There’s a cultural synergy between beach and RV life. Both activities are a form of escape from the mundane. Both involve an appreciation for nature. And both are filled with folks who like to swing their life’s pendulum away from the corporate cubicle. So it should be no surprise that most of the best beaches have great RV parks nearby. But the best RV beach destinations also come with an incredible perk — they’re perfect way to avoid the outrageous hotel and resort costs. Because after all, no matter where you lay your head, the main attraction is a hot and sandy day next to a big, beautiful body of water.
So here are our favorite RV beach destinations in each region of the US coastline, complete with a nearby parking spot to turn your RV, camper, or trailer into a beachside crash pad.
Floribama and Texas Coast
Orange Beach, Alabama
The Panhandle and the Alabama Coast remind me of Las Vegas — you can find pretty much anything you want if you look hard enough. For example, right next to trashy-chic party spots like the Flora-Bama Lounge — which calls itself, “The most famous beach bar in the country” — you’ll find Orange Beach, Alabama. It’s way more upscale. Orange Beach is quieter, significantly more distinguished than much of the Panhandle (and less trafficked by the spring break crowd). And yet … the party is always within arm’s reach. That’s the beauty of Orange Beach — everything is right at your fingertips.
Beachy RV Park
If you have a Class A or Super C motor coach that’s 32 feet or longer, and less than 15 years old, you can apply for a reservation at the Buena Vista Motor Coach Resort. But for us normies, the Gulf State Park Campground will do more than fine. It’s inland on a sleepy little lake with beach access, 28 miles of trails to enjoy, full hookups, camp store, pickle ball courts, and anything you need in between stays at one of the most beautiful Florida beaches you’ll find.
Beyond the Beach
Who are we trying to kid: It’s 100 percent worth the 10-minute drive to the Flora-Bama Lounge, just for the bushwackers alone.
South Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida
When I was in high school, the residents of Sanibel practically took up arms against a “not-from-around-here” small-businessperson trying to open a McDonald’s in town. Back then, the uproar was the silliest thing I had heard of. Today, I see it differently. It was farsighted. The Sanibel area has managed to stay a haven from the booze-soaked party vibe of the Fort Myers beach next door. In Sanibel, it’s just all untainted nature, all the time. Of note: Don’t expect a Big Mac when you get there. Sanibel still doesn’t have a McDonald’s. Score one for Mother Nature.
Beachy RV Park
Periwinkle Park is the perfect launching point to explore one of the country’s most pristine pebbly playgrounds surrounded by palms, pools, and maybe even a porpoise or two.
Beyond the Beach
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a prime bird-watching spot with a peaceful look at what an untouched Florida would look like.
Outer Banks
Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina (and, technically, Virginia), or OBX, has an unmistakable energy. There’s something about being surrounded by that much saltwater that rejects the corporate. In short, it instills maximum chill for all who enter. The entire OBX is built for outdoor living, with watersports driving a big part of the economy. (Hear that, Boatmart?)
But the beauty, both literal and figuratively, is its ability to maintain an arms-length distance from the vacationing hordes. Again: maximum chill. Another distinct difference in the OBX experience is that while other coastlines typically keep their RV parks off the beach itself, it’s not unusual to find a parking spot with a direct ocean view, like the park we’re suggesting below. And that kind of ocean view is priceless in any zip code.
Beachy RV Park
Camp Hatteras is, as they say, “World-class camping: Oceanfront to Soundfront on the Outer Banks.”
Beyond the Beach
The numerous charter fishing options and plentiful marlin population have given the OBX the title of, “the billfish capital of the world.”
Midwest
Beach 404, Nowhere
Error. Not found. (Just kidding.) Love ya, Midwest, but no self-respecting son of Florida would call a lakeside dirt spot an RV beach destination, no matter how much sand you truck in! I just can’t do it!
Pacific Northwest
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Some 700 miles north of Sonoma, beaches become less about hot and sandy sun soaking and more about the views and the wildlife. The Pacific Northwest has almost unending miles of protected oceanfront, with plenty of visual drama. In fact, there’s so much drama that it’s hard to narrow in on a best option. You want lighthouses? You got ‘em. Want some whale watching? Cascadia and the PNW has that too.
But if we have to pick one, we’re going with Cannon Beach, where the famously majestic Haystack Rock inspires the romantic and melancholy alike. In the middle of what is essentially the PNW’s version of rainforest, Cannon Beach is a beach town in the summer, a sleepy forest town in the “magic season” when the beachgoers depart, and an ecological wonder every day of the year.
Beachy RV Park
The Cannon Beach RV Resort is the perfect place to enjoy the magical, Cascadian version of beach life.
Beyond the Beach
There’s a reason Haystack Rock (it’s just Haystack to locals) has been featured in countless pieces of media. There’s a gravity to it that’s undeniable, and well worth getting pulled into the half-mile trek from the RV park.
California
Sonoma Coast, California
One of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken was a 200-mile drive on the Pacific Coast Highway from Sonoma State Park in the north to Big Sur in the south. To say that the Pacific Coast is breathtaking grossly understates its beauty. It was nothing short of life-changing, even if only for the two weeks we spent in that awe-filled zone that combines the refined wine country vibe with world-famous-for-a-reason beach views.
The Sonoma Coast is unlike other beaches, but only partly because California is unlike anywhere that’s not California. The sand feels different. The visual variety is different. And the energy hits different. The entire region is a slice of Americana that’s a critical piece of any balanced view of what we offer the world. It’s the perfect zen yin to the hustle-bustle yang of the East Coast.
Even in the L.A. region, there are plenty of spots worth visiting, including tourist-friendly locations like Santa Monica, Coronado, or La Jolla, all of which have plenty of RV park and camping options. But for my money, the Sonoma Coast is one of the most unique RV destinations in the world. Come for the beaches. Stay for the redwoods. And live for those astounding views coasting your rig down the PCH.
Beachy RV Park
Sonoma Coast State Park has several RV options. For full hookups you’ll want Bodega Dunes. But if you want the ultimate RV beach destination experience, back yourself into a premium spot at Wright’s Beach.
Beyond the Beach
The hour drive from Sonoma Coast State Park to the Napa Valley Wine Train is all the way worth it. The train is a most elegant way to experience the region’s spectacular beauty and a glass or six of great American wine. Especially if you take the perfect RV for a wine tour.
