Whether you, your better half, someone in your family or one of your friends is a surfer, these campsites are best known for their proximity to some of the best waves in the nation. But there's something for everybody: fishing, beach runs, trails, kayaking, swimming and gorgeous views.
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Beach Campgrounds Near the Best Surf Spots in the Country
Written by
Christina Scannapiego - Active.com
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet, Florida
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One of the most high profile surf spots on the East Coast, it can get crowded—but plenty of surf spots surround the Inlet in neighboring towns. Winter is typically the best for quality swell but hurricane season (June to October) can turn out to be just as epic. Having surfing experience will be on your side here—however, beginners can always find somewhere to surf. Sebastian Inlet is also known for its incredible salt water sports fishing.
Cape Hatteras KOA
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
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Probably second only to the East Coast surf legacy of Sebastian Inlet comes the Outer Banks—a long, barrier island. Hurricane season can light this place up in terms of waves, and it's beautiful, serene and remote. Here, you'll really feel like you're roughing it among the miles of dunes. What town life exists is that of your quintessential, slow-paced fishing village, complete with light house scenery and ol' salty dogs. Even if you don't surf, you should put this North Carolina campground on your list.
Fisherman's Memorial State Park
Narragansett, Rhode Island
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The world at large tends to overlook the northeast's surfing potential but there are tons of spots from Rhode Island to Maine, some secret and some not-so-secret. Newport and Narragansett, Rhode Island, are just a couple of the latter. Camp out, soak up the coastal New England vibe, eat some lobstah, enjoy the colonial architecture and hit up some of Little Rhody's most famous waves.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente, California
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Even though Huntington Beach is considered "Surf City," San Clemente is one of the most quintessential surf towns in Southern California and has strangely bred the most professional surfers of any of them, as well. The beaches tend to get packed in the summer, but this California campground is a little more remote with some gorgeous scenery and trails.
Doheny State Beach
Dana Point, California
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Doheny is the perfect family campground—picture that retro California surf vibe the Beach Boys sang about, the most beginner-friendly beach in California, endless activities and tons of sunshine.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Santa Cruz, California
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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park features 15 miles of hiking and riding trails through a forest that looks much the same as it did 200 years ago. It also happens to sit near the "Surf City" of the Golden State's northern half.
Hither Hills State Park
Long Island, New York
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Yes! There is beach camping in New York. Hither Hills State Park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a two-mile sandy ocean beach, a 40-acre freshwater lake, playing fields, a playground and a 168-site campground on the ocean. That's a lot for one island! While Montauk attracts surfers from all over the East Coast—prepare for crowds—the quality of the wave makes up for it.
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