RV Camping on the Beach —What You Should Avoid!
In last week’s blog, we discussed some of the basics of boondocking. More specifically, the details of boondocking with a single battery! Boondocking on the beach can be a great way to enjoy nature, discover new locations, and save money on accommodations. However, it also has some challenges that need to be considered before embarking on this adventure. Here are some of the pros and cons of RV or van boondocking on the beach, including how tides can affect your experience.
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We always try to be realistic with our expectations, otherwise, one small hiccup can send you spiraling! When it comes to dry camping, you have to be prepared to go with the flow. Let’s just dip our toes in the water and go over a few pros and cons of beach boondocking.
Pros
Stunning Views: When you park your RV or van on the beach, you get to wake up to the sound of waves crashing, and a spectacular ocean view!
Peaceful and Secluded: Boondocking on the beach can provide a lot of privacy, away from the crowds and the noise of the city.
Affordable: It is usually free or requires a small fee when compared to staying at a campground.
Cool Temperature: The breeze from the ocean can help cool down the temperature inside the RV or van, making it more comfortable during the summer months.
Beach Activities: You have immediate access to beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing.
Cons
Environmental Regulations: These can be closures unexpectedly due to storms, high tides, or nesting protocols for certain species.
Humidity: Be ready to run the dehumidifier after your trip!
Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to boondocking on the beach, however, environmental regulations are nothing to scoff at. It throws a real wrench in plans when you arrive at your destination only to find that it’s closed off or the tide is too high. Know before you go, or at least have a backup plan for the night in case this happens!
How to Find Boondocking Sites
We utilize a few apps to find boondocking locations. You’ve heard of many of them before, but they are tried and true for locating some safe dry camping locations. Campendium is our go to recommmendation because it is accessible for almost any one to use! All Stays Pro is the next app recommendation. Although it is a paid app, we are partial to this one because we have used it for years. One additional way of finding beach boondocking is a good ole fashioned Google search. The Wayward Home wrote a fantastic article covering several apps-! We’ll drop that link here so you can check out their blog and find some other helpful apps!
Campendium is our go to app mention because it is free and web based if preferred!
What About the Tides?
If you live near a coast, you are likely familiar with the changing tides. We recommend trying to find as much information as you can regarding the tides where you are staying. Bullards Beach State Park in Oregon actually provides a tide map upon check-in, but this isn’t always the case for boondocking areas. You can usually Google search the area you plan to stay in, followed by the word “tide” and gather some information that way!
A lot of the apps we recommend also include reviews from other campers. You can gain much insight from these reviews, including tide information. Ultimately, even the tide tables are merely predictions and there is never any guarantee when it comes to a roaring ocean. The bottom line is — always check ahead of time, and simply being aware of your surroundings goes a long way!
We had a really interesting experience getting leveled out while remaining hooked up! Watch below
To Unhook or Not to Unhook, That is the Question!
Boy, we don’t even like having this in writing. This is a highly controversial topic. As always, the Hanks recommend that you do your research and please do what is best for your safety and rig! We are merely sharing our personal experiences with you, from one former newbie to another. Alright now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let’s talk about why we decided to remain hooked up to our towing vehicle for our beach boondocking adventure. We simply remained hooked up to alleviate time-consuming tasks in case we needed to get out in a hurry! There’s not much reasoning other than that. Now, this does require some finesse so that you can take the pressure off of your truck and hitch all while ensuring your rig is level and safe, but it can be done! We highly recommend bringing along some boards and blocks so you can play Legos in real life. No, seriously, keep a few boards around — the sand can vary from beach to beach.
Alright, now you’ve got a handle on how to approach beach boondocking. You can have those oceanfront views with just a little planning, and trust us, you won’t regret it! Kick summer off the right way and hit the road. Still a little nervous about the RV life? We got you covered!- Our weekly newsletter is free, and we share tips, videos, and details to help you gain confidence!
Check out some more RV boondocking adventures!
