8 Scenic Campgrounds Where You Can Sleep Right on the Beach

Summertime is finally here! If you're anything like us, you want to spend every spare moment outside. Whether that's by visiting the wackiest places in the US, checking out a scenic and low-key route, or just stocking up on the best beach accessories, we fully support embracing the outdoors. When you're the kind of person who wants more time in nature but doesn't want to skip the sand, there's a perfect solution: Go camping right on the beach. Of course, that's not legal everywhere, so we rounded up your best options for ocean views where tents are totally allowed.

Assateague Island National Seashore

This campground is located on a strip of island just off the shore of Maryland, you can walk or drive to your campsite right by the Atlantic ocean. You might even get a chance to spot the wild ponies that live in the area. But don't expect a luxury trip here — the campsites take you back to basics with only drinking water, chemical toilets, and cold-water showers provided. (Photo via NPS)

Cape Lookout National Seashore

First, access the barrier islands via a three-mile boat ride. From there, you can climb a lighthouse, tour historic villages, or just get right to setting up camp on the sandy shores. Prepare to get rugged — bathrooms are open only during high season, and you'll otherwise be resorting to cat holes above the high tide line. There are no camp stores nearby, so be sure to stock your cooler before you arrive. (Photo via NPS)

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Located on Key Largo, this park is best known for the spectacular coral reefs it's unsurprisingly named for. Once you're done with a day of snorkeling, there's a 47-site campground available with water, grills, picnic tables, hot showers, toilets, and full RV hookups, so get your glamp on. (Photo via Pennekamp Park)

Padre Island National Seashore

Just off the shore of Corpus Christi, Padre Island boasts the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. That also means that when you set up camp at one of only five first-come, first-served campsites, the nearest amenities will be 12 miles away. How's that for a secluded getaway? (Photo via NPS)

Treebones Resort

Not all the best campsites are at national parks. Treebones Resort in Big Sur is set for excursions that are the definition of glamping. Yurts, cocoon-shaped tents, and bring-your-own-gear campsites are all available on the property, which features stunning views of the ocean below. (Photo via Tree Bones Resort)

Blake Island Campground

Want more to look at than an open horizon? This campground on an island in the Puget Sound between West Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula will give you unparalleled views of Mount Rainier — but first, you'll have to kayak over or find a boat to the island. (photo via HipCamp)

Homer Spit Campground

If you're an RV camper on a grand road trip adventure, make your way up to Alaska to camp on the shores of Kachemak Bay. The campground offers views of snow-capped mountains and open water, but it's also only short walk to shops and restaurants, so you won't feel too far off the beaten path. (photo via Homer Spit Campground)

Ocean Island Campground

Are you an avid kayaker? Paddle out to this 13-acre island to get away from it all. The campsites have fire rings, grills, and picnic tables, but you'll want to bring your own food and water with you, or you'll be looking at a quick trip back to the mainland to retrieve some. Stay put here, or paddle to adjacent islands for more adventures. (Photo via HipCamp)

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This post has been updated.