According to your high school science class, life began in the ocean and slowly worked it’s way onto land. Or something like that. Maybe this is why the meeting of sand and water exudes such a strong pull on people. What better way to answer that call than to plan a beach camping trip where you can rest, recharge, and refresh?

But, before you load up the VW Bus and head off to the nearest beach, make sure you are prepared. You will need the basics —cooking gear, sleeping bag, beer — but you’ll need to invest in a few upgrades as well.

Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent

A common mistake most people make when heading to the beach is spending too much time in the sun. The result is sunburn and dehydration. This shelter from Pacific Breeze sets up in seconds, can fit two comfortably, has a waterproof floor, and will keep you protected from the elements. Now just don’t forget the sunscreen and water.

REI Co-op Camp X Chair

One of the most important pieces of anyone’s camping gear is their camp chair. Even more so on the beach, nothing is worse than sitting in the sand all day and night long. This chair from REI is made from nylon mesh ensuring good ventilation while also having spots stash your phone and drinks. Best of all it’s powder coated steel tubing frame can resist anything you throw at it.

Chillbo Baggins Beach Lounger

Beach camping is all about relaxing, and what better way than in this versatile beach lounger from Chillbo Baggins. It can be your mid-day nap spot, or a couch to kick back and watch the sunset. It inflates in a few seconds and comes with anchor loops to ensure it does not blow away.

Nemo Losi 4 Tent

One secret that can mean the difference between a good nights sleep and a night of endless tossing and turning when beach camping is to bring a tent double the size you would normally use when camping. With the high humidity levels and temps, you need more space to ensure air movement. This backpacking tent from Nemo is perfect for two people and their gear. The mesh roof and dual entrances will let the air in. And, when the winds kick up, like they inevitably do on the beach, it’s numerous anchor points and sturdy design will withstand.

 

MSR ToughStake

There is nothing worse than watching your tent or sun shelter blow away when a strong offshore suddenly appears. Solve that problem with these stakes from MSR.

 

Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat

 
Keep your noggin safe when you’re playing in the sand, or even the water, with this hat from industry leader Columbia. Its wide brim provides UPF50 protection while keeping the sun at bay, the mesh interior will allow heat to dissipate, and the integrated headband will keep the sweat from your eyes. And. If a rogue wave catches you off guard the chinstrap will make sure your hat stays with you.

Ice Mule Pro X-Large

Keeping things cold on the beach can be tough, but even harder is carrying a cooler to your campsite. Solve both those problems with this innovative cooler from Ice Mule. It has a carrying capacity of 33-liters and will keep ice frozen for 24 hours. But, the best part is the fact that it straps on your back allowing you to carry your supplies back and forth with ease. It even works as a dry bag in a pinch.

 

MPOWERED Lici Lux Pro Inflatable Solar Lantern

When the sun goes down and the stars appear, nothing is worse than having a harsh lantern light washing your eyes out and dulling the celestial show happening overhead. Solve that problem with these inflatable solar charged lights from MPOWERED. The adjustable settings go as high as 150 lumens, they recharge in the sunlight, and most importantly you can top off your phone’s battery from it if needed. Hang two or three to create a Tiki lounge feeling.

Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill

It’s a known fact that everything tastes better when cooked over an open fire, especially on the beach. This grill is made from heavy gauge steel, has its own legs, and best of all the small mesh grates means you can cook just about anything on it.

Kamp Rite Kwik Set Table

One of the biggest problems of beach camping is the sand. That’s why this table from Kamp Rite is a must have. It can seat four comfortably, keeps your food above the sand, and the aluminum tabletop can take a beating. Getting to your campsite is easy since it quickly breaks down and sets up.

Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Cart

Nothing sucks more than lugging gear through the sand. By the time you get to your site you’re a sweaty mess. You can load up to 150 pounds of gear into this cart and the fat wheels will float over the sand to your own personal bohemian paradise.