I have to admit that I am more of an old-fashioned camper, but my wife and kids much prefer more of the “glamping” style of camping. Not only that but beach glamping has been by far their favorite.
Now I also have to admit that I love the beach. Over time I have come to be very familiar with the glamping style of camping as my absolute favorite thing in the world is to see my wife and kids comfortable and happy.
With that said, I will pass on the knowledge I have acquired over the years on everything you will need to know about beach glamping.
Glamping on the beach sounds like a lot of fun to you, but you aren’t quite sure how to do it, or you do not know what glamping even really entails, for that matter. Today, we are going to give you all the information you need to glamp on the beach in style and be as comfortable as possible!
So how do you go glamping on the beach?
Beach glamping is much like any other glamping, but there are some special considerations that you have to take into account. For one, you will need to know things like the tide level to keep your campsite from being flooded. The difference is, you will need glamourous items that can stand up to humid and salty conditions. This means you will want more glamping products that are made of plastic. With this small change, you can be glamping on the beach in no time.
Here’s what we will cover to get you on your way to the beach.
Clickable Table Of Contents
What does it mean to go “beach glamping?”
“Glamping” is the art of taking camping and turning it into a luxurious, spa-like getaway. Basically, it is camping without having to sacrifice any of the daily comforts of home! It may seem like a new trend, but glamping has been around for centuries!
Back in the 16th century, members of royal families pitched large tents near the places they were visiting and brought every extravagant thing from home they could think of! Of course, they did not have the technology we do today that makes our lives much more convenient. Even kings couldn’t glamp as we can!
You can go glamping almost anywhere — forests, treehouses, on mountains, and on beaches, to name a few! Our destination today: somewhere on the warm sand, listening to the sound of waves crashing nearby. How is beach glamping any different than any other location? That’s a good question.
Different types of beach glamping.
DIY beach glamping
It is important to understand there are two different ways to go glamping on a beach. One is the DIY way. This method is where you supply your own accommodations.
Diy beach glamping will require you to have some part of the beach reserved as glamping usually involves a large tent or living space that would not be allowed overnight on most public beaches. This article will primarily discuss what you will need for this method.
The rental beach glamping
A lot of people consider small huts and beach yurts that you can rent to be a style of beach glamping. Remember glamping is basically camping without losing the comforts of home.
Both styles of beach glamping are fun and relaxing. The method you choose is up to you.
Just last summer, I rented a yurt on the beach in Florida, and it was one of the best trips I have ever been on. At the same time, we regularly make camping trips to the beach with our own equipment and absolutely love it.
Beach Glamping vs. Forest Glamping
Bringing a little glamor and style to your camping experience heavily relies on the destination you have in mind. You always need to check the forecast ahead of time, but glamping on the beach can be substantially more dangerous than forest glamping if you go without paying attention to the weather and climate.
In the forest, you worry about thunderstorms. By the sea, you have to watch out for hurricane season, high tides, marine life advisories, and indeed any severe weather in general. Keep in mind that every beach will not be the same. The first thing you should do is listen to the advice of professionals and stay away when the weather gets rough, and the jellyfish come out to play.
Setting Up Camp
Before you can even pitch your tent, yurt, or tipi, choose a definite location and call ahead. Some beach authorities do not permit camping on their shores. It would be rather disappointing to go through the trouble of packing and traveling only to be told that you can’t do what you set out to do in the first place! Some of the places in the United States that offer camping (glamping, in your case) are:
- Sonoma Coast State Park (CA)
- Bodega Dunes (CA)
- Carpinteria State Beach (CA)
- Edisto Beach State Park (SC)
- Myrtle Beach State Park (SC)
- Grayton Beach State Park (FL)
- Cayo-Costa State Park (FL)
- Bahia Honda State Park (FL)
- Homer Spit Campground (AK)
- Ocean City State Park (WA)
Yes, you can even glamp in Alaska if you want to chill (literally.) These are just regular state parks. There are plenty of established glamping sites on beaches as well! Check them out on Glamping Hub’s website.
Choosing a spot on the beach
Now that you know you can set up base camp on the beach, scout it out and look for smooth terrain that is not near the high tide line. If you get too close, everything you brought can be swept away, even you. Pick wisely, and make sure you aren’t glamping over a crab’s home!
