Beach Camping Tips

This year I am determined to do things differently.

I will not be a last minute packer haha.

We have two kids now – one is a wild three year old and the other is in a stage of all time high clinginess. So last minute packer cannot be an option this time around!

I’ve created a packing list! If you’re planning on going beach camping at some point, which I highly suggest because it’s the best, this might be helpful!

Midweek we always take a break from the beach go to an amusement park. Our family favorite is Knott’s Berry Farm! I honestly think it’s the cheapest amusement park but it has the cutest area for kids called Snoopy Land. I literally have the whole park memorized by how many times we’ve gone and I’m still not tired of it! I love that we take a break from the beach and get out!

Another thing we do that I love is, coming together for dinners. We pair up with another family and host dinner for one night. So you make dinner for only one night. Breakfasts and lunches are done separately but having dinner set up this way is so nice.

Beach Camping Items You Probably Wouldn’t Think to Bring:

1. Mats – These are super nice to have on a campsite! The kids can play on them and you don’t feel like you have to be in sand or wearing sandals 24/7.
2. Wagon – This helps with taking everything down to the beach! The less trips the better!
3. Table Cloth – There are wood picnic tables on each campsite. They’re old and worn so it’s nice to bring your own table cloth!
4. Turkish Towels – It’s so humid near the ocean that once you use a beach towel it’s never dry again.. These are light weight so they will actually dry!

We also love bringing bikes, scooters and skateboards! We’ll take family bike rides to the camp store and get ice cream! California has a strict helmet law. So if you’re beach camping there make sure you have helmets for everyone in your family!

I hope this helps with planning your first or next beach camping trip! It’s been my favorite family tradition. There’s not much better than a week at the beach.