Top East Coast Camping Beaches

Top East Coast Camping Beaches

If your idea of fun includes the surf and sand, a beach camping trip has something for everyone. Just north of the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a new hot spot for East Coast camping near the beach — Virginia Beach. It offers the perfect mix of seaside relaxation, maritime forests and resort-style fun.

Whether you are planning a family vacation or a lively trip with friends, it helps to know the best places to visit. Here are a few of the top East Coast locations for a beachy camping trip.

4 of the Best Camping Beaches on the East Coast

Atlantic seaside camping offers a unique blend of colonial history, fun water activities and soothing ocean waves. Some of the best beaches for camping on the East Coast include:

1. Assateague Island in Maryland

Assateague Island is a national seashore and state park along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, just east of Chesapeake Bay. This 37-mile stretch of land is known for its sandy beaches, salt marshes, coastal forests and herds of wild horses.

Whether you are looking for wildlife, pristine waters or quiet coves, this destination has it all. Enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, biking and stargazing along the shore.

2. Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

As America's first national seashore, Cape Hatteras National Seashore is another popular beach location along the East Coast. This island chain covers about 70 miles of the Outer Banks, offering access to its pristine shoreline.

Known for its strong currents and high-energy oceanfront, Cape Hatteras places you steps away from the ocean. Its deep-water access and rich marine wildlife make it the perfect spot for surfing, fishing, kiteboarding and windsurfing.

3. Anastasia State Park in Florida

With white sands and abundant wildlife, Anastasia State Park is an excellent camping destination in St. Augustine, Florida. This location features 4 miles of stunning beaches, marshes and maritime forests to explore.

The park features 17th-century Spanish colonial history, making it especially unique. Workers once mined coquina, or limestone, on the island and shipped it across the water to build homes and buildings. Today, you can enjoy the same distinct archeological structures, dunes and wide open beaches.

Spend time with those you love while relaxing on the shore, spotting dolphins or watching the sunset. Anastasia State Park also offers outdoor hiking trails and fun water activities. Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard for your beach day, or hike up Ancient Dunes Trail.

4. First Landing State Park in Virginia

Located in Virginia Beach, this unique state park provides quick access to beaches along Chesapeake Bay. It is ideal for beach getaways, combining sandy beaches with beautiful, wooded hiking trails. As one of the places where English colonialists first landed in the 1600s, the area offers a rich colonial background.

Looking to make a splash? The park blends outdoor adventures with coastal relaxation and diverse landscapes. Whether you want to trek through the forest, visit historical landmarks, observe wading birds or lounge on the sand, this seaside oasis has it all.

The bay features calm, shallow water for campers looking to swim and soak up the sun. Nestled under a thick canopy of trees, this Virginia Beach location makes for a truly memorable camping vacation.

Why Camp At Virginia Beach?

The East Coast offers many well-known vacation destinations, with Virginia Beach offering some of the most stunning landscapes and remote beachfront spots for your camping experience. If you are an avid beach camper who is looking to mix it up, see what this location has to offer:

  • Easy beach entry: A major interstate takes you right to the oceanfront and top boardwalk attractions. From here, it is easy to make your way to and from the nearby campground. Most local sights are open year-round, including beach access and nature trails.
  • Less driving: When you visit Virginia Beach, you can park at one of the lots by the boardwalk and spend the day sightseeing in the area. Plus, Virginia Beach KOA sits close to all the major sites. Campers can spend more time at the beach, boardwalk, restaurants, trails and attractions instead of driving between destinations.
  • Unforgettable attractions: Fill your day with local attractions, such as delicious boardwalk eateries, thrilling forest zip line tours, unique historical landmarks and a world-class aquarium.
  • Fewer crowds: Secluded beaches like Chic's Beach and Sandbridge make for a quiet, relaxing day. These hidden gems are a natural retreat where you can escape, unwind and thoroughly enjoy your vacation without the crowds.  
  • Memorable events: When you camp in Virginia Beach, you get the best of both worlds — an incredible beach camping adventure, plus plenty of annual events like music festivals, kid-friendly celebrations, fireworks and more. 
  • Coastal adventures: Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and miles of hiking and biking trails. Start your day watching the sunrise on the beach, and end it with a scenic stroll along the boardwalk.

How Kampgrounds of America Makes Your Camping Trip Easier

Virginia Beach KOA Holiday simplifies every aspect of your experience so you can focus on creating lasting memories with loved ones:

  • Flexible camping: Stay in a Camping Cabin with beds and electricity, a Pull-Thru RV Site with full hookups or a Tent Site with clean restrooms nearby. Looking to stay for longer than a weekend? KOA makes settling in for weeks or months affordable and convenient.
  • Effortless amenities: Enjoy heated pools and a lazy river, KampK9® dog park, live summer entertainment, recreation areas with cornhole and basketball, bike and golf cart rentals, laundry facilities and a well-stocked campground store. Some sites are even pet-friendly.
  • Convenient location: The famous boardwalk and lively oceanfront sit just 2.5 miles away from the campground. The Wave trolley stops at the campground from Memorial Day through Labor Day and transports you directly to the oceanfront, no parking needed. The trolley is especially helpful for families, larger groups or visitors traveling with beach gear.
  • Helpful staff: A local, friendly team can provide insider tips on beaches, restaurants, hiking trails and kid-friendly activities.
  • Easy online reservations: Browse campground availability and reserve your perfect camping beach vacation months in advance.

Start Planning Your Virginia Beach Getaway

Virginia Beach's incredible natural beauty and exciting attractions make it one of the best East Coast camping beaches. Virginia Beach KOA Holiday serves as your perfect basecamp after a day in the sun, providing the amenities, location and support that make an unforgettable trip.

Ready to experience the KOA difference? Explore Deluxe Cabins, RV Sites and Tent Sites today to start planning your ideal getaway. Then, reserve your stay online and start counting down to sandy beaches and easy coastal camping.

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