Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast 2025

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Last Updated on October 2, 2025 by Paul Clayton

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Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Key Takeaways

- Diversity of Experience: The East Coast offers a vast array of beach camping experiences, ranging from luxurious RV resorts with full hookups (such as Ocean Lakes in SC or Camp Hatteras in NC) to remote, primitive island camping accessible only by boat (like Sea Camp in GA or Biscayne National Park in FL).
- Amenities Vary Widely: Campgrounds fall into three main categories:
  - Full-Service RV: Sites with water, electricity (50-amp often available), sewer hookups, and modern facilities (laundry, hot showers), ideal for long stays (e.g., Cape Henlopen, Fishermen’s Memorial).
  - Limited/Self-Contained RV: Sites may lack full hookups, requiring the RV to be self-contained with holding tanks and permanent bath equipment (e.g., East Beach, RI; Hither Hills State Park, NY).
  - Tent/Primitive: Sites that may be boat-access only and lack electricity, flush toilets, or running water, offering a rugged, secluded experience (e.g., Sea Camp in GA, Boca Chita Key in FL).
- Booking is Crucial: Many highly desirable or limited-site parks, such as Hampton Beach State Park (NH) and certain loops in Assateague State Park (MD), require reservations up to 11 months or even a year in advance due to high demand.
- Key East Coast Highlights:
  - Wildlife: Assateague Island (MD) is famous for its wild horses.
  - Scenic Beauty: Grayton Beach State Park (FL) is consistently ranked among the most beautiful US beaches.
  - Unique Access: Several locations (Biscayne, Cayo Costa) are island-based and require boat travel, adding a significant element of adventure.

Are you planning a camping journey along the US East Coast? You should have a plan to save time and see and do as much as possible throughout your trip.

One thing you should plan is where you will stay along the way. With numerous campground options, it can be challenging to select a few sites.

To simplify your job, we’ve compiled a list of the 29 best campgrounds on the US East Coast!

Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut

With its 900 acres of sandy beach area and over 550 well-maintained campsites, Hammonasset Beach State Park is a solid option for inexpensive camping.

Along the 2 miles of the beach line, you will have access to camping areas & biking spots, dog walk areas, areas for fishing & boating, and, of course, a clean beach to swim in and enjoy the views from. Right outside the park, you have a few great restaurants, so food won’t be an issue here as well.

Cape Henlopen State Park – Delaware

If you have plenty of time for your camping trip, consider spending a few weeks at Cape Henlopen State Park. With over 7,000 acres of land, there are plenty of things to do and see here. The park’s environment boasts unparalleled diversity, with maritime forests, ocean and bay beaches, and tidal salt marshes.

Cape Henlopen State Park is also an excellent destination for RV camping. Its recently renovated campsites offer access to water, 50—and 100-amp electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, a laundry facility, dump stations, a play area, walk-in tent sites, a camp store, a bait and tackle shop, food concessions, and an expanded parking area.

Jekyll Island Campground – Georgia

Jekyll Island has only one campground in its territory: Jekyll Island Campground. The campground is conveniently located near major local restaurants and tourist attractions. The island isn’t too big, so accessing the local bike paths and beach areas shouldn’t be a problem.

This campground features 145 full-hookup sites for RVers, offering both back-in and pull-thru options. Among the facilities offered to visitors are laundries, restrooms, and a well-stocked campground store. You can even rent a bicycle, which makes exploring the 5,700 acres of the island’s land nearly effortless.

Sea Camp Campground – Georgia

The unique feature of Sea Camp Campground is that it is situated on a remote island, accessible only by boat. However, once you arrive, you are greeted by a campground equipped with modern facilities.

Sea Camp Campground is not accessible to RVs, so electric hookups are not available.

This campground features 18 campsites located in the heart of wildlife. Each site has a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and food storage area. Additionally, Sea Camp Campground offers drinking water, flush toilets, cold showers, and a dishwashing sink.

The 18 campground sites tend to fill up fast, and camping here is most popular during spring and fall. Therefore, it would be helpful to make reservations well in advance; however, please note that reservations can only be made up to six months prior to the event.

