There is nothing more exciting than going on an adventure- regardless of whether you’re doing it solo or with family and loved ones- especially when it is a beach camping getaway. However, sometimes when packing for a trip, the excitement overwhelms us and we tend to forget essential items that should have been packed for our trip, which is why having a checklist is important.
When you are going on a summer trip, you don’t have to research for things to pack with you and that is because you have gone on enough summer trips to know how important bathing suits and sunscreen are, but going on a beach camping getaway is very different from a summer trip, which is why there are some tips that you need to go over before taking off on your next beach adventure.
Designated Beach Campsites
Just because you are going on an adventure does not mean everything should be spontaneous and on the spot; ironically, going on an adventure, such as a beach camping getaway requires a lot of planning. For instance, one of the things that you need to look for is an adequate designated beach campsite; it should include suitable facilities that can provide you with drinking water and clean bathrooms. Another thing to look out for is obtaining a permit. Whether you chose a remote beach or a public one; you will need to register for a permit in order to camp at either location. So, make sure to thoroughly research the location which you are going to camp at to see if you will need a permit or not and to know what kind of facilities these campsites are offering.
Hydration
Drinking water is essential whether you are going on a camping trip or not, so you can only imagine how it’s important when you are out in the sun all day and exerting effort because it only dehydrates your body more. You need to stay hydrated at all times when you are camping by the beach, which means that you either have to bring your own water, get water from a facility nearby if available, or have water- purifying equipment with you if you are going to be camping by a lake or a river. Do not attempt to drink water from a lake, stream, or river no matter how clean the water seems to be, which is why it is essential for you to have a water filter with you. Remember to either have your own water bottles or your own water filter equipment instead of purchasing lots of plastic water bottles, which might end up in the ocean and killing marine creatures.
Camping Etiquette
Camping by the beach is such a unique experience where everyone can enjoy the beautiful sight and relax in a comfortable, clean environment. As a camper who is fond of the environment by the beach, you should care about its cleanliness and make sure to either take your trash with you or recycle it before you leave, if there is a facility that provides such a service. In case there isn't any recycling bins where you are camping or a facility that takes your waste and recycles it, make sure you avoid packing any plastic or canned products and use biodegradable products. Another thing you should keep in mind when camping is to dig toilets at least 100ft away from any water source. You should also remember to bury the ashes after you have enjoyed an awesome bonfire by the beach, in order to ensure the safety of wildlife and the environment. Finally, make sure that the place you are staying in allows bonfires and bring with you lots of garbage bags so that you can successfully leave the beach as you found it.
Anti-sand Gear
Dealing with sand might not be annoying if you are only going to spend a day by the beach, but your feelings towards the sand might change once you have to spend consecutive days with it and sleep on it. In order to prevent the sand from getting everywhere, you need to be prepared with your own anti-sand gear. There are specific mats and tents that you can purchase to keep the sand at bay. Look into buying sand absorbing beach mats or sand free blankets if you are easily annoyed by the sand sneaking into your bathing suits, clothes, or food. Sand can get very cold at night; so make sure to have a layer between you and the sand before lying in your sleeping bag. You also might want to make sure that there aren’t any sharp seashells among the sand before placing your sleeping bag on it.
Sun Protection
Everyone loves a summer tan, but only a few know how to avoid getting sunburnt. The thing about camping by the beach is that the sun is reflected by the waves on the beach and the sand, so you really want to make sure to stay under the shade to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Make sure to have an umbrella with you, a beach hat, sunscreen, and stay underneath your tent from time to time to avoid the harmful sun waves. Since you are camping by the beach, you should purchase dermatologist-approved sunscreens or ones that are perfect for your skin type. If your skin is fair and sensitive to sun exposure, then make sure to buy a high SPF sunscreen.
Setting Up Your Campsite
Setting up your tent is the fun part of the whole camping by the beach experience, but it is not only about putting your tent somewhere by the beach. There are things that you need to look out for before settling down with your tent on the sand; for instance, you should make sure that there is no bumpy pebbles, sharp seashells, glass shards, or anything that you might step or sleep on. Another thing you should pay attention to is flattening the sand that you are going to sleep on so that it does not hurt your back while you are asleep. Note that laying a tarp on the sand is important, so you can keep the sand dry and keep it away from getting into your clothes.
