Find a Dealer
< Trail Journal

Five Must-See Beaches to Visit in Your Campervan

Plan a memorable trip to the shoreline at these beaches.

Dec 06, 2021 | Travel

Your campervan is your ticket to nature, relaxation, and the ultimate escape. You can check national parks, city centers, and remote destinations off your list as you explore everything the road has to offer.

When it comes to picking your next destination, it can be tough to even know where to begin. Which new state or city is calling your name?

If the cold winter weather has had you dreaming of laying on a sunny beach with a drink in hand, this list is for you. Grab your swimsuit and hit the road as you head to one of these top five beaches.

Pensacola Beach, Florida

#1: Pensacola Beach, Florida

Pensacola Beach is the perfect place to experience all the best that Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer. This beach is famed around the world for its sugary white-sand beaches and rich emerald-colored waters.

Not only is the beach itself the perfect place to catch some sun, but the area is packed with delicious, fresh seafood options and tropical drinks.

One of the best things about visiting Pensacola Beach is that you will never run out of space to enjoy the sand. Walk for miles down the beachline and find the perfect secluded area to sunbathe, or visit during one of the town’s many festivals to embrace the area's upbeat culture.

After a long day of sand, surf, and seafood, unwind at camp. Fort Pickens Campground — part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore — or the Pensacola Beach RV Resort are two easy options for your stay.

Padre Island beach

#2: Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Padre Island National Seashore is home to 66 miles of coastline. A haven for more than 380 bird species and a nesting ground for sea turtles, this beach is rustic, wild, and unlike any other.

One of the most unique features of this national seashore is your ability to drive down the beach and enjoy primitive camping right along the water. Much of the beach is accessible with two-wheel drive, but it's wise to always practice caution when leaving the crowds behind to prevent getting stuck in deep sand.

As a bonus, if you own an annual national parks pass, you can camp along the beach for free, staying for up to 14 consecutive days in the area.

While there are no RV hook-ups anywhere in the park, there is an RV dump station and water filling station available for all campers.

Open year-round, this beach is a must-visit for those who enjoy time spent alone among the wildlife, listening to the waves.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

#3: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

When you think of beaches, odds are you immediately envision an ocean shoreline. Take one trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to spend time along the shores of Lake Superior and your opinion just might change.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features one of the most memorable and stunning shorelines in the U.S. Here, you’ll find remote beaches, towering dunes, roaring waterfalls, diverse wildlife, and deep forests. From hiking 100 miles of trails found within the park to sunning yourself on the pristine beaches located throughout the area, you’ll find it hard to believe that you aren’t oceanfront.

Within the park, there are three rustic campgrounds. These campgrounds don't offer electric, water, or sewer hookups, making them a good fit for those with a self-contained campervan.

As evening falls, prepare to be captivated by the area’s stunning sunsets, showcasing the incredible natural beauty of the crystal clear waters of Lake Superior. Spring, summer, and fall are the most popular times to visit the park, as winter weather conditions can be brutal.

Cannon Beach

#4: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Named one of the 100 Most Beautiful Places in the World by National Geographic, Cannon Beach, Oregon is located approximately 90 minutes from Portland. Here, you’ll find a sandy beach best known for the iconic Haystack rock.

Not only is the beach itself well worth a visit, but the accompanying beach village is known for its art, shopping, fine dining, and charm.

During your stay, you can choose from a variety of RV parks and campgrounds. Cannon Beach’s RV Resort features full hookups and facilities. Sea Ranch RV Park and Stables is located within walking distance to the beach with horseback riding during the summer months.

Puerto Peñasco beach, Mexico

#5: Puerto Peñasco, Mexico

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico — commonly called Rocky Point by many American travelers — is a resort beach town located on the Gulf of California, a little more than 60 miles from the U.S. border. Driving to Puerto Peñasco is a simple and popular choice among many RV-ers.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the hectic hustle and bustle of a thriving Mexican town. With the stunning crystal clear water of the Gulf of California, beautiful sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Puerto Peñasco is a destination you’ll never forget.

In the town and located right along the beachfront are multiple RV Parks and campgrounds. Most RV parks offer full hookups and excellent nightly, weekly, and monthly rates. Additionally, most RV parks and businesses in town are accustomed to interacting with US visitors and will usually have bilingual team members on staff. Due to the popularity of the location with neighboring Arizona residents, it's wise to call ahead or book your stay online.

Head to Your Next Beachside Destination in an Antero Adventure Van

Campervans make it easy to traverse across the country in search of your next adventure. With all the creature comforts of home in a compact space, Antero adventure vans are the perfect choice for those who are always in search of a new destination. Shop our campervans, pack your swimsuit, and head out to the perfect beachside vacation.

One Week in Colorado: Campervan Itinerary

Travel
Mountains in Estes Park

Campervan Trips to See the Best Fall Foliage

Travel
Fall leaves over a lake

Leave No Trace: Dispersed Camping Etiquette

Travel
Man picking up trash in a field
A person doing yoga on the top of an Antero Adventure Van The bedding of an Antero Adventure Van An Antero Adventure Van driving on a dirt road with a beach in the background A person sitting on a bed in the back of an Antero Adventure Van An Antero Adventure Van from a high vantage point overlooking a red rock canyon
A person doing yoga on the top of an Antero Adventure Van The bedding of an Antero Adventure Van An Antero Adventure Van driving on a dirt road with a beach in the background A person sitting on a bed in the back of an Antero Adventure Van An Antero Adventure Van from a high vantage point overlooking a red rock canyon