Bahia Honda State Park – Florida

Bahia Honda State Park Florida
The Bahia Honda Island is one of the world’s most romantic islands, so it’s a perfect choice for couples. There are plenty of things to do in Bahia Honda State Park, which is great if you have a lot of time – you certainly won’t get bored here.

First, you have approximately 80 campsites to choose from. Sites from #1 to $48 can accommodate large tents and RVs, provided they are 50 feet or less in length. These sites also all have electricity and water, a grill, and a picnic table. A dump station and a bathhouse boasting hot showers and restrooms are also nearby.

You can access 19 boat slips for overnight boat camping, each with water and electricity.

Bahia Honda State Park offers a range of activities, including kayak rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, various hiking and biking trails, and birdwatching.

Biscayne National Park – Florida

Biscayne Bay early evening Miami
Biscayne National Park houses two island campgrounds: Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key. These islands are only accessible by boat, and since there is no service there, a trip to Biscayne National Park promises to be challenging and thrilling.

Boca Chita Key is the more popular island, boasting a grassy camping area with picnic tables, grills, and beautiful waterfront views. Despite being the more popular island, Boca Chita Key lacks showers, sinks, or drinking water, but it does have toilets.

Elliot Key is a little richer in amenities, featuring restrooms with sinks and cold-water showers. Drinking water is also available, although its supply system occasionally goes down. You may also use the 33 boat slips available if you are coming on your vessel.

Note that no reservations can be made in advance for Biscayne National Park campgrounds – they work on a “first-come, first-served basis”. With that in mind, planning a trip to Biscayne National Park is a bit more difficult. It shouldn’t be too problematic if you are a local.

Cayo Costa State Park – Florida

Accessible only by water, this former fishing ground boasts 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline and several hiking and biking trails.

Regarding camping amenities, Cayo Costa State Park features 30 campsites in a primitive setting. Each site has access to water, a ground grill, and a picnic table; however, electricity is not available. Although the campsites aren’t equipped with technology, nearby restroom facilities offer cold showers and flush toilets.

Remarkably, tram service is available for both freight and passenger transport from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Cayo Costa State Park also has a bayside park dock for boat camping. The slips here have no water or electricity, and generators aren’t allowed on the island. While this will pose some inconveniences, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a raw boat camping experience here.

Curry Hammock State Park – Florida

Curry Hammock State Park is a smaller campground. After reviewing the huge campgrounds with over a hundred sites, the 28 sites available in the state park may seem underwhelming. That said, if you dislike overcrowded parks, you may appreciate what Curry Hammock State Park has to offer!

Each available campsite has a charcoal grill, a picnic table, water access, and 20/30/50-amp electrical service. Notably, the sites are laid out with pea gravel that is less invasive than sand and easier to clean.

Curry Hammond State Park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals if you like to spend time in the water. This state park, located in the Florida Keys and on the Atlantic Ocean, is a must-visit destination. You’ll miss out on a lot if you don’t take the time to spend on its beaches or in the water!

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area – Floria

With its 68 sites, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach is slightly more versatile than Curry Hammock State Park. Half of its sites are located on the oceanfront dune of the beach, and the rest are on the riverside, allowing for a wider range of surroundings.

The dune system here is highly fragile. Due to this, your routes are restricted to dune walkovers. Besides, pets are prohibited on the beach but allowed in other campground areas.

The 68 sites offer water, electricity, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground facilities include a laundry room, a fishing area, a kayak rental, a boat launch, and a snack bar.

Grayton Beach State Park – Florida Grayton Beach State Park Florida

Grayton Beach is a consistent guest in the top rankings of the most beautiful and pristine US beaches. If admiring views and photography are among your key activities in the wild, Grayton Beach State Park’s 2,000 acres of land have much to offer.

Grayton Beach’s campground features 59 campsites equipped with water and electricity, and some sites also offer sewer hookups. If your RV is smaller than 40 feet, you should have no issues finding a spot here.

This campground is also pet-friendly, though pets are prohibited in areas such as beaches, park buildings, concession facilities, and playgrounds.

