Beach Camping

Beaches are a very popular destination for camping, in tents and in RVs. So what is so special about beach camping that it deserves its own post? Well, there are several things to consider, starting with how close to the water you set up your camp. While tsunamis are not frequent, they are possible on any ocean beach and you can't predict when an offshore earthquake will create one.  And the earthquake doesn't need to be close -- tsunamis along the Pacific Coast of the United States can originate from earthquakes in Japan.  More common are problems with high tides. More than one camper (both people and vehicles) has been submerged or stranded by a high tide. Know the tide schedules and heights at your destination and set up your camp well above high tide levels. When you see the water rising, it is too late to pack up and move!  High winds could kick up waves that break higher on the beach than normal which could also be a problem if your camp is too close to the water.   While tsunamis are rare, it behooves anyone who goes to the beach to plan an escape route to higher ground should one occur.

Beach parking. In many cases, beach campgrounds will have designated campsites like any other campground, so follow the normal procedures. Keep your vehicle on the designated roads and parking areas. Park only in designated spaces.  Allowing even one tire off into the sand can result in getting stuck. If you are lucky enough to have access to more primitive areas with open beach access be cautious about driving out onto the beach itself. The first potential hazard is getting stuck in loose sand. A second problem is hidden debris that can damage tires and undercarriage. And finally, be careful not to get too close to the water line and stay well above any possible high tides! I've been at beach campgrounds in southern California where we were doused by the over spray from waves crashing into the shore while waiting in line at the entrance to the campground.  Beach camping in stormy weather can be exhilarating but you will need to pay extra attention to the wind and the waves.  I watched a family friend brave a cold rain on the Oregon coast to hit the surf and within seconds her lips were turning blue!  And remember to watch out for flash floods coming from behind down streams and gullies you as you gaze out onto the sea during or after rain.  And you could see flash floods from distant rain even if the skies are clear where you are.

Beach campfires. OK, so what is so special about campfires on the beach? After all, there isn't much danger of a fire spreading on damp sand. Well, for one thing, fires are prohibited on many beaches. Why? You may ask. One consideration is the danger of people burning their feet on hot coals left behind after the fire has been abandoned. Well-intentioned people cover the coals with sand to prevent the fire from flaring up, but that can create a significant danger for anyone walking over it.  Another consideration is what a hot fire does to sand. Sand is silica, and that is what glass is made from. A hot enough fire can turn the sand beneath it into glass, once again creating a hazard for bare feet which are common on the beach. If you want a fire on the beach -- and it is not prohibited by local regulations -- use a fire pan or a designated fire pit. If fires are permitted, haul a couple of buckets of water up to thoroughly drown the fire when you are finished using it.

Beach activities. There are lots of things to do at the beach. It is an ideal place for tossing a ball or frisbee or playing volleyball.  Fishing is a natural pastime on almost any waterway.  Bird watching appeals to many people and can be a fascinating way to spend your time. Just make sure the birds in your sights are the feathered kind and not the two-legged variety in bikinis.  Watching them too closely can invite undesirable responses from mates -- yours and theirs!  Beachcombing is a fun and popular activity, but collecting shells or other items washed up on the beach is often restricted or prohibited in some places.   Swimming and body surfing are popular pastimes on ocean beaches and large lakes.  However, there are unseen dangers you should avoid.  In some places there are dangerous rocks or old piers or foundations or other debris hidden beneath the waves.   Ocean currents can be very tricky.  If you get caught in one you may find yourself miles down the beach before you even notice what is happening if you aren't paying close attention.   Always check with local authorities to determine prevailing currents and chose a "spot" on the beach you can use as a reference point to measure whether you're being carried away.  If you find yourself drifting, head back to shore before you drift too far out or too far away.  You may have to "use" the offending current to avoid getting tired out trying to get back to shore.  Head back to shore at an angle that lets the current partly carry you along in the direction you want to go instead of trying to fight the current to head back up the beach or even shoot straight in from your current position.   It will be a lot easier to just walk back up the beach than to fight the current.  Of course, if the current is dragging you toward steep cliffs where you won't be able to get out of the water, you may have to alter your plans. Some, but certainly not all, beach locations are open to OHVs and riding on the sand can be a lot of fun, but exercise caution until you have time to get used to riding in sand.  Riding in sand does require some special skills.  You may need paddle tires to make the most of riding in the sand.

Sunburn is a significant risk at the beach. Not only are you likely to be exposing more of your body to direct sunlight, you will be getting a lot of reflected sun from the surface of the water, so burn times may be close to half what they would be in another situation.  Protect your skin with clothing and sunblock and stay in the shade when you can.   Being in the water may partially protect the submerged parts of your body but the exposed parts are going to be bombarded by reflected rays and even "waterproof" sunblock will eventually be diluted by constant exposure to water.

Wind can often be a problem for beach campers. The temperature differences between land and water and create strong flows that wreak havoc with camp sites and beach activities. Find out if your planned destinations are susceptible to high winds. If they are, you may want to seek alternate locations or activities or at least look for sheltered areas to set up camp. Make plans to adequately secure any items left outside so they don't get blown away.

Surf sounds are soothing to many people, but not to everyone. If you happen to be one of those people who don't find the sound of surf pleasing, you should probably try to set up your camp some distance from the water's edge so it won't keep you awake all night. The larger the body of water, the bigger the waves and the higher and noisier the surf. But even the gentle lapping of water on the shores of a small lake or pond can be disturbing to some people. Same with the gurgling of a brook or river. No sense setting yourself up for a restless night if you can avoid it.

OHVs at the beach. There are a few places where OHVs can be ridden on the beach, but they are prohibited on most popular beaches. If you plan to bring your OHV, check with local authorities to determine where, if at all, you can legally ride. Riding in the loose sand requires a lot of practice and sometimes special "paddle" tires for best results, so keep that in mind. If you aren't experienced in riding in sand, give yourself time to learn and adapt. ATVs, with their fat tires and wide stance, are usually more stable than narrow-tired dirt bikes in deep sand. In some places it is OK to ride "beach cruisers" (bicycles with soft, fat tires) on the beach, but not everywhere, so check local rules before you start pedaling.  Riding in soft sand can be tricky, even with soft, fat tires, especially when you're going slow like you would be starting out from a dead stop.  The front wheel can get stuck and either top or twist.  Either way you're probably going over the bars.  Once you get up a little speed with either an ATV or a bicycle, you tend to skim over the top of the sand instead of sinking in so try to maintain a brisk, steady speed to avoid getting stuck or bogged down.

Surf's up!