Wow! What a trip! We headed down to Surfside Beach, TX for Easter weekend to go beach camping. The weekend by far was one of the best we’ve had. We were in need of a weekend away from the stress of everyday life. The weekend was beautiful and, aside from some wind, on the first day we had great weather.
So let’s back up a bit. A few months back, we took a day trip to Surfside Beach and decided at the spur of the moment to grab a tent and spend the night. There was no planning and we ate out at our favorite local restaurant, Seahorse Grill.
And Now
We had a great time but wanted this time to be different. Definitely wanted to see how we could make this venture a little more cost-effective so we could let other families in on such a great opportunity to spend family time together. We also knew that we would be staying for three full days and two nights. Planning would be essential the week before our trip.
This was an opportunity to test out a little bit longer camping trip. We knew this would let us know what we had missed and what we had planned well. So let me back up to before the trip and the preparations for it. I’ll say that we are what I would call “spontaneous planners”. We decide at the last minute (few days maybe) that we want to do something, and then we feverishly plan for what we will need.
Planning
We planned out everything and made a pretty extensive list for what it would take to live almost three full days on the beach camping. You don’t always realize what all you need until you go through your day. The necessities were easy to decide on. Food, sleeping needs and a tent were a given.
It was the little things like how to wash the dishes, bathroom needs and all the other stuff we knew we would forget that we had to decide on. We knew we wanted to just relax this time around and not run around town. The water was pretty cold still, so we knew there would be little time there. We wanted to be together, have good conversation and rest ourselves. So now we are packed and ready, it’s time to get on the road.
Finding Your Perfect Patch of Sand
- Permits and Regulations: Beach camping isn’t always free rein. Research beforehand! Some beaches require permits, while others have designated camping areas. Be sure to follow campfire restrictions and leave no trace principles.
- Location, Location, Location: Pick a spot above the high tide line to avoid any unwanted wake-up calls from the ocean. Look for flat, well-drained ground, and avoid setting up under any precarious rocks or dying trees. Did I mention staying above the high tide line? We made this mistake, but that’s another story.
Shelter~ Day and Night
A beach tent specifically designed for sand is ideal. Regular tents can struggle with strong winds and sandy floors. Selecting a tent for you and your family takes time. Some tents have one room, others many. Do you have kids? Do they want their own separate space? That requires a multi room tent. Some even come with a screened area outside the sleeping area. Whatever your needs be sure it allows for your mattress, bags and any pets you might bring along. Consider a beach shade canopy for lounging during the day.
Building Your Tent
I am not a pro at tent building. Keith is much more skilled, but it is necessary for me to learn and know these skills for future use. When we bought the tent it took time to put it up. The second time around, and it’s supposed to be easier. Have you ever tried to put up a tent in 30 mph wind gusts? It is not easy at all. Fortunately, we had done it once, so we knew what the steps were, but it was a challenge. A tip….be sure to get familiar with your tent beforehand if you have the chance. Because we did….the tent went up quicker than the first time even in the wind.
A few things we would suggest…..
*Invest in some good tent stakes and a quality mallet. The better the stakes, the less worry if it gets a bit windy. The mallet will save your hands trying to put in the stakes.
*Know your environment! We like beach camping but, realized when the wind is blowing, so is the sand. Our current tent had mesh from about a quarter up to the top. It does have a rain cover, but that did not stop the sand from blowing in the tent. We should have made the bed later. 🙁
*Changing clothes is difficult without some extra space in the tent. I would buy a tent that is a little bigger than the actual number of people you want to sleep in it. That extra space allows for your bags, room to change and a pet bed if necessary.
Tent Add-Ons
- Bedding~ Air mattress or not? I’m an air mattress fan and others say to ditch the air mattress! We personally have a 24″ mattress that is outfitted with decent bedding so it’s pretty comfy sleeping. I’d say bring what’s most comfortable for you. A closed-cell foam pad or a camping cot can create a barrier between you and the chilly sand, which can be pretty beneficial.
- Doormat~ A doormat outside the tent entrance is a great way to help limit the amount of sand you bring in to your sleeping space. Leave your flip-flops by the door, wipe your feet and catch some zzzz’s.
- Fan/Light Combo~ It can get pretty dark out there, so we found a great-battery operated fan/light combo that not only helps us to see but move a bit of air in the tent. It hangs from a hook in the middle of the ceiling of the tent. It’s worked great, and we definitely don’t camp without it anymore.
- Sand Specifics~ Bring a beach shovel for digging a trench around your tent in case of rain, and sand stakes (regular stakes just bend!).
Beach Bum Essentials
- Sun and Shade~ Pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. An umbrella or beach shade is a must for escaping the midday sun.
- Wind Warriors~ Sand can get everywhere! Bring a bandanna or light scarf for windy days, and pack extra towels for sandy toes and gear.
