Best Coastal Campgrounds with Ocean Views for Summer

Summer is the perfect season for camping, especially in coastal areas where the breathtaking views of the ocean can enhance your experience. Whether you enjoy waking up to the sound of crashing waves or a picturesque sunset over the horizon, having an ocean view can greatly improve your camping adventure. Here is a curated list of the best coastal campgrounds with stunning ocean views where you can spend your summer.

1. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Assateague Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Camping here offers an unrivaled experience to see wild ponies roaming the beach. The Assateague Island National Seashore includes a primitive campground that sits directly by the ocean, providing access to stunning views and ocean breezes. Campers can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and exploring the miles of unspoiled beaches. Wildlife enthusiasts will also appreciate observing various species and the serene environment the site offers.

2. Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, California

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort is centrally located along California's beautiful coastline. This inviting campground features spacious RV sites, many with commanding ocean views. The resort's amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and private beach access. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the famous Pismo Beach and its iconic pier. The area is perfect for families, offering everything from sandcastle building to ocean kayaking. During the summer, guests can also participate in the annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, a great way to engage with local culture.

3. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to rugged coastlines. Kalaloch Campground within the park ranks as one of the best places to camp with ocean views. Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it provides a dramatic backdrop and easy access to the beach. The campground is ideal for nature lovers, offering hiking opportunities along the coastline and through forests teeming with wildlife. Guests can also witness the incredible sunsets over the vast Pacific Ocean, making it a must-visit location for summer camping.

4. Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

For a quintessential New England summer experience, camping at Cape Cod National Seashore is a prime choice. The park provides several campgrounds, including Marconi Beach and North Truro, both offering stunning ocean vistas. Visitors can relish the warm summer weather while enjoying the famous Cape Cod beaches, hiking through scenic trails, or exploring quaint nearby towns. The historic lighthouses and charming beach cottages only add to the area’s coastal allure. Kayaking, sailing, and bike riding are popular activities that allow campers to soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning landscape.

5. Big Sur Campgrounds, California

Big Sur is famous for its dramatic coastline and towering cliffs that meet the Pacific Ocean. Several campgrounds in Big Sur offer stunning views, but the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park stands out with spacious sites and access to both forest and ocean scenery. Just a short walk from the campground, you can access secluded beaches and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks. The ethereal beauty of Big Sur, combined with the crashing waves and starry nights, creates a magical summer camping experience. Various landscapes, including rugged coastline and lush forests, provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation.

6. East Beach Campground, Santa Barbara, California

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara, East Beach Campground offers a unique seaside camping experience. The campground features spots just a stone’s throw away from the beach, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sound of the ocean day and night. East Beach is perfect for family outings and summer activities, including beach volleyball, biking along the waterfront, and enjoying picnics on the sand. The nearby city of Santa Barbara provides plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, making this campground a convenient and scenic choice for summer camping.

7. Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a treasure for campers looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Maine coast. The Seawall Campground situated on the park’s coastline offers stunning ocean views and access to rocky shores. Campers can enjoy hiking along the park’s scenic trails that showcase cliffs, beaches, and breathtaking panoramas. Acadia also features several pristine lakes and woodlands, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. In addition, the park’s famous Cadillac Mountain provides stunning sunrise views, perfect for early risers.

8. Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a beautiful destination that offers multiple camping options with ocean views. The Fort Pickens Campground situated on Santa Rosa Island is especially notable, with several campsites located right on the beachfront. This area is ideal for swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The white sandy beaches and gentle turquoise waters provide an idyllic setting for families and scouts during summer months. Campers will enjoy warm evenings under the stars and the chance to explore historic sites nearby, such as Fort Pickens.

9. Cayo Costa State Park, Florida

Cayo Costa State Park is a remote paradise accessible only by boat, making it a perfect getaway for those wanting an escape from the crowds. The campground offers sites among swaying palm trees just a short walk from the beach with incredible vistas of the ocean. Campers can indulge in shelling, fishing, and kayaking in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The remote nature of the island ensures a peaceful camping experience with minimal disturbance from other visitors, letting you truly connect with nature.

10. Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Located north of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore offers rugged coastal landscapes and mesmerizing ocean views. The Sky Campground is a popular choice, perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean, giving adventurous campers stunning views of the Pacific. A beautiful network of hiking trails winds through the area, leading to hidden beaches, wildflower-covered hills, and dramatic cliffs. Visitors can also observe various wildlife species, including elephant seals and sea lions, making for an incredible backdrop and enriching outdoor experience. The area’s coastal fog adds a mystical quality to the scenery, particularly during summer.

Tips for a Great Coastal Camping Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Reserve your campsite early, especially during the busy summer months when spots fill up quickly. Use online services or local ranger stations to secure your preferred campground.

2. Stay Hydrated: Coastal weather can be hot, and being near the beach can be deceptive. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and wear protective clothing while out in the sun.

3. Respect Wildlife: Many coastal areas host wildlife, from birds to marine creatures. Keep your distance and avoid feeding them to maintain the natural ecosystem.

4. Prepare for Changing Weather: Coastal weather can quickly change. Be prepared with layered clothing and rain gear, just in case. Plan your activities to allow for unpredictable weather patterns.

5. Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Clean after yourself and leave the campgrounds as pristine as you found them.

Embrace the joy of camping with ocean views this summer, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Choose a campground that resonates with you from this list, and enjoy all that coastal camping has to offer!