Are there beaches on the East Coast (US) where one can camp without a permit?

Every summer I have a strong desire to go camping on a beach. However, I've discovered that the places near me (Long Island, New York, northern New Jersey) often either:

• Have a limited number of permits/reservations that sell out quickly or require the camper to be a resident of the town the beach is in, or

• Charge more money than I'm willing to pay (I've seen campsites go for $75-100 per night, which is a little ridiculous to me).

Are there any beaches ranging from Maine to the mid-Atlantic where you don't need a permit or a reservation at a campground in order to camp out overnight there? My ideal situation is to just set up a tent on the sand (or if the weather's nice enough, not even bother with a tent).

Note: I'm talking about camping with a tent, not "camping" with an RV/camper or renting a cabin. Think lying on the sand and swimming in the ocean all day, then when the sun starts to go down, setting up a tent and making a bonfire. Though bonfires usually aren't allowed. ;) I also know that I theoretically could just pitch a tent on a secluded stretch of beach and take my chances, but I'd rather not get a fine or citation.

posted about 12 years ago

CC BY-SA 3.0

Laura‭

16 reputation 6 1 4 0