Camp on Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a small island near Fernandina Beach, Florida, and is one of the few places left where you can camp right on the beach for free. Although, if you wish to drive your car on the beach during peak season in the summer or a holiday weekend, you will have to purchase a permit for $5 from the Flash Foods down the road. But if you're here during the regular season, just check in with one of the sheriffs patrolling the beach and they'll usually let you camp without a permit. If you're tent camping, you can park in the parking lot for free, then just make the short walk over the dunes to the beach and pick a spot.

There are other access points to drive onto the beach, but camping near Peter's Point is the most convenient because it has toilets, showers and covered picnic areas. Fires are allowed on the beach and pets are welcome as long as they are leashed.

This vast beach is the perfect location for group camping, so invite all your friends, load up the cooler, create a playlist and get ready for an incredible weekend. Like water sports? You can swim, kayak, windsurf, paddle board, whatever floats your boat. Or, if you're more of a landlubber, bring a football or set up a makeshift volleyball net and unleash your competitive side.

When the sun begins to set, light up the campfire and crack open a brew. But don't stay up too late, because you're not going to want to miss the spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic.

While Peter's Point is a very peaceful spot for camping, be prepared for cars to occasionally drive past your site. Word of advice: keep the tide in mind when setting up camp. Don't be fooled by the low tide and pitch your tent near the water - waking up to a flooded tent can really put a damper on your day.