The 8 List for Beach Camping

April 29, 2014 Beach Camping

Looking to spend a weekend sleeping under the stars? How about listening to the soothing sound of the waves before drifting off to sleep and enjoying breathtaking sunrises and sunsets?



Let's embark on a beach camping adventure!

Beach camping offers a truly exceptional experience, even without the luxuries of television or air conditioning. It's a return to the basics, where you bring your own shade, pack your bed, and cook your own food. Don't worry; it's easy to do. All you need is a well-laid-out plan and a great attitude to tide you over when things go off the rails.

Here are some things to remember:


1) Do extensive research

Engage in thorough research to enhance your camping experience. Explore relevant blogs or seek insights from friends who are familiar with the destination. 

Prioritize safety by checking if campgrounds permit overnight stays. For instance, during our initial visit to Puting Buhangin in Quezon, overnight camping was restricted for security reasons. Now, it has become a popular camping ground.

Gather essential contact numbers, such as those of land or banca owners, to make necessary arrangements. Familiarize yourself with public transportation options or driving directions. Know bus schedules if applicable. Identify the availability of water sources and nearby areas for cleaning up.

Develop alternative plans to account for unforeseen changes. Keep extra cash on hand for emergencies.


2)  Plan activities and side trips

While spontaneity can lead to exciting discoveries, having a pre-planned itinerary enhances the overall camping experience. Consider details such as breakfast spots, local markets, and potential side trips. Knowing these in advance adds structure to your adventure.

For those camping with kids or new friends, incorporate planned activities and games to create lasting memories. Our group, for instance, has a set of camp games specifically designed for newcomers, fostering a quicker camaraderie. Bring any necessary props to make these activities more enjoyable and engaging. Planning ahead ensures a well-rounded and memorable camping trip for everyone involved.


3) Make a checklist of things to bring and make sure to have them all


In beach camping, you're responsible for your entire setup, acting as your own builder and chef. Ensure your tent is sturdy, capable of withstanding various weather conditions. This serves as your protective haven against unpredictable elements.

Pack essential sleeping gear, including sleeping bags and a compact mattress to enhance comfort during sleep. Consider also the possibility of colder nights. Unlike resort or hotel stays, beach camping puts the onus on you to bring the comforts of your bedroom and kitchen, making preparation key to a successful outing.


Potipot Island, Zambales
Buktot Beach, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro

Consider using a hammock instead of a tent for a lighter camping experience, or bring both for versatile sleeping options. Hammocks are a lightweight alternative, providing a comfortable and airy resting place.

Explore packable stoves and cook sets available in outdoor shops for preparing meals. If traveling with a car and luggage space allows, bring additional comforts like coolers, camp chairs, and extra tarps for an enhanced camping experience.

Ensure you pack personal essentials such as extra clothes, sunblock, hygiene materials, and medicine. Don't overlook mosquito repellents, as insect bites can disrupt an otherwise perfect vacation.

Prepare your gadgets by charging all batteries and bringing power banks. Be ready for areas with no cell phone signals by completing any essential tasks before departure for a worry-free vacation.

If traveling by banca (boat) to your destination, waterproof all your belongings. Embrace the principle of "leave no trace" by bringing a trash bag and cleaning up after yourself, ensuring a pristine beach for future visitors.


4)  Pack enough food and water but always ask around for fresh catch

Create a meal plan and determine where to source the ingredients. Some items can be purchased in advance, while others can be bought at the local market. Consider bringing enough supplies and also explore local options, such as purchasing fresh seafood from local fisherfolk.

When negotiating prices, be mindful not to bargain excessively. Allowing our fisherman friends to earn a fair income is a small but impactful way to support the local community and contribute to their livelihoods.


Casiguran Aurora

Ensure you bring an ample supply of drinking water. Many beach camps lack a potable water supply, and there may be limited options for last-minute purchases. Given the potentially hot beach weather, staying hydrated is crucial. While portable filters are available, consider them as a backup rather than a primary source of drinking water.

5)  Designate a camp manager

Assign a responsible person within the group whose role is to ensure overall well-being. This individual should stay sober while others are drinking and make sure everyone is inside their tents during lights-out. Additionally, they are responsible for proper trash collection and ensuring all belongings are stowed away appropriately.

When it comes to drinking, be considerate of other campers in the vicinity.


6)  Choose a good camping ground
Carefully select the spot where you'll pitch your tent. Opt for an elevated area to avoid potential issues like flash floods, especially after heavy rain. Learn from the experiences of others; consult locals or campsite owners for advice on the best and safest camping spots.
Anawangin 2007
Culebra Island, Dasol, Pangasinan

Lhasa Cove, Bagac, Bataan
Calaguas

Burot Beach, Cavite

Choose a campsite that shields your tent from the harsh rays of the sun to prevent damage to your flysheet. While camping under the shade of a tree is cooler, avoid coconut trees unless they're fruitless. Clear the area around your tent of potential hazards like twigs and rocks to prevent damage.
7)  Tell family or friends where you are

Learn from the lessons of survival stories like the one in the movie "127 Hours." Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, ventured into a remote location without informing anyone, leading to a life-threatening situation. Always let people close to you know your destination, the number of travel companions, and the exact date of your arrival. If there are changes to your plans, promptly inform them to avoid unnecessary worry. Safety should always come first.

8) Check the weather

Before embarking on your beach camping adventure, check the weather forecast. Ensuring good weather is crucial for safety, comfort, and an overall enjoyable experience. Stay informed about potential changes in weather conditions, and be prepared for different scenarios. Safety should be a priority, so plan your trip during favorable weather conditions.

Kelly is a public relations professional and entrepreneur whose projects have assisted multinational organizations, small and medium enterprises, government officers, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. She is partner-consultant of RubyComm-K.Austria, a public relations management and consultancy company. Kelly is also a former government employee having served at the Department of Tourism for two years. Being mountaineers, Kelly and her friends travel by land, sometimes on rough roads and trek for hours to give a new lease of hope to students. She is co-founder of the group TREK or Trails to Empower Kids.

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2 comments

  1. UnknownJuly 18, 2020 at 8:01 PM

    Kelly, I really enjoyed your photos and commentary. This is a helpful and enjoyable site.

    ReplyDelete