Whether it’s spring break, the middle of winter, or the peak of summer, there’s never a bad time for a surfing road trip. While California’s beaches often come to mind for U.S. surf destinations, there are fantastic surf spots across the country perfect for vanlifers. States like Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, and Washington offer unique surf experiences, each with its own charm and van-friendly amenities. So pack up your van, grab your surfboard, and hit the road for an unforgettable vanlife surf road trip.
Surfing in Oregon: Top Vanlife Destinations
Oregon boasts a surprisingly large number of surf breaks and beaches, perfect for vanlifers seeking both adventure and serenity. Whether it’s a mile-long hike through the forest to Short Sands or popular spots like South Beach south of Newport, Oregon, it is something for every surfer.
Cannon Beach: Nestled within Ecola State Park, Indian Beach is a surfer’s paradise surrounded by lush forests and rarely crowded. Nearby Cannon Beach offers additional outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking. Stay overnight at Cannon Beach RV Resort with 99 full hook-up sites and a lodge with top-notch amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
South Beach: This spot is recommended for surfers of all levels but be mindful of strong currents and occasional sharks. Park your van at Whaler’s Rest RV Resort, where you can camp deep in the forest just steps from the ocean. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool and spa at this year-round resort, perfect for unwinding after a day on the waves.
Discover Washington’s Hidden Surf Spots
Washington may not be home to numerous surf spots, but it offers some secluded and scenic destinations perfect for vanlifers. Whether you’re a weekend warrior from Seattle or an adventurous nomad, Washington’s surf spots provide a unique experience.
Westport: As the closest surfing spot to Seattle, Westport is ideal for a quick vanlife getaway. The waves here are fairly tame, making it suitable for beginners, but remember to pack a wetsuit for the cold water. Park your van at Loge Camp, a fun 1970s surf culture-inspired campground. With RV hookups, hot showers, surf gear rentals, a covered outdoor kitchen, and an on-site café, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
La Push: Located on the Olympic Peninsula near the town of Forks, famous for the Twilight series, La Push is a popular summer surf destination with waves for all levels. Stay at Quileute Oceanside Resort & RV Park, offering 24 full hook-up sites. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the unique charm of this coastal gem.
Florida’s Best Surfing Spots for Vanlifers
For surfing in Florida, vanlifers will find Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach to be top destinations. With warm waters and a welcoming surf culture, these spots are perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers.
Cocoa Beach: Known as the home of famed surfer Kelly Slater, Cocoa Beach is ideal for vanlifers looking for a mix of surf and family-friendly activities. With numerous surf camps and schools, it’s a great spot to learn or improve your skills. Park your van at Jetty Park Campground, located along the ocean inside Port Canaveral. The campground offers 172 sites with access to a snack bar, volleyball court, playground, picnic area, showers, restrooms, laundry, and a fishing pier.
Iconic Surf Spots in New Jersey
New Jersey offers some of the East Coast’s most iconic surf spots, perfect for vanlifers looking to combine surf with vibrant local culture. Ocean City is a standout destination with its consistent surf and lively boardwalk.
Ocean City: As one of the East Coast’s first surfing towns, Ocean City remains a popular destination, especially in summer. The consistent surf attracts both beginners and seasoned surfers. Between catching waves, explore the famous Ocean City boardwalk with its delicious food and unique culture. For camping, park your van at Ocean View Resort Campground, located just three miles from the surf. This campground features 1,200 sites with amenities like restrooms, showers, laundry, swimming pool, and outdoor games.
Surf Culture and Natural Beauty in New York
New York might seem like an unlikely surf destination, but Montauk on Long Island has been called one of the 10 best surf towns in the U.S. Vanlifers will find a unique blend of surf culture and natural beauty here.
Montauk: This town offers several excellent beaches for surfing, with Ditch Plains Beach being one of the best. For camping, Hither Hills State Park is your best bet in Montauk. While surfing isn’t allowed at the beach within the park, the 189-site campground is close to the surf spots and offers amenities like scenic picnic areas, fireplaces, “walking dunes” of Napeague Harbor, and beautiful woodlands.
Experience South Carolina’s Premier Surfing
South Carolina offers warm waters and welcoming surf spots that are perfect for vanlifers looking to enjoy the sun and the waves. Folly Beach stands out as the state’s premier surfing destination.
Folly Beach: Just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is the surfing mecca of South Carolina. The surf conditions are perfect for learning, with one-to-three-foot waves and a delightful year-round water temperature. Visit local favorite “The Washout” to see how the pros handle bigger waves. This underrated surf paradise also features playing dolphins, nesting loggerhead turtles, and some of the East Coast’s most beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
While there’s no RV camping directly at Folly Beach, James Island County Park offers 134 sites nearby. The park provides bathhouses, a campground store, laundry facilities, a shuttle service to Folly Beach, a climbing wall, a water park, and recreational equipment rentals. Oak Plantation Campground is another nearby option with 241 sites, a pool, a convenience store, and outdoor games.
Surfing Adventures in Texas
Texas offers some fantastic surfing spots that vanlifers will love, with year-round surf and plenty of beachside camping options. Surfside and Galveston are standout destinations.
Surfside: Located near Austin and Houston, Surfside is one of Texas’s most popular surfing spots. Although its beaches can get crowded, the variety of breaks means there’s enough room for everyone. Surfing is good here year-round, making it an ideal spot for vanlifers. Park your van at the Beachfront RV Park Resort, which offers 400 feet of beachfront, guaranteeing stunning ocean views and easy beach access.
Galveston: Known for its small, choppy, and inconsistent surf, Galveston might not be the best for beginners, but it can provide great conditions for experienced surfers. Stay at Galveston Island RV Resort, which offers 116 sites, a heated swimming pool, pickleball courts, a lazy river, a hot tub, beach access, a clubhouse, and a convenience store.
Conclusion
From the rugged coasts of Oregon and Washington to the sunny beaches of Florida and South Carolina, and the vibrant surf scenes in New Jersey and Texas, the U.S. offers vanlifers an incredible array of surf destinations beyond California. Each state presents unique opportunities to catch waves, explore new landscapes, and immerse yourself in local surf culture. So load up your van, grab your surfboard, and set out on an epic road trip to discover these fantastic surf spots. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, the road is calling, and the waves are waiting. Happy travels and surf’s up!
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