- Hydration Hero~ Dehydration is a real threat at the beach. Bring a refillable water bottle and stay topped up throughout the day.
- Beach Towels/Blankets~ Don’t forget to bring a beach towel to dry off, and I always have a larger beach blanket to lay on and enjoy the sun.
- Camping Chairs~ As I get a bit older, the laying out on the towel can be less than fun but a good camping chair is a great fill in. Ours stay in the car wherever we go because they can be used anywhere.
Fun In The Sun
- Games~ Footballs, Frisbee, Soccer Ball, Corn Hole are all great options for fun family time
- Kite Flying~ The beach tends to always have a breeze, so flying kites takes us right back to being a kid
- Sandcastles~ Let’s get down and dirty and dig in the sand. Make sure to bring a shovel, bucket and any other fun sandcastle making necessities
- A Good Book~ So Keith and I are past the little kiddos and often go to the beach to just sit back and relax. I love a good book, and it’s the perfect place to get that reading time in.
- Water Play~ Boogie boards, kayaks, floats are all great items to bring along. Be sure to bring life jackets if you’re going to be in past a certain point.
- Collecting Seashells~ I have a huge collection of seashells from all the beaches we visit. They are great for decoration, but even better, they all tell a story of the beach adventures we’ve been on.
Beachside Bonuses
- Stargazing Supreme~ With minimal light pollution, beaches are phenomenal spots for stargazing. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations while you roast marshmallows. A decent set of binoculars can make seeing those stars even better.
- Sunrise Spectacle~ Early risers are rewarded with breathtaking sunrises over the ocean. Set your alarm (or skip it and let the waves lull you awake) to witness this daily wonder.
Beach Safety
- Rip Currents~ Click to see this important website on rip currents and how to stay safe
- Heatstroke/Heat Exhaustion~ Click to see this important information on heat-related illness
- Dunes~ Sand dunes provide natural coastal protection against storm surge and high waves, preventing or reducing coastal flooding and structural damage, as well as providing important ecological habitat. It’s important you do not climb, trash or disrupt dunes in any way. You will also be prone in Texas to meet up with a rattlesnake or two.
- Jellyfish~ Keep an eye out for the beautiful sea creatures that pack a pun if you upset them. Their sting hurts. If you do get stung…make sure to remove visible tentacles, rinse well and touch base with your doctor about further treatment.
- Lost Children~ Most children love the water and will find themselves heading that way whenever they can. Make sure to keep a watchful eye on kiddos. Always be in the water with them. Life jackets for any child/adult who cannot swim are a must. Be sure to discuss rules, guidelines and boundaries with your child before you settle in for your day at the beach.
Be a Beach Buddy
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all your trash, including food scraps. Leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Even better, bring extra trash bags and do a short service project and grab trash from your section of the beach.
- Respect Wildlife: Be mindful of nesting birds and other beach creatures. Keep your distance and avoid disturbing their habitat.
- Fire Safety: Always check fire restrictions before lighting a campfire. Use a designated fire pit and extinguish your fire completely before leaving.
What to eat?
What do you eat while camping? There’s so many choices out there. Do you want to cook or just put some sandwiches together? Do you have an RV with a fridge or a cooler with ice? Truthfully, it all depends on storage space, cooling capacity and how long you want to spend cooking.
Keith and I will do a little of both. We will do some cooking over the fire one night and sandwiches another. For this trip we decided on steaks, sausage (it could be used for dinner and breakfast), corn on the cob, baked potatoes and beans. Eggs and toast for breakfast were on the menu and definitely smores for dessert! We brought sandwich stuff for lunch but stuck with peanut butter and jelly because it was pretty easy. Who doesn’t love a good PB&J? See our Kismet Kitchen page for some great recipes for camp food. Here’s a short list of foods to bring with you that are easy for any camper to store and prepare.
All these items are easily prepared for even the beginning camper.
Quick Snacks:
- Fruit~ Apples, grapes, oranges are all a refreshing and healthy treat
- Dried fruits~ These keep well since they don’t need refrigeration! They are a sweet treat that tastes yummy.
- Beef Jerky~ Lots of protein and filling between meals
- Trail Mix~ Trail mixes come in a variety of options, so there’s something for everyone.
Meal Items:
- Tacos~ Chicken or beef
- Hamburgers~ Precook patties or grill fresh over the fire and you can’t go wrong with this favorite.
- Spaghetti~ This is a great meal to precook and warm over a campfire. Quick and easy and tastes great after a long day.
- Foil Packet Dinners~ Be sure to catch our Foil Packet Recipes in Kismet Kitchen
- Kabobs~ Prepackage ingredients and everyone can make their own. Meats, vegies and fruit make great combinations for the grill.
- Eggs/Bacon/Sausage~ Always a great start to the day. For a change up put them all together and make a skillet meal. One pan means one clean up!