How to check for where the tide line is
It would not be very glamorous to be swept away by the waves. You know that, but you don’t really know how to positively identify where the tide stops and where you will be safe. Here are some tips:
- Do you see a line where the sand stops and seaweed, shells, and driftwood lie in clumps? That is likely the highest point the water will go at high tide. I suggest pitching your fabulous shelter at least 50 feet back from that line if you still want to be as close as safety allows.
- If you do not see a line like the one mentioned, ask a park ranger or check tide charts. Tide charts per location can easily be found online, and they are relatively simple to read.
- Checking the forecast will also tell you how the weather may affect the tides. Depending on moon phases, storms, and wind, the levels will fluctuate. Full moons are when tides are at their peak. Coastal storms will ramp up the waves.
Nailing it
When glamping on the beach and constructing a shelter, you may find that sand is not the most sturdy place to lay down stakes. There are a few ways to beat nature in your pursuits.
- Weigh down your posts with something, maybe even sandbags. That sounds funny and is admittedly a bit ironic, but have you ever lifted one? Those bags are pretty hefty. If you can’t have those on hand, find some large rocks to anchor your tent down with.
- Stay away from wet sand. For one thing, you are probably too close to the tide line. Damp sand is excellent for building castles, but it really does not provide an unmoving anchor for your private dojo.
- See if you can find a spot closer to grass and plants without being on the sand dunes. The sand there is a bit sturdier, and where vegetation grows, there is likely some sort of incline behind it to shelter you from the wind.
Don’t choose the most remote place
You may not be a people person, and you want a little solitude. While I respect that, you need to be somewhere at least near society. You are more likely to have cell signal, you can reach emergency services faster, and you will be safer in the water.
Desolate beaches are where the most marine life hangs out. Contrary to what you have seen in movies, sharks don’t seek out people. If you go for a swim in unexplored waters, though, one may mistake you for food. If you plan to get in the water at all, find a place where people actually swim.
The Ultimate Beach Glamping Packing List
Now we are getting to the good stuff! Having the right packing list ensures that you cross that line from camping to truly glamping. This means that you have the most comfortable furniture, the best gadgets, and the most convenient camping upgrades.
Shelter
As you may have already guessed, regular two-person tents are not exactly the epitome of style and comfort. You can always make your shelter bigger, better, and cooler. There are tents that will do the job, though they may come at a higher price. They are worth it, though, I assure you!
Yurts
Yurts are large tents with a domed roof, and they are made with woven fabric. None of that wimpy polyester for you! Yurts provide far more space inside than a run-of-the-mill tent ever could, and they are better at protecting you from the elements. If you can find a beachside yurt for rent, you will often see them fully furnished with beds, kitchenettes, and appliances! Even with all of that, glamping in a yurt is cheaper than staying in a hotel or seaside condominium.
Tipi
I am guessing you already have a vague idea of what tipis look like. If you are an American, you learned that some nomadic Native American tribes used these tipis as temporary homes. They are cone-shaped, and they often have a small opening at the top. This brings in natural light during the day! Don’t be fooled; tipis are bigger inside than they may look. Modern models can accommodate up to 6 people if you find the right one or rent from a glampsite.
Safari Tent
These tents are structured similarly to yurts, but they are often made of canvas. Canvas is a rugged, weatherproof material that can keep out the heat of the day easily. Safari tents, or “wall tents,” were first used in the 16th century, but they are most popularly known as being shelters for hunters and trappers or for being used as medical tents during the U.S. Civil War. Needless to say, these tents are tough, and you will not have to worry about the rain or the sun.
Bedding
Gone are the days of tossing and turning in a hot sleeping bag on the floor! There are plenty of better options out there that will have you feeling like royalty while you drift off to dreamland.
Air Mattress
When you think of air mattresses, I’m sure you picture that dusty old thing with a tiny hole in it from your attic that you drag out for guests. It’s junky, and it never fully inflates. Scrap that — think bigger!
- The SoundAsleep air mattress comes with its own, built-in pump! You do not have to waste your time using something manual; finish setting up while you push a button and let it do all the work. It is queen-sized, so you will not feel cramped or worry about falling off. Speaking of, it rises higher off the ground to give you more cushion and insulation!
