Beach camping - tell me what to buy

[preslove]

I recently discovered the padre island seashore preserve and discovered the insanely cheap price for a year pass that includes beach camping. You just drive your fRAcking car onto the 4 miles of passable driving beach, put up a tent and you're done. This is a short drive from me & I'd like to go for a night or two a couple of times over the next couple months.

I have a cooler (with cool packs) and a chair. I need a tent, a shade/shelter, a new flashlight and whatever else, besides food & regular beach stuff, that you recommend.

Let's say, my initial investment is $150-$200, and maybe a little more. I can get more stuff after a month (damn monthly paychecks).

 

[JulesMaximus]

I recommend you buy a tent, a shade/shelter, a new flashlight and whatever else.

 

[preslove]

I recommend you buy a tent, a shade/shelter, a new flashlight and whatever else.

The genius of social media is that other people do your work for you. I am sure that there are campers here who would love to show off their knowledge with links and recommendations for specific products

 

[darkxshade]

A rape whistle, you never know when you might get surprise buttseks on the beach.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Air mattress, buy the small pocket size led flashlights, fire extinguisher. What are the fire restrictions there? A canvas tarp is handy both as a 'sand free' zone and as firewood cover. The net covers that look like small umbrellas are good for keeping flying critters and sand out of open food.

 

[preslove]

Air mattress, buy the small pocket size led flashlights, fire extinguisher. What are the fire restrictions there? A canvas tarp is handy both as a 'sand free' zone and as firewood cover. The net covers that look like small umbrellas are good for keeping flying critters and sand out of open food.

Campfires are permitted in fully contained barbecue grills or in a pit dug in the ground, unless there is a fire ban in effect. Bonfires are not permitted anywhere in the park. Remove any burned materials (Ex., charcoal) and pack them out with you.

A fire ban was put in effect in March, but I don't know if it's still current. I'll have to call for that, probably. You can take a charcoal or gas grill out there.

 

[robphelan]

JHC, i wish S Padre wasn't so far... even from san antonio it's like 5 hours. TX is one big F'ing state

 

[bobdole369]

Insect Repellent.

Cooking implements (frypan, spatula, spoon, saucepan), eating implements (Hobo tool is excellent - has both spoon and fork). How else to have breakfast beach bacon? Oh and the bacon. Once you start cooking while camping you'll get into a whole mess of fun - need dishsoap and a basin, and a way to keep your trash (including your strained dishwater) disposed of. Don't go pouring it on the ground.

A small hatchet is great to split the larger logs you get with firewood packets. I highly recommend a tarp under your tent/shelter - with a small overhang (underhang?) to serve as a porch for your shoes.

Jerky. Lots of Jerky.

Waterproof matches (or some other very reliable method of firestarting)

A lantern (LED lit) will last a good while with a couple D batteries powering it. Hang this in the tent and you don't need a flashlight so much, nor do you gotta hold that in your teeth while you read.

Reading material.

Fapping material.

An umbrella is awesome to stick in the ground to keep the sun off your back. A wide brimmed hat is nice too - I prefer a sombrero to the raiden hat. Oh sunscreen too.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

get yourself an easy to put up 12x10 or larger screen canopy. For shade and also to keep the bugs out.

minimum of 8 sand bags to help stake your tent & canopy down. You will also want to buy some larger longer stakes for the soft sand. when the wind comes whipping off the ocean things blow over easily.

Fire starter sticks - like presto logs but smaller. Buy em at Walmart usually for about $2 in the camping outdoor patio area. Use a small chunk and pile on the driftwood for a quick fire.

Where do you live in Texas?

 

[ballmode]

dont forget condoms

 

[Ronstang]

Beach camping is terrible in my opinion. You cannot get away from the sand which gets on in in everything. I just can't take it for long. A few hours at the beach and I am ready to get to a nice shower and away from the beach. How do you guys deal with the sand?

 

[IronWing]

Hurricane repellent
Beach bear repellent

 

[Redfraggle]

I started a camping tips thread earlier in the season. Search for it, it's full of great advice. Specific to what you are doing -- get a welcome mat of sorts to put in front of your tent so that you dont' drag a ton of sand into it (and hence into your sleeping bag). Don't be a douche and bury random stuff either, pack it out please. (not that I think you're a douche....but people do shit like this all the time and it's obnoxious) Also, around this time of year Dick's Sporting Goods (careful with the google) puts a lot of their camping stuff on sale. I bought a small dome tent for my kid to play in for $20 last year.

 

[MrPickins]

One of these:

That's on Mustang Island south of Port A.

We usually take:

tent
air mattress and cheap bedding
tarps and tent stakes
Coleman lantern
camp stove
shovels and boards (to get unstuck, if need be)
folding camp chairs
food and alcohol (no glass, though)

My sister-in-law loaned us the canopy. it was very nice during the middle of the day. I'm definitely buying one.

Oh, watch the tide. It can catch you at 4 in the morning (I know from experience).

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Beer. Lots and lots of beer.


And a big-ass cooler. (With ice)

 

[tokie]

I recommend you preemptively get crabs.

That way the crabs on the beach won't bother you.