Fishing Kayak
Bonfires are not only for scary stories and roasting marshmallows; you can also use them to cook your catch of the day. If you are a fan of fetching your own food and have a fishing permit, then get your fishing kayak and get ready to sail. There is no need to worry if you don’t have a fishing kayak or don’t know which one to invest money in because reviews of popular kayak sail models are very thorough and contain every detail that you need to know about fishing kayaks. However, before you start taking your fishing kayak for a ride, remember to get a fishing permit because not every public or private beach allows campers to fish.
Track the Tides
There are several things that you can do to avoid getting affected by the tides. You can either familiarize yourself with the tides beforehand, or you can download an app that helps you track the tide and help you take precaution or prepare for it. Tracking the tides is important because you don’t want it to wet your tent or ruin your bonfire. Make sure to avoid the tide line when setting your tent or bonfire and tracks the high tide and know how far it can reach. It is best to have apps that can help you with tracking the tides, but in case you don’t, you can track the tide line from seaweed or driftwood that got left behind by a previous tide.
Avoid the Dunes
You might notice dunes when you first arrive at your camping area; avoid settling next to them or being around them in general. Dunes might not look like much to you, but they are considered to be a habitat to a variety of wildlife. They also protect from coastal storms and other damages that might affect anything else around them. Another thing that you need to pay attention to is that rocks and shifting sand might slide off the dunes and hit your tent or fall on you while you are asleep if you are staying close to them.
Prepare For the Weather
It is absolutely vital that you check the weather forecast before camping by the beach. The weather has become very unpredictable, now more than ever, so you have to prepare for the worst and take as much precaution as you can. First, check the weather report for the days that you are going to be camping by the beach. Second, look up the historical weather conditions and analyze the rapid changes in the weather if there is any. Third, prepare for a rainy weather even if the weather report does not suggest rainy days. You don’t want anything to ruin your camping getaway, so make sure to have suitable rain umbrellas that can protect you and your tent. Fourth, avoid camping during a stormy weather and check the low and high tides for your own safety.
Warm Clothes
Packing warm clothes is absolutely vital, even if your camping getaway takes place in summer. The weather by the beach tends to be chilly, so the temperature is bound to decrease a bit of the beach. It also tends to get slightly cold at night when the sun disappears and you are left with the cold wind and sand. Pack some warm clothes to help you stay warm when you are lying on the sand because the send gets awfully cold at night when the sun is not there to warm it up. Warm clothes are also very essential if you don’t have any separating layer like memory foam or a tarp between you and the sand, so don’t forget to pack them.
Synthetic Materials
Remember packing synthetic materials with you before you take off for your camping getaway. Synthetic materials don’t absorb water as cotton does, so anything like polyester and nylon is definitely worth packing. These materials don’t take a lot of time to dry up from the water, which is vital for you since you are going to be spending several days by the water. You can also look for separating materials that are made from synthetic material that you can layer between your tent and wet sand.
Your Final Checklist
There are so many other tips that you can read on beach camping, but if you don’t have a checklist of these tips then you are bound to forget something. When you are packing for your beach camping getaway, make sure to have a permit to the public or private beach you will be staying at. Make sure to know whether the beach you are staying at has facilities that offer drinking water and bathrooms or not. Because if they don’t, then you need to pack enough water with you or bring with you your own water filter so that you can clean the water from sources that are nearby. Remember to pack with you a towel so you can dig a place where you can go to the bathroom. You also need to pack lots of garbage bags with you and use biodegradable products so that you don’t harm the environment. Make sure to pack your anti-sand gear and personal items that will help protect you from the sun, like high SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Remember to get your fishing kayak with you if you will be fishing, and to have a fishing permit. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, bathing suits and water shoes, a beach umbrella, beach chairs, and firewood so that you can have an enjoyable bonfire. It is also very important to download an app that helps you track the tides so that you can avoid the high tides. Checking the weather report is of absolute importance as well, and remember to avoid the dunes when you are setting your tent.