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When boondocking, always park well above the beach and learn about tide tables and charts for the local area.
Words by Steve Fennell
For many enthusiasts, camping right on a beach is an experience that’s tough to match. Some may even say it’s the ‘pinnacle RV destination.’ After all, travelling south of the border for a few months or longer is all about enjoying the sun, sand, and surf day after day and week after week.
Boondocking along a sandy coastline or staying at an established waterfront RV park with many services while being just steps from the ocean is something every RVer should experience. It only takes some common sense, having some knowledge of the area, bringing along the right gear, and understanding your RV to make it all a reality.
Where to Go
There are countless southern destinations that offer opportunities for RVing on the beach, ranging from State, Provincial and National Parks and private campgrounds to boondocking sites. Campendium and iOverlander are good starting points to find dispersed camping options while the Explorer RV Club and other association directories are resources to find a campground, which is either right on the water or very close to it.
The many benefits of using these resources since RVers share comprehensive reviews of the location, specific details about the services, and other criteria about what to expect before your arrival. Better yet, you can search until you find the perfect site that’ll provide your ideal on-the-beach getaway.
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RV vents and windows should be kept closed in windy conditions.
Boondocking, the Terrain and the Tides
If you prefer boondocking and find a spot on a beach that you like, check out the location and conditions when you arrive. This means physically walking the beach to survey the conditions and speaking to other RVers or locals to ensure the terrain can safely accommodate your motorhome, trailer and tow vehicle. Be very realistic. If you have any doubts, try another area.
Driving and parking an RV on the sand is a far cry from a nice paved road and concrete pad in a campground. Sand can be very soft and unforgiving with little to no traction. If you feel your RV has the proper clearance and/or can sustain the terrain (as many new trailers now can), the best time to drive onto a beach is during low tide when the sand is harder, more stable and has optimal traction for RV your or tow vehicle tires.
When the sand is soft or you want better traction, try airing down the tires of your trailer, tow vehicle and motorhome to around 20 psi. This creates a wider footprint and increases traction. If you’re not sure about how much to air down, contact your tire manufacturer or local RV dealer - you’ll be glad you did as you’ll spend more time relaxing and less time digging.
In the event you do get stuck, avoid heavy acceleration and spinning your wheels (much like getting stuck in snow), which will only make the problem worse. Another option is adding water to the sand in front of your tires to increase traction. It’s also a good idea to bring along certain recovery tools including a shovel, RV-designated recovery boards, and an air compressor, to name a few items.
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Not all beaches are ideal for all RVs when boondocking. Survey the beach before motoring ahead.
Long before you settle at a boondocking site, understand the local tide table and tide charts. Many popular dispersed camping sites have adequate space well above the beach (and where the tide doesn’t reach) to safely park your RV, but parking too close to the water can result in a disaster. If you don’t account for when the tide comes in, it can potentially flood your RV, wash out the sand from beneath the tires (causing your RV to partially sink in the sand) or potentially wash it out to open water. Not good.
Mind the Sand, Salt and Sun
Regardless if you boondock or stay at a beachfront RV park, sand can get everywhere. If you’re don’t clean or sweep daily, you’ll be seeing fine crystalline-like particles inside your RV for months after your trip.
Waxing your RV should be done at least once a year, but be sure to apply a good coat before leaving. It will provide an effective layer of protection against UV rays, the salt air, and also help reduce wear and tear. Sand can get into the tiniest and most unlikely places so be sure to give your RV a good rinse at a self-serve car wash following your beach experience.
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The Winnebago Hike 100. Beach boondocking can be peaceful and quiet - just make sure all systems are a go and you have ample water and power.
Of course, sand also attaches to almost any surface it comes into contact with. To reduce tracking sand into the interior, shower/rinse off excess sand with an outdoor shower unit. If you don’t have one and your site has a water spigot, use a splitter to hook up a designated hose to rinse. Other thoughtful tips include:
- Dry towels, bathing suits and other beachwear outside and dry bath towels inside your RV.
- Place a container of water by the entry door to rinse shoes or feet before entering the RV.
- Lay down a quality exterior rug by the door and sweep daily.
- Use specific beach/camping chairs and reserve other outdoor furniture for the exterior living area.
Be Careful of the Wind
Refreshing ocean breezes are very appealing. However, being so close to water also means the wind can kick up pretty good without too much warning. So, always monitor the weather and when you’re not at your site, roll in your awning or lower umbrellas as these are always the first to get damaged. All it takes is one strong gust before you have to go to the RV supply store for replacement(s).
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For better traction on the sand, try airing down the tires of your trailer, tow vehicle or motorhome, which creates a wider footprint and increases traction.
Outdoor rugs, portable solar systems, and other items can also easily fly away or become damaged. If you can’t anchor down rugs, mats or tablecloths, simply roll them up. Also make sure all sensitive gear and electronics are safely stowed away.
The wind is a great way to air out your RV at other destinations. However, when you’re on a beach, all vents, screen doors and windows facing the wind should be closed to prevent sand and dust from blowing in.
RVing on a beach has many benefits. Oceanfront RV parks offer scenic views with a variety of services while boondocking provides a peaceful and quiet setting; just ensure all systems are properly working, you have ample water and power, and truly understand how to drive on the sand and the marine environment. But either way, you’ll achieve new experiences and most importantly, discover one other way to spend time RVing.