Situated near the beach, Grayton Beach State Park offers plenty of water activities, including paddling, fishing, and swimming.

Fort De Soto County Park– Florida

Fort De Soto has won numerous awards and titles over the years. In 2009, TripAdvisor named it America’s Top Beach, and in 2005, Dr. Beach named it the nation’s number-one beach.

Fort De Soto County Park is also insanely popular—annual attendance here averages more than 2.7 million people. You may want to book a spot well in advance!

Fortunately, this campground is huge—it has 238 sites with facilities like play areas, picnic tables, grills, electricity, water, washers, dryers, dump stations, restrooms, and a camp store. Some campsites are also specially made for pet owners.

Henderson Beach State Park – Florida

Destin is renowned as one of the luckiest fishing villages on the planet. The fish species you may test your luck and fishing skills with are redfish, flounder, catfish, whiting, and cobia. And if you want to stay here for a while, consider Henderson Beach State Park.

Although not the biggest campground in Florida, Henderson Beach State Park offers 60 back-in and pull-thru sites. Each site has access to water, electricity (50-amp in some sites), picnic tables, and grills.

The facilities offered at the site include air-conditioned and heated restrooms and showers, as well as laundry facilities, including washers and dryers, and vending machines. A plethora of restaurants are also just a short drive from the state park.

Flood’s Cove – Maine

Claimed to be Maine’s most relaxing oceanfront location, Flood’s Cove is a great option for a long stay. The key feature of this campground is the oceanfront cottage area, where cottages cost around $1,500 per week, although options are available for as high as $3,400 per week.

Flood’s Cove offers 8 campsites on the 13-acre Ames Island for those who intend to camp. Each of the campsites is ample in size and well-separated from neighboring sites. And while you don’t have electricity here, you have an adjustable grill, a picnic table, and a steel fire ring.

Located beside the ocean, Flood’s Cove provides access to various water activities. Whether you choose the simple experience of the campsites or the home comfort of the cottages, Flood’s Cove promises an entirely new camping experience.

Libby’s Oceanside Camp – Maine

libbys rv park ocean side

Libby’s Oceanside Camp offers oceanfront RV sites with a view of Nubble Light, one of the most renowned lighthouses in Maine.

There are numerous activities to enjoy at this campsite, including shopping, hiking, and sightseeing. The historic town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is also just a 20-minute drive away.

Libby’s Oceanside Camp features over 100 campsites, each offering water, electricity, and sewer hookups. Electricity is also available at all sites, although only a few offer 50-amp service.

Be mindful that the sites closer to the beach are larger and have fire rings, offering a scenic view of the seaside.

Boston Harbor Islands – Massachusetts

Boston Harbor Islands feature contrasting views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Boston’s skyline on the other. However, the most unique feature of the Boston Harbor Islands is that there is always something new to see and do, even after numerous visits.

You can camp in one of the several mainland parks or islands that are only accessible by ferry. You will also have the chance to see and visit abandoned hospitals and historic military forts waiting to tell you the story of Boston.

The camping season here begins in late June and ends with a run through Labor Day, but with an off-season camping permit, you may camp here anytime throughout the year. You don’t need to stay here for a camp, though – you may purchase a ticket and visit as many islands as you want in a day!

Horseneck Beach State Reservation – Massachusetts

Offers year-round access to its 2-mile-long beach and 600 acres of salt marsh and barrier beach areas.

This campground features 100 partially paved pull-through campsites, each with its own picnic table and grill. Aside from that, you have a comfort station with flush toilets and hot showers, a dumping station, basketball & volleyball courts, and a playground.

Remember that beach access here isn’t as free as in some other campgrounds listed—swimming is only allowed at designated beach areas, and pets aren’t allowed in the swimming areas or on the beach.

Sandy Neck Beach Park – Massachusetts

Sandy Neck Beach Park offers stunning beach views and hiking trails that wind through a maritime forest and marshlands. This beach park offers campsites directly at the beach, but they seem to be a bit limited – you must have both gray water and septic tanks in your RV. Most RVs have these, though, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

You may also be required to pass a beach driving test to ensure your RV can maneuver in the sand. But once you reach the park, you’ll have 4,700 acres of land to explore, along with activities such as swimming, surf fishing, or sunbathing.

