trestles. Surfers flock here for 3-8 foot waves in summer (June-September), perfect for intermediates at this world-class point break. The campground offers 160 sites for tents and RVs with fire pits, tables, and showers ($35-$65/night, reservations via ReserveCalifornia). Trails, surf fishing, and a laid-back vibe make it a top pick for surf-camping enthusiasts.
Address: San Clemente State Beach, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
Website: https://parks.ca.gov