Are you interested in taking a beach camping vacation with your friends or family? If so, it would be in your best interest to plan your vacation plenty of time ahead. Regardless of where you intend to go (the ocean beaches, inland lakes, reservoirs, or river campgrounds) most of the popular sites along the water's edge are reserved far ahead of time.

Where you camp (tent or RV) is probably the most important factor in determining the outcome of an enjoyable beach camping vacation. It is strongly advised to do your research and get recommendations from friends and others who have already experienced beach camping. Discuss with your family where they prefer to go, what activities you want to plan, distance to travel, and of course your budget. Each of these considerations will make a substantial difference whether the camping trip is a memorable success or a disappointment.

Planning your camping vacation in advance will help to ensure that you are able to get a reservation. Camping is a very popular activity, especially during the spring and summer months. You are likely one of hundreds of people in and around your area who are also interested in having a fun filled camping vacation, possibly even at the same time as you. Unfortunately, many campgrounds have limited space. To ensure that you are able to get a reservation, you will want to make your plans in advance.

Booking your beach camping location well in advance may also help you get a better camping spot. What many individuals do not know is that many campgrounds allow their campers to choose a specific campsite in the campground. By viewing a map of the campground, you may find that the perfect camping spot is located next to the water or perhaps you would prefer one that is closer to a hiking trail. With that in mind, however, it is important that you know that the longer you wait to make your camping reservations, the fewer prime camping sites there will be from which to choose.

Making the reservation. You have made your decision as to which type of water front campground you will stay. If it is a commercial campground for RVs and tent camping, check out The Good Sam Club. This million member club has listings of thousands of water front campgrounds and each one is rated annually for cleanliness, service, location, amenities, etc. As a club member you will receive a discount on your stay. Perhaps you have decided to stay at a State Park campground. Reserve America is a nationwide reservation system that handles many of the State Park reservations. We recommend going directly to the State Park web site for a complete description of the park and camping facilities. Here you will usually find a map of the campsites as well as camping rates. Once you have chosen your camping site, click on reservations. If your choice is one of the many federally owned campgrounds along a major reservoir or in the national forest, this reservation web site should get you the information you will need.

Enjoy your next beach camping vacation. Make your reservation well in advance and plan your trip with a camping checklist. Knowing that you have brought all the necessary supplies with you and that most of your activities are planned ahead of time will make this vacation one to remember in the years to come.