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Best Dispersed Camping near Holly Beach, LA

22 Reviews

Dispersed camping is available at several Gulf Coast locations near Holly Beach, Louisiana. The area features three primary free camping areas: Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping, Mae's Beach, and Holly's Beach. These primitive sites offer direct beach access with no reservations required. Rutherford Beach provides the most amenities, with portable toilets near the entrance, trash dumpsters, and a water spigot. The beaches consist primarily of hard-packed sand with abundant seashells. According to reviews, the sand at Rutherford Beach "packs well and supports campers" even with narrow tires.

Vehicle access varies between locations. Rutherford Beach features firm sand suitable for most vehicles, including two-wheel drive. Several campers noted they "had no trouble even in two-wheel drive" vehicles, including larger RVs and camper vans. Mae's Beach has softer sand that may require 4WD capability. Holly's Beach is accessible for tent camping but not recommended for larger rigs. All sites accommodate walk-in and drive-in access.

Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience. Strong coastal breezes can create pleasant conditions but occasionally intensify into problematic winds. Insects, particularly mosquitoes, can be severe during warmer months. As one camper reported, "mosquitoes are relentless" without proper repellent containing DEET. The area experiences occasional storms that may necessitate evacuation. Swimming is not recommended due to high bacteria levels in the water.

These sites are remote with limited services. The nearest supplies and groceries are 30-45 minutes away, requiring advance preparation. Cell service is generally reliable for AT&T and Verizon users. Local law enforcement regularly patrols the areas. Campers should bring all necessary supplies, practice Leave No Trace principles, and monitor weather conditions. The beaches are popular for fishing, shell collecting, and bird watching.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Holly Beach, Louisiana (3)

    1. Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    21 Reviews
    Cameron, LA
    20 miles
    Website

    "We were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive."

    "This is a great spot that is way off the beaten path!  Rutherford Beach was awesome.  There is a dumpster there and a port o potty, but no hookups. "

    2. Mae's Beach

    2 Reviews
    Sabine Pass, LA
    14 miles

    "Unfortunately, the area was hit by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and the nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed. Locals are in the process of rebuilding. I'd suggest having 4x4 to drive on the beach."

    3. Holly's Beach

    Be the first to review!
    Cameron, LA
    0 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Holly Beach, LA

32 Photos of 3 Holly Beach Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Holly Beach, LA

22 Reviews of 3 Holly Beach Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2022

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Free Beach Camping

    Free camping on the beach. No problem driving on the hard packed sand. Camped here in a camper van. Plenty of room, far from other campers. I was surprised at how wide the beach was given it's history with storms. Clean. Portable toilets near entrance to beach; pretty nasty. Also, trash dumsters; full when we arrived. Horse flies & other insects can be a problem here, but not too bad if a breeze or wind is coming off of the gulf. Good AT&T & T-Mobile service. Good experience.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Great free camping right on the beach

    We were able to camp in our camper van right on the beach, the sand is very hard packed, so we had no trouble even in our two-wheel drive.

    Unfortunately the bacteria was so high, so you are not able to swim, but the beach itself was really wide and had a lot of seashells to peruse. It is also very dog friendly, and my dog really enjoyed romping around in the sand as we did our long walks.

    There are four porta potty is near the entrance, which is nice that a dispersed place has some facilities. There is also a water spigot with a hose for Philips.

    So far there's a couple of other camps at the beach, but it is big enough that there is probably 50 yd between each person, which is really nice. I stayed Sunday to Wednesday, so I don't know if it gets busier during the weekends. But through the week, it seems fairy chill

  • Kelly E.
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Mae's Beach

    Soft Sand!

    Sketchy access for my rig. I’m a pickup truck camper at 10,000 pounds and was very uncertain about getting very far in. Do I didn’t! No facilities Close to Sabine NWR and Cameron Ferry

  • ron R.
    Feb. 20, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Out of the way gem

    This place is way out of the way you're going to be 45 minutes from the nearest Walmart. Cell phone service when it's working is good although there were two outages in the week I was there. There does not seem to be a time limit for staying, if there is it's not enforced. Plenty of spots along the ocean there's even two rows of compacted sand for a lot of it. Speaking of sand it will get everywhere in your camper. I was there beginning of February and the mosquitoes are relentless. Bring bug spray make sure it's got deet. Everyone I met there was very nice.

