Mustang Island State Park, Texas
This state park can be found south of Port Aransas on the Gulf of Mexico. It has 5 miles of beach and covers over 3,900 acres.
All the beach activities are there, from playing in the surf to building a sand castle. You can fish, watch for birds during the spring migration, picnic, or ride a mountain bike around. Paddling is a fun time, with 20 miles of paddling trails through fishing areas, with plenty of close-up views of the shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay, and flocks of coastal birds.
You will discover many sites here that provide comfortable camping. The sites are separated from the water by sand dunes, but you don’t have to walk far to get to the water. Stay at one of the 48 sites with water and electricity, or camp at one of the primitive sites. You’re allowed to have a campfire on the beach, which makes this a unique place to camp out.
Hammocks Beach State Park, North Carolina
This state park is located along the North Carolina coast at Bear Island. This barrier island is only accessible by water taxi, private boat, canoe, or kayak, and is undeveloped which makes it an ideal place to get away from it all.
Bring your own kayak or canoe and embark upon some exploration of the paddling trails through the marshes and maritime forest. Discover the park’s ecology and fascinating wildlife which includes nesting shorebirds and endangered sea turtles. As you stroll along the beach, you’ll see sandpipers darting in and out among the waves. Look into the tidal pools to see what life is there to discover.
Simple and primitive camping is located here close to the beach and inlet. There are eleven campsites that can accommodate up to six people and two tents. For primitive camping, you must carry in all your provisions from where you docked.
First Landing State Park, Virginia
This is where settlers coming to Virginia first landed, on Cape Henry in North Virginia Beach. This state park is a popular location where many come to see its cypress swamps and interior waterways. A National Natural Landmark and natural oasis, the park is well worth a visit.
The Chesapeake Bay has plenty of beach swimming, and there is a boat launch where you can access both the bay and the Atlantic. Enjoy biking, fishing, hiking, and boating. With 20 miles of trails, you have lots of choices of places to hike. Explore the plants and wildlife as well.
You can choose one of over 200 camping sites with water and electric hook-ups in the park. They are nestled in the dunes by the beach with a choice of different size campsites. Each of the campsites has a picnic table and fire ring. Some of the campsites can accommodate camping equipment up to 20 or 30 feet and RVs up to 50 feet. There are also 20 cabins on the other side of the drive from the campground.
Recommended: Outdoor Photography for Beginners
Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana
Just two hours away from New Orleans, this state park is on Grand Isle, the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana. Grand Isle lies between the Gulf and the inland channels that connect to the Mississippi River.
If you like fishing or crabbing, you can do it here. Deep-sea saltwater fishing is a favorite at this park. Surf fishers will likely hook some speckled trout or redfish, depending on the time of year. Nature trails allow you to get out in nature and get some hiking done. Splashing in the surf is fun in these warm waters. If you enjoy bird watching and want to add to your list of birds, you will find numerous species here in the park. The birds seem to delight as much as we do in the beauty of the Gulf shore.
Choose a favorite site among the 45 pull-through sites available that include water and electrical hook-ups. You can also choose one of the 14 primitive campsites on the beach for tent camping.
Cape Blanco State Park, Oregon
There on the Pacific, this state park has a lot of history to share. The rugged coastline is just a part of the fascination at the western-most tip of Oregon.
There is nothing quite like a hike to the beach on any of the eight miles of trails. Stop to throw in a fishing line on the Sixes River to hopefully make a trophy catch. If you have a horse, you can enjoy seven miles of trails to take to an open riding area of 150 acres. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the magnificence of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse.
Camping here is convenient with 52 sites that provide water and electricity. There are also four cabins, with two of those being pet-friendly. If you have a horse, you have the option of a horse camp with 8 primitive sites and 3 pull-through sites. Six of the sites and one of the cabins are accessible to those with disabilities.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Massachusetts
On the coast with an ocean beach, this state reservation boasts high-quality, sandy beach for its entire length, and is the perfect destination for water fun.
In addition to the beach, this state park also has a salt marsh, dunes and the mouth of the Merrimack River to explore. Take the boardwalk to the beach and go for a swim. You can use one of the two boat ramps to launch a boat and spend the day traveling the river.
With 484 campsites, you are bound to find one that suits your needs. Each one has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.