Public Beach Access: Where You Can Camp, Sleep, and Relax by the Sea

When people talk about public beach access, the legal right for anyone to reach and use a stretch of coastline, regardless of private ownership. Also known as coastal access rights, it’s not just about walking to the water—it’s about staying there, setting up a tent, or even sleeping in your car under the stars. But here’s the catch: just because a beach looks open doesn’t mean you’re allowed to camp or sleep there. Rules change every few miles, and what’s legal in Scotland isn’t allowed in North Carolina.

Beach camping, the practice of pitching a tent or parking an RV directly on or near a public beach. Also known as oceanfront camping, it’s one of the most sought-after outdoor experiences—but also one of the most tightly controlled. In the UK, wild camping on beaches is mostly illegal outside of Scotland, where it’s tolerated if you follow The Countryside Code. In the US, places like Michigan allow free public land camping near beaches, but California bans overnight stays in cars on most shores. Even taking sand home can get you fined, as North Carolina makes clear. And don’t assume a public path to the beach means you can stay overnight—that’s a common mistake.

Beach access laws, the local, state, and national rules that define where you can walk, park, camp, or linger near the shoreline. Also known as coastal zoning, these laws are why two beaches 10 miles apart can feel like different countries. Some towns let you sleep in your car if you pay a parking fee. Others have 24-hour patrols and cameras. Some beaches require permits for tents. And in places like Ocean Lakes, you need a day pass just to get on the sand—let alone set up a chair. These aren’t random rules. They’re about protecting dunes, wildlife, and other visitors’ peace.

If you’ve ever shown up at a beach at sunset ready to camp, only to be told to leave, you know how frustrating this can be. The truth? Most people don’t know the difference between public access and public use. You can walk on a beach owned by a private resort if there’s a legal easement—but you can’t pitch a tent there. You can park near a beach in Michigan and hike in—but you can’t sleep in your car on the dunes. And while glamping resorts are popping up everywhere, they’re not the same as free public access.

This collection of posts cuts through the noise. You’ll find real answers on where you can legally sleep by the sea, what gear you actually need for beach camping, how to avoid fines, and which spots are worth the drive. Whether you’re planning a solo trip to a quiet stretch of UK coastline or looking for the best public beach in Michigan, you’ll find the rules, the risks, and the real options—no fluff, no guesswork.