  • Bounding Around The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Free beachfront camping!

    This is a great spot that is way off the beaten path!  Rutherford Beach was awesome.  There is a dumpster there and a port o potty, but no hookups.  The sand was hard packed so we were able to pull our 31' Class A onto the sand with no issues.  The cell service is great and we had an awesome time.  It is in the middle of nowhere though so plan accordingly and stock up before you arrive!

  • Jeff K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Boondocking on the Gulf coast.

    Our trailer has narrow tires that are hard to pull on most beaches. The sand here packs well and supports our camper. You will need to be self contained. No hookups here. There are port-a-potties and sometimes food trucks on weekends.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 22, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Simple and easy

    Apple Maps took me to the wrong place but Google maps took me exactly where I needed to be. If you see the sign for Rutherford beach “left” and Apple Maps tells you to keep going straight, just turn left and start following the signs. 2Wd accessible as long as you avoid some small pockets of soft sand. The mosquitoes mentioned in other reviews are not an issue when it’s 40 degrees and windy! Lol Also, this location is very far from most grocery stores and gas stations (about 30-45mins) so plan accordingly. Cops will roll through once or twice a day just to check on people.

    overall good place to set up. There were some controlled burns in the area so a little smoky. There are porta-johns at the entrance.

  • Wanderer The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2021

    Mae's Beach

    Secluded Beach Front

    Beautiful spot. Unfortunately, the area was hit by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and the nearby neighborhoods have been destroyed. Locals are in the process of rebuilding. I'd suggest having 4x4 to drive on the beach. Waves are non existent for today, but bugs a plenty. Lol.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 6, 2025

    Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping

    Beach life.

    Doesn't get much better. Boondocking on the beach. Shells everywhere. Hard beach surface to drive on.

Guide to Holly Beach

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Holly Beach, Louisiana, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape into the wild.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Holly Beach, Louisiana

  • When visiting Mae's Beach, be prepared for sketchy access if you're driving a larger rig, as the terrain can be challenging.

Enjoying the Secluded Beachfront Experience while free camping near Holly Beach

  • For a truly beautiful and secluded experience, Holly's Beach offers a drive-in option that allows you to set up right by the water, perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Mae's Beach

  • If you're looking for a spot close to nature, Mae's Beach is near the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any fees for camping at Holly Beach?

Holly Beach offers free dispersed camping with no fees required. This makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious campers looking to enjoy Louisiana's Gulf Coast. Similarly, Mae's Beach is another free camping option in the area, though access can be challenging for heavier vehicles. These free beach camping opportunities are relatively rare finds along the Gulf Coast, making them popular destinations for boondockers and self-contained campers seeking cost-effective oceanfront camping.

When is the best time of year to camp at Holly Beach?

The best time to camp at Holly Beach is during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and conditions are most pleasant. Summer can bring intense heat, humidity, and insects, while winter may have cooler temperatures but can still offer viable camping. Be aware that Holly's Beach and surrounding Gulf Coast areas are in hurricane territory, with storm season generally running from June through November. Always monitor weather forecasts before and during your trip, especially during storm season. Some campers have reported having their stays cut short by approaching storms, so flexibility in your plans is recommended.

Can you camp on Holly Beach in Louisiana?

Yes, you can camp on Holly Beach in Louisiana. Like other nearby coastal areas, Holly Beach offers dispersed camping directly on the sand. The beach provides drive-in access, allowing you to park your vehicle or RV right on the beach. For a similar experience, many campers also enjoy Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping where the hard-packed sand supports various vehicles including two-wheel drive cars and RVs up to Class A size. Be aware that these Gulf Coast beaches can be affected by hurricanes, so checking current conditions before your trip is advisable.

What amenities are available for campers at Holly Beach?

Holly Beach is a dispersed camping area with minimal amenities. Campers should come prepared to be self-contained as there are no hookups available. At nearby Rutherford Beach Dispersed Camping, you'll find basic facilities including portable toilets (though they may not be well-maintained), trash dumpsters for waste disposal, and a water spigot at the entrance. Some campers report food trucks appearing on weekends at Rutherford. Cell service is generally good in the area, though occasional outages do occur. Remember that these beach camping locations are remote—the nearest Walmart and other supplies can be 45 minutes away, so bring everything you need.

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