Tips for RVing at the beach like an absolute pro

When it comes to beachfront camping, we certainly are the lucky country. It should be of no surprise that Australia consistently appears on ‘best beaches in the world’ lists. An accolade it undeniably deserves. So if paradise is in our own backyard, why miss out on the opportunity to see it all?

But before you round up the family, pack your RV with trinkets you don’t actually need, and hit those sandy hills, there are a few things you should first consider. Here are our top tips for RVing at the beach like an absolute pro.

Don’t invite sand into your RV

I love the sand, but not so much when I find it in my RV bed sheets. Keeping sand outside is a real challenge, particularly with young children on board. Besides the old faithful dustpan and broom, the correct doormat is also a must. Don’t expect the usual household-style front door mat to do anything whatsoever on the beach. They remove mud and grass but are absolutely useless in removing sand.

You need a grassy-style mat, such as a Muck Mat, or any of the many similar products that have flooded the market in recent years. A collapsible bucket filled with water by the door to wash sandy feet also works wonders.

Positioning is numero uno

Real estate agents profess that location is numero uno. We all love a waterfront view and those epic sunsets at happy hour, but beach camping will require you to read your weather forecast and set up your RV or tent accordingly. Position your salty abode where it will be least affected by intense sun, or where a powerful wind warning may prohibit the use of your awning. If you have beach camped in Western Australia, you will know why WA is referred to as Windy Always, and the use of an RV awning is often difficult.

If you rely on full sunlight for solar panels, then parking up in full shade is obviously not an option. When you arrive at your site, spend a few minutes assessing where you will call home. It may just save you relocating some hours later due to a change of mind (or weather).

Beach camping goes hand-in-hand with midges

Lots of water, a bottle of the trusty SPF50 and a hat are not all you’ll need while sunseeking on the sand. A guaranteed way of ruining your night is forgetting the aeroguard, and it’s not just for mosquitos. The bites from those pesky little midgees (sand-flies) become extremely itchy, and may turn your beach bliss into a complete coastal camping crisis.

So tiny, they penetrate through the best of flyscreens, and if you beach camp in Queensland (particularly FNQ) these insects just drink tropical strength aeroguard like happy hour! I found Bushman’s to be my only protection against them.  

Take a seat (but make sure its foldable)

With so many foldable camp chairs on the market, when it comes to carrying a chair down to the beach, the clear winner is the collapsible swag-bag style chair that can be carried over the shoulder. They are compact, light, affordable and reasonably comfortable. With the ability of strapping the chair over your shoulder, this also allows you to be hand-free to carry other essentials along the beach such as fishing gear or your swimming bag. Look for the one with a small drink cooler built into the arm rest. That little pocket comes in handy for storing your keys and phone (and of course, extra beers). 

Get your RV some shades and an outside floor mat

Without air-conditioning, and the requirement for solar remaining when off grid, shade sails are your new best friend. Keep direct sunlight off your RV windows with shade sails across the glass of your glamper. They serve 3 purposes. You can see out, fellow campers cannot see in, and the heat and glare is decreased by half, whilst allowing that blissful coastal breeze into your RV.

Outside ground flooring of the same material is also available, although we prefer the bare sandy experience. If you opt for ground sheets, awnings, and guy ropes, then sand pegs are a must (usually yellow plastic corkscrew style). Steel pegs are useless in sand.

Invest in sand free beach towels

To keep your laundry to an absolute minimum, try sand free beach towels. They are light weight and a fraction of the size of a traditional beach towel. Whilst initially quite costly, there are many on the market today. As with most things, just keep it simple.

So enjoy the sounds of the sea, the smell of the salt air, and the calming of an evening ocean. A night of shut-eye in a euphoric sea breeze will be one that you have never experienced. That’s a promise!