Best Camping Beaches in the World

Located in the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico, Flamenco Beach – also known as Playa Flamenco – is a popular one-mile-long curve-shaped Blue Flag beach with white sand and a nearby reef. This beach was repeatedly listed as one of the world’s best beaches by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards between 2014 and 2017. This beach was also listed as one of the "10 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico" by Travel+Leisure magazine, and is a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

Located on the island of Maui, Waiʻānapanapa State Park is a beautiful oceanfront state park that has multiple unnamed black sand and pebbly beaches. The main beach in Waiʻānapanapa State Park is known as Black Sand Beach and it is also known as Honokalani Beach, and Pa‘iloa Beach. Black Sand Beach was listed by the travel website TripSavvy as one of the world’s best black sand beaches, and Waiʻānapanapa State Park/ Black Sand Beach has been named the 29th Best Beach in the Top 50 Beaches in the United States list in 2022 by Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as "Mr. Beach." The black sand found on Waiʻānapanapa State Park’s beaches is formed from weathered lava fragments and igneous rocks – these black-colored rocks turn into sand due to erosion by wind and water over thousands of years. The beaches in Waiʻānapanapa State Park are present near dense forests. As an interesting fact, the name of the state park means "glistening water" in the Hawaiian language. Many sea cliffs are present near the beaches in Waiʻānapanapa State Park. In addition, a rock arch is also present in the water near Waiʻānapanapa State Park.

Located between the City of Marathon and Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park sits upon 500 acres of Bahia Honda Pine and offers the quintessential “Florida experience” - palm studded white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking sunsets and starry nights. The park is gradually recovering from damage by Hurricane Irma and parts of its 2.5 mile beach area are still being reconstructed for public use. However, this doesn’t mean that the park has lost its charm, as it offers numerous activities for visitors along with amenities like showers, restrooms, concession stands and picnic pavilions. The beach allows pets on leash and provides accessibility to people with disabilities. Although the park has parking facilities, it may be really hard to find a spot during vacations.

The site has two open beaches – Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, having loads of activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, fishing and boat tours to nearby reefs. Paths for cycling and walking are also present. The picnicking sites in the area have several facilities to make your experience comfortable. The park is frequented by nature aficionados for exploring the vibrant biodiversity of the island, home to several rare species of plants and animals. Birdwatchers can look out for exotic shore birds. Hiking excursions are also available including one leading to the iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, which gives a picturesque view of Calusa Beach. The park also gives a clear view of the night sky for stargazing.

If you get hungry, you can visit the concession store in the park for snacks. The neighboring Keys also have great eateries, one being the iconic No Name Pub, named in the ZAGAT Survey as “the best casual dining experience in Florida Keys''. The Pub, 15 minutes away from the beach by car, is famous for its quirky dollar bill laden walls and treats like dips, burgers and its signature pizzas. Another popular joint less than a 10-minute drive away from the park is the Big Pine Rooster. The restaurant is popular for its diligent staff, airy ambience and an innovative menu. Be sure to visit Coco’s Kitchen, a family friendly place. Situated a short drive away from the park, the place offers great cubano cuisine at modest prices.

If you are looking for a place to stay near Bahia Honda State Park, don’t look further than their onsite campgrounds and cabins for an unforgettable experience with wilderness. Facilities like electricity, tables, grills and well-furnished cabin rooms make it ideal for lodging. The adjacent Keys also have nice accommodations, like Barnacle Bread and Breakfast, nine minutes away from the park by car. It is famous for its lavish rooms, great amenities. You might also encounter friendly key deer here! Another option is the Isla Bella Beach Resort, a 24 acre 4-Star resort 10 minutes away from the park by car and having luxuries including a 4000 square foot Spa, multiple fine dining options and a beautiful beachside bar.

Located along the South-western portion of the Floridian shoreline, Cayo Costa State Park Beach is a large and long white-sand beach. This beach is situated on an island called Cayo Costa and it is a part of a state park named Cayo Costa State Park. This beach is nine-and-a-half miles long and a forest is present near it. 

Located in the town of Jenner, Russian Gulch is a small pebbly beach that is a part of Sonoma Coast State Park.  Russian Gulch is situated between rocky headlands at the point where Russian Gulch Creek meets the North Pacific Ocean. 

Located on the southern end of Mustang Island within Nueces County on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Port Aransas Beach is a six-mile-long and wide beige sand beach.  The beach is positioned on a natural barrier island along the Texas coastline.  Port Aransas Beach has a beautiful backdrop of many oceanfront buildings, including houses, shops, restaurants, and nearby condominiums, which together provide Instagram-worthy views of the Gulf of Mexico, the Lydia Ann Ship Channel, and the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.  The beach has a long jetty built with many large boulders and rocks to form a protective barrier for Port Aransas against strong waves and tidal currents to control erosion.

Located in the town of Jenner, Ocean Cove Beach is a private and rocky beach below the privately-owned Ocean Cove Campground. Ocean Cove Beach is situated between Stillwater Cove Regional Park and Salt Point State Park – and is a well-known destination for boating and fishing.