The Ultimate Beach Camping Pack List

If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like closing your eyes to the sound of the ocean and nestling your toes into sand. Whether it’s your first time beach camping or you’re looking for some helpful hints on what to pack for your next beach getaway, we’ve got you covered with a list of all things beach camping!

You might be wondering how can we supply a thorough guide in this category? Well we feel pretty well experienced to know the do’s and don’t when it comes to making temporary home on the Australian coast (more specifically Queensland). Firstly, we were frequent campers and have recently upgraded to travelling Australia full time!

The Must-Have’s: Beach Camping Pack List Edition

Keep on reading for our pack list specifically for beach camping. If you want more details on the basics, we have a comprehensive guide, but let’s keep this one all beach specific!

Shelter and Kitchen

Yes, we’re missing all those little items you usually pack for camping but lets start with all the things in your home base:

• Floor Covering: I am one of these weirdos that absolutely loveee the feeling of sand in my toes, so I don’t find this is completely necessary… but Nick does. So, if you don’t want sand in everything – pick up a sand mat. Any old mat may work but the specific sand mats are great for letting the sand fall through the tiny holes.
• Gazebo/Shade: as I’m sure you’re all aware – the sun is mighty harsh on the coast line. You might always pack the gazebo, but you will regret not having a shady place to hang out… especially if you don’t apply enough sunscreen on the first day (we’ve all been there).
• Dust Pan Brush: don’t worry about the pan part but the brush will become your new best friend to sweep all that sand off your feet before bed! Or even just a quick dust off in the camper trailer/swag or whatever you call home away from home!
• 12V Vacuum: our Makita vacuum was an absolutely game changer for us – a quick little vacuum each day and you don’t have to sleep on sand paper.
• Sand Pegs: honestly, don’t even bother with the usual metal pegs – they’ll pull straight out of the sand. A decent sand peg can keep your structure together in high coastal winds (and yes we’re talking from experience – we have had our awning lift with coastal winds)

Personal Items

Of course pack all the usual toiletries you’ll need for your time on the beach, but don’t forget:

• Extra Sunscreen and Insect Repellant: not only is the sun harsh, so are the biting insects. From horse flies to midgies – don’t leave home without the repellant, coils and what ever else you own. If you decide to camp somewhere in the mangroves, go as far as to pack full length clothes – those midgies are sadistic!
• First Aid Kit: this one might always be on your list.. but if it’s not, in most coastal camping sites you are remote. You’re also surrounded by native animals including snakes (in all our years of camping we’ve seen more snakes on the beach). Make sure to come fully prepared as you might not make it to civilisation for hours.
• Sun Burn Treatment: if for some reason you didn’t apply enough sunscreen (we’ve all been there) make sure to pack some aloe vera gel/spray, electrolytes and plenty of water. There’s nothing worse than being sunburnt in a location you simply cannot avoid the sun so pack smart to make it as enjoyable as possible for you!

Electronics

• Torch and Headlight: depending on where you usually camp, the beach can be a pretty dark place at night. Don’t forget to pack extra lighting and never leave camp at night without it!
• Battery bank: as mentioned earlier – beach camping is remote.. which means you won’t find anywhere to charge your devices. A trusty battery bank should get you through if you don’t have a battery set up.

Beach Fun

Now let’s get into the most important section – what to bring to ensure you have the very best time!

• Hammock: some people might disagree but in my opinion hammocks are made for the beach. 100% the best way to enjoy your time, hanging in the tree’s with a good book and a cold beverage.
• Towels: pack 2 per person, especially at a swimming beach. There’s a high chance your towels won’t dry by the time you’re back in the water.
• Games: this might not be for everyone but we love a good game of “Throw Throw Burrito” on the beach. If you’ve never played it’s a hoot – who wouldn’t want to run around in the sand throwing soft burritos at each other?
• Fishing gear: why not try to catch a fish for dinner!

Helpful Hints

• Pack light and multi-purpose your times where possible
• Research tide times – the number one rule for beach camping
• Pack the safety gear including recovery tracks
• Leave no trace
• And most importantly, relax, unwind, and embrace the magic!