- The Fox Air Bed high rise mattress is topped with memory foam. Memory foam conforms to the shape of your body for a more natural sleeping position with tons of support! If you have had back problems, this is perfect for you because it isn’t too hard or too soft. This mattress also has a built-in pump, but it has an external port just in case you prefer it! It comes with two pillows, and you can even buy it in a California king size.
- The Insta-Bed mattress is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! Just like the others, it has a built-in pump that inflates within about four minutes. The extra cool part is that it re-inflates during the night to make sure you never lose that cushion. It is 18” tall, so you have the extra cushion, and you will have an easier time getting out of bed!
Bringing your own bed from home
The most surefire way to feel at home without being at home is to bring your own mattress! You have already worn those comfy grooves in it where you usually sleep; you bought something for yourself that is just right for all of your needs. If you happen to have the room for it, why not take it along?
Of course, the downside to bringing your bed from home is that you need a lot of space to tow it, and you may have to sacrifice other luxuries if you have limited room. It depends on how important you find sleeping over other things!
Blankets, pillows, and sheets
Every bed needs something stylish and comfortable to go on top! My advice would be to bring materials that are cute and feel luxurious; something like satin or Egyptian cotton for your choice of sheets makes all the difference. You will feel like you booked a stay at a five-star hotel! As for pillows, check out this list for some great options that are designed with your comfort and health in mind.
Necessities for beach glamping
No matter what trip you go on, you need things like clothes, toiletries, and medical supplies. Even those items can be upgraded and turned into something glamorous! How? I will show you.
Clothing
Depending on which beach you have in mind, you must dress for the weather! In hotter climates, you need swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops. On colder shores, you need to cover up and wear wetsuits if you plan to dive in at any point. No matter what you are wearing, you can feel fabulous. You do not even have to spend hundreds on a new wardrobe! Not everything about glamping involves tons of money.
The key to feeling like a million bucks without spending it is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. If nothing you currently have makes you feel that way, go ahead and treat yourself! By all means, though, consider what makes you feel good that you already have and pack it first.
Toiletries
You have the standard items that you already know to pack, things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, a hairbrush, etc. I could go over those, but I assume you would rather get down to the stuff that will really take your glamping to the next level!
- Massage oil. If you are glamping with your partner or a really friendly group, get some massage oil and take turns giving each other backrubs! It smells good and feels great. This could either be a way to spice up your love life or really bond with your best friends. The oils come in a wide variety of scents, and some even warm the skin! I would recommend testing it on a small patch of skin first to make sure you are not allergic. You wouldn’t want to have to cut your trip short because you need to visit the emergency room.
- Dry shampoo. If you would rather laze around by the waves than worry about a shower, spray your roots with some dry shampoo! This product is unisex; some even have scents that are considered more masculine. It keeps your hair from getting greasy, and it adds some texture as well. Just do your tent-mates a favor and do take a shower at some point.
- Face masks. Pampering yourself is what glamping is all about! Keep your skin hydrated and healthy. I know you do not want to waste water washing off a clay mask. That is why there are these convenient things called “sheet masks.” They are loaded with serums and packaged individually. You simply pat down the sheet onto your face and wait the recommended amount of time before removing it. After it is off, dispose of the sheet properly and rub in the remaining serum. Typically, no water is needed!
Everything else you bring is entirely up to you. Those are just a few ways to make your trip more convenient and fuss-free! Enjoy your extra time and your free massage!
Beach Glamping Gadgets
What would glamping be without technology to make your life easier? It would just be camping, that’s what. Some of these are absolute lifesavers, and others are just for fun! Either way, I think you will definitely want to make room in your budget for them.
Shower
No shower? No problem! You have one now with this portable battery-powered model! The water is heated, too. Cold showers are for regular campers. The battery can give you 40 minutes of shower time. It can also be powered by propane, which heats the water up a considerable amount.
This is especially a must-buy after getting covered in all that sand! The issue of modesty might be something you care about, so we’ve got you covered. A privacy tent will hide your body from view while you use your shower to get nice and clean!
Washing machine
Yes, you read that, right! You can wash your clothes in a bag that weighs mere ounces. The Scrubba Wash Bag is simple to use. You put in your clothes, fill it with soap and a little water, and rub it in your hands. The soap lathers up, and afterward, you just rinse and hang your clothes up to dry!
If that seems like too much work, throw your dirty underwear and swimsuit into the DELLA Portable Washing Machine! You can set a timer for this and leave it. This machine was made with glampers like yourself in mind!
