5 Tips to Boondock on the Beach in Your RV

There’s probably nothing more tempting than to camp at the beach and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. And that dream is not just for tent campers. RV enthusiasts who are comfortable with boondocking can make that dream a reality, too! 

If you’re considering a beachfront camping trip this spring, then check out these 5 tips to help you have a great beach boondocking experience in your RV.

Scope out the sites in advance 

Parking on the beach is not like parking on a concrete pad or on solid ground. You’ll have sand to contend with, and the softness of sand can vary the closer you go to the water. Survey the spot where you might want to park—will your rig be able to drive in and out without issue? While many types of RVs can park on sand, ideally you’ll want to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the best results.

Know the tides and weather

Beach boondocking introduces an interesting component to camping that you probably don’t have to worry about normally: tides. Keep an eye on the time and know when tides are expected, especially high tide. Figure out how far high tide typically extends into land and select a spot on the beach that is far enough away from that point. Additionally, always look up the weather report each day while you’re on the beach. What is a light rainstorm inland can feel like a tropical storm at the beach so be prepared for all types of weather. 

Keep meals simple

If you’re boondocking, you’ll want to conserve energy as much as possible, and planning simple, easy meals is the perfect way to do that. Fire up the grill day and night and opt for sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and snacks that don’t require much cooking, if any at all. 

Remember UV protection 

The point of camping on the beach is to be relaxing on the beach, right? Enjoy your time in the sun, but don’t forget to wear sunscreen with a high SPF. If you’re particularly sensitive to the sun, incorporate hats and other clothing to properly protect yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Also, plan indoor time and other activities around times of the day with the highest UV index, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pay special attention to ensuring proper UV protection for children. 

Wash everything!

Sand will inevitably become part of your being while you’re boondocking on the beach, so be sure to shower and rinse yourself off as much as possible before entering your rig. But don’t leave your RV out of the washing fun! It’s a good idea to wash your RV and apply a wax coat before you go to the beach and do a thorough rinse and cleaning after you return. The sand and saltiness of the beach can quickly deteriorate many materials and your RV is at risk for this deterioration if you don’t take special care to prevent it.  

Have you ever boondocked on the beach in your RV? What tips do you have for others who have never done it before? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!