Beach camping is an affordable way to enjoy waterfront accommodations without paying for pricey hotels. We live on Long Island’s East End, the perfect place for beach camping. We are residents of Suffolk County and my husband is a disabled veteran so we take advantage of discounted waterfront camp sites to have fantastic family vacations. Whether you live in a beach community or travel for beach camping, you need to be prepared for the conditions The environment at a lake differs from the conditions by the ocean. These top ten beach camping tips will get you ready for camping in beach tents and beyond no matter where you decide to go.

1. Visit the campsite before you make a commitment. In certain locations, beach camping exposes to you a variety of natural elements. Each campground is different so you cannot assume you’ll like it until you check it out completely. Some campsites are “dry” which means you must bring your own freshwater for drinking and bathing. If the campgrounds are far away and you cannot personally visit them before your trip, review all information about the conditions carefully. Have an alternative plan if you find the campgrounds are not suitable for your needs. Know the nearest hotel, have transportation accessible and have extra cash to accommodate an unexpected change of plans.

2. Practice with your tent or RV before you go. Most campers start out in a tent. For years, we used different beach tents for camping. As a couple, a dome tent sufficed in all environments. With one child, we got a one-room cabin tent by Cabelas. When the second child was born, we invested in a two-room tent by Coleman. Now that our children are older, we have a pop-up by Coleman. Friends purchased large RV’s . No matter what your “housing” will be, get familiar with how it works before you arrive at the beach camping site. You don’t want to be fighting the elements and trying to figure out how your housing works in a strange place after traveling for hours. Verify whether beach tents are allowed at the campsite. At two of our favorite campsites in the Hamptons, you must have an RV or pop-up as beach tents are not allowed.

3. Have your reservations, permits and paperwork in order. Most campgrounds require a reservation so verify these arrangements before you leave. Others may require you to have a permit, too. Make sure to have your reservations, permits, drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance papers, health insurance cards and pertinent paperwork handy for when you need it. If you are disabled veteran, bring your Veterans card to take advantage of possible discounts.

4. Be prepared for beach camping. From beach tents to sleeping bags to food, be prepared for beach camping trips. A basic checklist of items to bring includes:

- sleeping bags, blankets and pillows;

- change of clothes, swimsuits, windbreakers/rain jackets, sunglasses and sweatshirts;

- canned goods, food, propane stove, dishes, pots, pans, utensils, firewood and fire container - find out rules about building open fires and barbecuing before you go beach camping;

- dish soap, rags, trash bags and storage containers and coolers for food so animals are not attracted by the scent of your food

- always dispose of trash according to campground rules to avoid unwanted animal attention and keep the campgrounds beautiful;

- basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, lotion, bug repellent, sunscreen, medications and contact lens supplies;

- flashlights, Swiss army knife, rope, tarp, compass, map, cell phone, matches, first aid kit, plastic baggies, aluminum foil and bottled water;

- a portable potty and water supply at dry campgrounds as well as a generator if you want electricity - find out campground rules regarding the use of generators before you go;

- optional items include table, camp chairs, fishing rods and tackle, balls and outdoor toys, whisk broom, books, notebook and pen, camera, books and gloves.

5. Be aware of water tables and tides when you go beach camping. Most waterfront campgrounds have designated sites but others may not. If this is the situation, be aware of the local water tables and tides. You would not want to set up your beach tents in a place where they will be washed away!

6. Set up beach tents of clear ground. Before you set up beach tents, make sure the ground is smooth. Level out the sand or dirt and remove all sticks and rocks. This keeps your tent from getting punctured and you enjoy a more comfortable outdoor sleeping experience. If it is a “dry” camp with no restrooms or running water, designate an area for waste. Dig a hole, bury it and burn the toilet tissue used. Never bury trash and follow all regulations regarding garbage disposal. Give a hoot and don’t pollute so you leave the natural world the way you found it.

7. Beach camping is best for beginners during the summer. We enjoy beach camping during the spring, summer and fall because we are seasoned campers with a pop-up and a generator. When you camp in beach tents as a beginner, it is best to go during the summer months when it is warmest. As you gain more experience, you may decide to try beach camping during the spring or fall during cooler weather.

8. Be aware of local wildlife during beach camping. Certain restrictions may be imposed on where you can go because of local wildlife. Know about seasonal wildlife activity so you don’t disrupt the delicate balance of nature. Instead, use the opportunity to observe nature and take photos. For example, often the piping plover are nesting when we camp in the Hamptons so certain beach areas are closed off. Be considerate of wildlife as you are staying in “their home”. Do not feed the wildlife as it usually does more harm than good, causing animals to be unhealthy and become a nuisance. Animals naturally know how to forage for food for themselves.

9. Use caution around fires during beach camping. There tend to be higher winds near waterfront areas. Be aware of the wind and conditions around you when building a fire. Use a special fire bucket to keep the flames contained. Discuss fire safety with children so they do not get burned while they toast up those yummy s’mores.

10. Know where to get medical attention, groceries and supplies. Even when you are well-prepared, emergencies and unexpected circumstances arrive. Know where the nearest hospital, doctor and grocery store are in case of an accident or special needs.

Following these beach camping tips ensure a great getaway. Remember to take time to appreciate those incredible waterfront sunrises and sunsets!

Source : 5000 watt generator