Heater
If you do happen to be glamping along the shore of somewhere chilly, you do not exactly have to bundle up to keep warm. Propane-powered portable space heaters exist! This one, in particular, has extra features to keep you safe and prevent your tipi from being singed. It has an auto shut-off mechanism after a certain time limit has passed, and if anyone knocks it over, it stops! How “cool” is that?
Pump up the jams!
The ambient noise of your environment can be nice and peaceful, but sometimes you just want to dance or sing along. Heavy boomboxes are a thing of the past. Now we have high powered and crazy loud portable speakers to keep the party going! The Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth speaker is one of the most highly recommended on the market right now.
Having personally used it, I can tell you my experience. The battery lasts for about three or four hours without needing to be charged, and the sound quality is unbelievably amazing! Amazon’s website says that the particular model linked can play for ten hours when fully charged, but I would assume they mean in small increments. Either way, I highly recommend splurging on this!
Chargers
In this modern age, everyone is addicted to their phones, myself included! When you decide to rough it in nature, your phone dies, and you feel naked without it. Having a dead cell is also dangerous; if you need immediate help, what will you do? You are going to be a smart glamper, which means you will have your chargers with you in your not-so-humble abode.
There are models that are meant to be charged before you leave home. Those are great, but what if I told you that you could bring a charger that you charge with the elements? Solar-powered phone chargers are a genius idea, in my opinion! Sit that baby out in the sun for a while and harness its power to take Instagram worthy photos.
Potty Problems
Okay, so squatting behind a tree is not exactly glamorous, and it’s never fun. On the beach, you may not even be able to find a tree at all. Sand does not quite cover up the waste as well, either. To save yourself a lot of discomfort and embarrassment, you need your own portable toilet. Good news!
They have that now without the big blue box, and towing costs included. This one has legs, so you do not have to squat. It catches waste with eco-friendly bags. Nothing comes close to actual indoor plumbing, but this is the best you can get if you want to set up your own base camp without renting from a glampsite. If privacy is still an issue, take your portable shower out for a time and place your toilet in the privacy tent you saw earlier!
Beach activities while glamping
This is really what separates all other sites from where you are going. You go to the beach to enjoy the ocean and the atmosphere you can’t get anywhere else! Your space is definitely going to be ultra-comfy, but you definitely will not want to spend all your time inside, right? Why even leave home if you don’t experience all aspects of your environment? Here’s what you can do.
- Take surfing or paddle boarding lessons! This is a great way to add some more excitement to your adventure, and it would be fun to watch and laugh as your group members struggle to stand up without falling off.
- Play beach volleyball. All you need is the net and ball (and a few other people) to have fun in the sun! You can really play any game, but this is the most popular among regular beachgoers. You may even find other high-class campers who want to join.
- Kayak or canoe. Okay, so you need some experience before you go. The ocean is more turbulent and challenging than something like a lake. If you already know how to do these and you have the proper safety equipment, go for it!
- Go out on the town! The greatest way to get a feel for where you are is to meet locals and have fun exploring and shopping. Just because you set up a home away from others doesn’t mean you have to stay there during the day. Go out to eat at a nearby restaurant; cooking takes effort — sometimes too much effort.
- Make a bonfire and have some old-fashioned fun! In the woods, you have to worry a lot more about building a fire because it is much easier to catch your surroundings on fire. As you can imagine, sand does not burn as grass and trees do. Do make sure beforehand that you are allowed to do this. If you get the green light, roast some marshmallows and throw a little shindig around the light of the fire.
Glamping Safety Tips
I know this is the boring part, but it could save your life to heed these simple tips.
- Bring a first aid kit. Getting an infected wound is decidedly not glamorous. If you have a big group, get a big kit.
- Wear sunscreen always! I don’t care where you are; the sun burns you anyway. Reduce your risk of sunburn and skin cancer; protect your epidermis!
- Keep your cell charged. Good thing I showed you where to get portable chargers, huh? A dead phone is no help if you need emergency services.
You are now fully prepared to take camping to the next level! Remember to pack all the standard things you know you should, and take my advice on some of these products and activities. Above all, at least give yourself the luxury of relieving yourself like a civilized person. Wherever you go, you are sure to impress everyone else. Live like a seafaring king and go beach glamping today!
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