The Top 10 Beachside Campsites

For those of you looking for something different than a traditional five-star vacation resort, you may want to consider beachside camping. It gives you the opportunity to embark on different experiences – ones you might never be able to experience while staying at a resort.

It's the perfect way to enjoy a beach vacation without having to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a luxurious hotel stay. Experience the outdoors, take up a new water sport, or just simply get your tan on and reap the benefits of the sun.

*Related: The Best Places to go Camping Around the World

Imagine setting up your tent right on one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii or staying overnight on a beachside campground located on one of Florida's best beaches.

This year-round campground is located in the historical St. Augustine, Florida. We already know that Florida has some of the most amazing beaches, now imagine camping out overnight on one of them. There are tons campground sites to choose from, many of which provide accessible swimming, boating, nature trails, picnic areas, fishing, canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore has four campgrounds within the park – Oregon Inlet, Cape Point, Frisco and Ocracoke. Each of which has tent, motor home and trailer sites. Enjoy the beautiful beach by swimming and kayaking, then climb the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse for a spectacular view.

This beach covers over 3 miles of scenic coastline and has 86 campsites available overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There are many activities to choose from, but probably the most popular is fishing. There are several small sandy beaches and one large beach located at the mouth of Howard Creek that provide some good sport for fisherman, according to CA.gov. Other things to do include boating, hiking, wildlife viewing and snorkeling.

This park has two different types of campsites to choose from – primitive (drive –up) campsites and campsites with water and electric. However, if you are looking to camp right on the beach, you will want to stay on a primitive campsite. There are 300 sites stretched along 1.5 miles of beach. According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, ground fires are allowed, but swim at your own risk in the Gulf of Mexico because there are no lifeguards.

The Siuslaw National Forest has approximately 40 developed campgrounds. Camp out at the Cape Perpetua Campground for numerous recreational opportunities. First and foremost, enjoy the beautiful beach, but also embark on hiking trails that lead to the Giant Spruce and tidepools. Reservations are accepted from mid-May through Labor Day.

Kalaloch Campground is an Oceanside camp that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, located inside Olympic National Park. It is one of the only campgrounds that accept reservations in the summer, according to NPS. There are a total of approximately 170 sites, including those for RVs. Enjoy fire pits, picnic tables and animal-proof storage. Go hiking on the Kalaloch Nature Trail and enjoy seven beach trails that lead to the ocean from Highway 101. Click here for more information.

Catalina Island is one of the best beaches in California, and for good reason; they have incredible scenic views and camping opportunities. Camp out in Brisa del Mar, a group camping site that is located right on the beach in the Two Harbors Campground. It's the perfect site for snorkeling, fishing and kayaking. (visitcatalinaisland.com) 

Horseneck Beach State Reservation is spread across approximately 600 acres of barrier beach and salt marsh. The regular camping season is from mid-May through mid-October, according to mass.gov. Take up a new water activity and try wind surfing, or go birdwatching in this premier birding location in New England.

[Related: 10 Adventurous Things to do in Maui, Hawaii] There are tons of things to do in Wai'anapanapa State Park, but one of the most popular is their beachside camping. This campground is one of the most popular areas among visitors to Maui. It has great shore fishing, tons of hiking trails and a black sand beach. Make sure to visit their lava tube caves, natural blow holes and spectacular sea stacks.

[Related: Florida's Best Beaches] Located in Bahia Honda Key, Florida is this incredible state park. It is home to three camping areas, which provide campsites for both RV and tent campers. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, boating and tons of wildlife viewing. Vacation cabins are also available within the park, all of which are equipped with kitchen appliances, utensils and linens, while others have central heating and cooling, a full bath and a kitchen/dining room, according to Florida State Parks.