Assateague State Park/Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland

Assateague State ParkAssateague Island National Seashore Maryland

Located close to each other, Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are perhaps the most remarkable campgrounds to spend a couple of weeks on the East Coast.

These two campgrounds are renowned for their wild horses, which roam freely on the beach and around the campsites. Since they are wild, you shouldn’t approach or feed them, but you can take a few photos with them.

Assateague State Park’s concessions are more oriented toward families. It’s also the more extensive campground, offering 350 sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The availability of electric hookups is limited in the J-loop, so you should book a spot here if you require electricity (you must book a spot a year in advance anyway).

The Assateague Island National Seashore campground is less RV-oriented, as its 158 campsites do not have hookups. It only has cold showers, so it’s not ideal for an RV trip, but it’s a solid camping choice.

Hampton Beach State Park – New Hampshire

Hampton Beach State Park New Hampshire Hampton Beach State Park is another great option if you prefer a less crowded campground experience. It features 28 RV hookup sites, 15 of which are located at the corner of Hampton River.

Being the only park on New Hampshire’s coast, this park is top-rated among RVers. Its sites get booked quickly, and you must book a site 11 months in advance.

With its 50 acres, Hampton Beach State Park isn’t the best option if you like hiking. However, with Hampton Beach nearby, it’s an ideal location for those who love fishing and swimming.

Island Beach State Park – New Jersey

Island Beach State Park is an excellent option for passing through Seaside Heights. Interestingly, camping isn’t allowed on the beach, but you can stay overnight as long as you are fishing.

Plenty of other activities to engage in during your stay at Island Beach State Park. The most popular activities on the beach are swimming, kayaking, and surf fishing. Aside from that, you may hike through the dense maritime forests or have a bike ride along the miles of biking trails available here.

Hither Hills State Park – New York

If you have a self-contained RV and like the challenge of camping in a remote area, Hither Hills State Park may be a nice option. However, none of its nearly 200 campsites have hookups.

Additionally, tent sites are available in Hither Hills State Park for those who wish to camp.

If you are an avid angler, you’ll be glad to hear you can fish here year-round. You can even fish at night if you obtain the necessary permits. And if you love hunting, you’ll also be able to hunt for big & small game during the hunting season, which opens in late autumn and winter.

In addition to angling and hunting, hiking and biking trails are available here, allowing you to admire the local wildlife and natural surroundings.

Camp Hatteras RV Resort – North Carolina

With its 200 sites, Camp Hatteras RV Resort is heaven for RVers.All the sites have full hookups and concrete pads. Some are located next to the Atlantic Ocean, and others are on the side of Pamlico Sound, the US’s largest lagoon along the East Coast.

As weird as it may sound, staying near Pamlico Sound will provide you with a richer view of the seaside. The dunes often obstruct the view of the sites closer to the beach.

Camp Hatteras RV Resort offers a range of recreational amenities, including pools, mini-golf, and WaveRunner watercraft rentals. If you have a dog, you’ll be delighted to hear that this campground has a dog park.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

cape lookout nc view of coast and lighthouse

Located on the undeveloped islands of Cape Lookout, Cape Lookout National Seashore is a great option for those seeking a challenging and rugged experience. There are no designated campsites here, and only a few amenities, so your trip to the islands won’t be like the convenient journeys you may be used to.

According to the National Park Service website, there are four ways to explore the park.

First, you may ride as a passenger on any of the authorized ferries and then explore the park on foot.

Secondly, you may bring your ATV, UTV, or 4-wheel drive vehicle aboard one of the vehicle ferries and then explore the beaches or back roads on South Core Banks or North Core Banks.

The third option is to hop into a kayak or canoe and paddle towards the barrier islands.

Finally, you may book a tour with a private tour service. These services may offer boat tours, vehicle tours, or walking tours.