- Pancakes~ We have a flat top cast iron griddle that sits over the fire to make our pancakes. Prepackage all the ingredients and just add water. Bring chocolate chips and fruit for a level up on these.
Meal Sides:
- Chips
- Pasta Salad~ Pasta salad is my favorite and easy to put together and keeps well in the cooler
- Veggies and Dip~ A healthy side that can double as a snack.
- Potato Salad/Macaroni Salad~ These are yummy favorites, but remember they must be kept cool or they will go bad quickly.
Desserts:
- Smore’s, of course~ These are certainly favorites! For some more flavor try adding peanut butter.
- Cookies/Brownies~ Make ahead of time for ease while camping, ziploc and go!
- Fruit and Dip~ Apples and caramel or chocolate. Try to keep a little bit of healthy in there.
What equipment do I cook with?
Keith and I looked at a couple of options when it came to cooking equipment. Truthfully, I kept thinking of my son Nathaniel, who constantly tells me there is none other than cast iron. I have used stainless steel before and wasn’t happy with how it stuck and inconsistent over fire. I feel cast iron does a much better job without food sticking or burning.
All the food turned out great using cast iron, and we found that one pan in particular worked for everything we prepared. The 10″ deep skillet held the right amount for a family, was wide enough to make pancakes (though only 1 at a time) and deep enough to make chili. We should have looked though to see how you clean it beforehand, but we have since taken note for our next trip. Here is a short video to help you get started cooking and cleaning with cast iron from Tasty 101.
Additionally, we were a few utensils short….we had the basics, but here’s a quick list.
Utensils
- Stirring spoon~ We use wood but stainless steel works well too. (I don’t recommend plastic as a fire gets pretty hot, and they can easily melt)
- All-purpose knife~ A good solid knife for cutting meats, veggies, etc. We bring two so we don’t worry about cross contamination or having to clean between meat and, veggies.
- Tongs~ We have two pairs of tongs. A shorter pair for cooking on the cookstove or a smaller fire and a longer pair for when a bigger fire prevents reaching safely.
- Can Opener~ Typically, some part of what we bring is canned, so we always have a can opener on hand. This isn’t an absolute, but definitely helpful.
- Lighter/Matches~ Whichever you prefer! We bring both in case the matches get wet or the lighter runs out of fuel.
- Cutting Board~ (we use a plastic one that’s easy to store)
- Cook stove~ If you don’t want to cook over the fire, using a propane/butane, portable cookstove is a great alternative. We bring one just in case cooking over the fire is not an option.
- Cooler~ There’s lots of opinions on which one is best….I’d say find one you like that fits the amount of food you will typically bring and get to camping. We use RTIC and love them. There are a variety of sizes, so whatever you need they probably have.
Hope this helps a bit….campfire food is really pretty simple and super yummy!
Cleaning up:
If you bring dishes you need to wash, make sure you plan accordingly.
- Dish washing bucket~ We have one specifically for camp dishwashing, and it works awesome. It flattens when finished and has a drain plug.
- Dish Soap~ We use Ms. Meyer’s for all our cleaning needs as it’s environmentally safe and works well.
- Dish Scrubber
- Paper Towels/Cloth Towel~ I used paper towels to wash, and it didn’t work all that well, but be sure to bring them to dry or bring a cloth hand towel.
- Ziploc bags~ to hold food for later is important to avoid bugs.
- Trash Bags
What else do I need to know for beach camping?
Here is a short list of additional useful items for the trip.
- Fire~ Firewood, starter log, lighter fluid, lighter or matches. Double check to make sure that the place your camping allows you to bring your own firewood. Some require you to purchase locally so you don’t introduce any new types of bugs, fungus or any other items to the area.
- Bugs~ Bug Spray and Citronella candles. That being said….bugs are a given to when you do get bit make sure you have that first aid kit with some relief available.
- First Aid Kit~ Accidents happen, so a basic first aid kit is necessary to handle the bumps, bruises and other injuries. See our post on the essentials for your first aid kit.
- Bathroom Items~ Toilet paper for the outhouse or your camping toilet, body wipes in case there’s not a shower, deodorant (your people will be grateful), towels for a shower if they have one
- Water~ You will need it to do dishes, take a sponge bath and it is absolutely necessary for hydration while on the beach. Bring more than you think you possibly need.
- Tools~ hatchet, shovel (digging your fire pit), mallet, screwdriver and pliers for the unexpected fixes, dustpan and brush (for the sand in the tent),
- Patch kit~ You never know when something puts a hole in your mattress!
Let’s Camp
I am sure there are many things we have missed, but this is so far, what we have found are the key tips for you to have a fun camping weekend at the beach.
Beach camping offers a unique chance to reconnect with nature and experience the magic of the seaside. With a little planning and the right gear, you can create unforgettable memories under the beachside stars. So grab your swimsuit, pack your beach essentials, and get ready to trade the campfire crackle for the sound of crashing waves!
