Beach Camping - 7 Essentials to Bring on Your Tropical Camping Vacation

"Beach Camping - 7 Essentials to Bring on Your Tropical Camping Vacation"," I collected this wisdom the hard way while camping in the BVI!

Things to Make Room For No Matter What (even if it means leaving that third pair of flip flops behind)

INSECT REPELLENT (and lots of it, don't skimp)

Mosquitoes are everywhere in the Caribbean, even on your windy beach, and they can transmit Dengue, or hemorrhagic fever.
 I find it works very well on the beach to repel mosquitoes and sand flies.
 At the beach they can be much more of a nuisance than mosquitoes.
 Once you are bitten by a sand fly and start scratching the bite you will end up with a large red welt on your skin that stays for days and is uncomfortable and rather ugly.
 Make sure you use that bitter smelling, syrupy yellow liquid that seeps out of the freshly cut aloe leaf along with the aloe itself because the yellow stuff has strong healing properties.
 You may have to ask somebody local if perhaps they might have some in their garden and could you maybe have a leaf.
 It may help a little.


SUNBLOCK

Bring plenty of high SPF sunblock.


WATER FILTER

No matter what people say, don't drink the water unless you are prepared to get sick while you are camping.

 Don't attempt to filter drinking water from a cistern unless you have proof that the cistern is very clean.
 This water can collect for days and become quite filthy if the cistern is not properly maintained.
 Even if you have to buy bottled water or boil all of your drinking water, it will be worth it to stay healthy.
 You can't assume that you will be able to build a fire to cook over.
 Plus, too many campfires burning at once in the campground can create air pollution.
 Make sure your stove uses common, easy to find size propane bottles.
 Don't forget a roll or two of med weight cord as well.
 You should anticipate and be prepared for rain even if is the dry season, and feel very lucky if you manage to avoid rain.


WIND BLOCKING JACKET AND PANTS

If you get a prolonged (try 3-4 days!) windstorm you will be miserable without some wind gear.
 Even a tropical beach can feel cold and exposed.


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