Freeman Park – North Carolina

Freeman Park – North Carolina

If you’d prefer to camp closer to the beach, Freeman Park is an excellent alternative to Camp Hatteras RV Resort. It’s not as facility-filled as Hatteras RV Resort, but it’s a much better option for beach camping.

The camping sites are located along the dunes, but camping is allowed anywhere on the beach. To secure a beach spot, you must get there early in the day. But also remember that on the beach, you won’t have access to the facilities that each camping spot is equipped with.

East Beach – Rhode Island

East Beach Rhode Island

East Beach is one of Rhode Island’s least developed beaches, yet it remains one of the state’s “spectacular seaside treasures.” It offers a less tech-filled and more pristine RV camping experience.

If you plan to visit East Beach, ensure your RV is self-contained—that is, it has permanent holding tanks for potable, black, and gray water. Your RV should also have permanent bath equipment. The reason for this is the lack of hookups at the beach.

And besides, keep in mind that towing two trailers and fifth wheels isn’t allowed, and your camping unit must have a 4-wheel drive.

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground – Rhode Island

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground Rhode Island

Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground isn’t located near the ocean but near Scarborough and Roger W. Wheeler State Beaches. It also has access to water through Bluff Hill Cove.

This state park campground has miles of bike trails, a playground for kids, and a farmer’s market open every Sunday. You may also buy local beef from a farm down the street to grill, perhaps the finest steaks you’ve ever had!

For RV camping, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park Campground offers nearly 150 large, shaded campsites with full water and electricity hookups.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground – South Carolina

Ocean Lakes Family Campground South Carolina

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is the largest campground along the East Coast, making it a perfect site for a family vacation.

This campground boasts over 800 sites, each sized amply and equipped with full hookups. The sites are pull-thru and located along paved roads. Most of the sites have concrete pads.

The area of Ocean Lakes Campground is vast, and there are plenty of things to do here, especially for kids. Aside from walking along Myrtle Beach, you may play the nearby Prestwick Golf Course, check out the new water park, visit one of the five bathhouses, or eat out at nearby restaurants.

Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina

Considerably smaller than Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Hunting Island State Park still boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina. Aside from that, a former hunting preserve, Hunting Island State Park, is now a hub of wildlife in the area.

Hunting Island State Park offers 117 RV campsites with electric and water hookups. The campsites are pretty large, and some can even accommodate 40-foot-long RVs! You are also provided modern restrooms, hot showers, a dump station, and free Wi-Fi.

If you like to spend your time in the wild, you’ll be glad to hear that this campground has over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails through the forests. You can also climb the historic Hunting Island Light located in the park!

First Landing State Park – Virginia

First Landing State Park Virginia

First Landing State Park is another excellent option for those who love spending time in the wild. This state park boasts 2,700 acres of maritime forests, freshwater ponds, and salt marsh habitat. Not only that, but you can hike along the 20 miles of trails and have swimming and boating opportunities along the 1.5-mile shoreline of Chesapeake Bay.

First Landing State Park offers interactive programs, including beach walks, nature hikes, and environmental educational programs, making it perfect for family trips.

If you are coming in an RV, there are over 100 RV campsites with water and electrical hookups. Some even have a fire grill!

Final Thoughts

The East Coast offers a remarkable tapestry of beach camping opportunities, ensuring there is a perfect spot for every traveler, whether you seek family-friendly amenities, romantic seclusion, or rugged off-grid adventure. Your choice should align with your equipment (RV size, self-containment capability) and your desired level of remoteness. Advance planning and early booking are essential for securing a spot at the most popular coastal campgrounds.

The 29 picks should be good enough for most people, though. We’ve made it a little more varied so that more people can find what they are looking for!

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Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Key Takeaways

Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut

Sea Camp Campground – Georgia

Bahia Honda State Park – Florida

East Beach – Rhode Island

Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina

Final Thoughts

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Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Key Takeaways

Best Beach Campgrounds On The East Coast

Hammonasset Beach State Park – Connecticut

Sea Camp Campground – Georgia

Bahia Honda State Park – Florida

East Beach – Rhode Island

Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina

Final Thoughts

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