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How to Tent Camp on the Beach
The beach is a great place to camp: the sea breeze and gentle waves provide natural white noise, and there’s no need to pitch a tent on the sand as hard as concrete. However, there are some tips you should follow in order to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and safely.
This article will point out how to tent camp on the beach, including where it is legal to camp on the beach, what type of equipment you should bring (including how much water), and other useful advice such as checking for tide times before pitching your tent.
What are the legal places to camp on the beach?
There are two main types of legal places to camp on the beach: areas where camping is allowed and areas where it is tolerated. These vary from place to place, and there may be different rules regarding residency and length of stay, but if you follow these guidelines you should be fine:
-You must not pitch your tent too close to another person’s tent or too close to a sign that says ‘no camping’.
-You must leave the area as clean as possible (this includes removing feces).
-The best times to camp on the beach are early morning and evening. This is because during the day many people will want to use that space for other things such as sunbathing or playing sports. If you do decide to camp during the day, you should pick up your tent before the evening.
-If you are using a car to get to the beach, it is best to leave that in a paid parking lot or on the street rather than on the sand itself (this helps for when you want to leave).
-Other people may ask you to leave; if they do, make sure that any mess your group has made is cleaned up and then move on. If this person is an official–such as a police officer–you must also do this.
What beach camping equipment will I need?
You’ll need groundsheets (to place under your tent), travel mats (for comfort while sleeping), pillows, blankets, flashlights/torches (nighttime can be very dark on the beach), folding chairs, cooking equipment (such as a stove, pots and pans, utensils), food, water containers, matches/lighters.
It’s important to bring enough water for everyone in your group because nobody likes drinking salty seawater. Bring at least four liters per person per day, but keep in mind that you will need more if you are cooking or cleaning with it. This is especially important during the summer months when it’s very hot outside–be sure to take breaks from exertion by resting in the shade of your tent.
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Checking for tide times before pitching your tent
Make sure you know what time the high tide is (this can be found online), and make sure your tent is not in a low-lying area of the beach. Particularly during this time. If the sea reaches the height of your tent, you won’t be able to return to it until after the water recedes, which could leave you stranded for a day or two.
Storm proofing your tent at night
If you think there is any chance of rain, make sure that your tent has a clear flysheet (the waterproof outer layer). You should also make sure everything in the tent (including the groundsheet) is either inside or underneath it to keep it dry. Finally, check that all guy ropes are tied securely because strong winds can very quickly lift up tents and blow them away into the sea!
Other tips for camping on a beach
-Keep an eye on insects! They may want to share your space. If you find bees or wasps buzzing around or even getting inside your tent, you should move. If you are allergic, this could be a serious problem.
-In some countries, it is illegal to light a campfire on the beach. Make sure that you check the laws in your area before doing so, and don’t leave any lasting marks behind (this includes buried fire pits).
-The best time to go to the bathroom is during low tide because otherwise, you might be walking around in wet sand with bare feet. Also, keep an eye out for jellyfish! They may have washed up on the shore near your tent site.
-Mosquitoes can be very annoying at night; avoid camping near stagnant water or close to bushes where they like to hide. You should also sleep with clothing on so that you aren’t bitten.
-You may have to contend with other people who are camping on the beach, so be courteous and don’t take up too much space. Also, if you find that your campsite is close to a public access path or frequent beach goer’s route, keep in mind that they will need room to walk by–if it becomes overcrowded you could be forced to move.
-It is very important that you check the weather forecast before going camping on the beach for an extended period of time (such as several days or more). If there is a chance of strong storms or extreme high/low temperatures, make sure that your group is prepared for this possibility. It would be best not to camp out if such conditions are imminent unless you have a backup plan.
-Your tent should be placed where the sand is compacted and not too wet, otherwise, it will collapse under your weight when you try to get in or out of it. You should also make sure that your tent isn’t too close to driftwood or rocks because these could puncture its floor if they fall on top of it.
Conclusion
Camping on the beach can be a wonderful experience and we hope you learned more about how to tent camp on the beach. Just make sure you know what you are getting into and how to minimize any risks that may present themselves.
If you follow the tips provided in this article, you should have a safe (and fun) camping trip!