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Heading to the beach for a summer vacation campout can be a wonderful time for families and friends to spend time together having fun in the sun. Not only is there the sand and the waves, but beach campgrounds often have a swimming pool, picnic tables, places for grilling, and trees under which campers can find cool shade. In the evenings there are times for sitting around campfires, singing songs or walking along the deserted beach. While camping out at the beach can be fun for everyone, it is crucial that all parties pack the right types of clothing. Getting stuck at a beach campout with the wrong kinds or not enough clothing can turn a fun vacation into an uncomfortable time for all. Following are some suggestions for what to pack the next time you and your family plan to campout at the beach.

1. The most important clothing item for spending time in the sun for any length of time is a sufficient sun hat. This is necessary for people of all ages, regardless of their amount of hair cover. From bald babies to balding men and everyone in between, a sun hat will protect the head, neck and face from sun burn and will keep the head cooler, to avoid heat exhaustion. An added bonus is that a hat will keep hair from drying out in the sun, and prevent the skin from wrinkling prematurely.

2. Everyone knows to pack a swimsuit for the beach, but what everyone does not know is that one swimsuit is hardly enough. Two or more swimsuits are not needed for any type of fashion statement or variety, though bringing more than one will serve that purpose if necessary; rather, everyone should bring more than one swimsuit because swimsuits get dirty and will need to be dried out. If you spend the morning playing in the waves, you'll want to let your swimsuit hang on a clothes line or tree branch to dry before you can shake out all the sand. If, however, you decide to swim in the afternoon, whether in the pool or back on the beach, you won't want to put on the sandy wet suit from the morning romp.

3. In addition to multiple swimsuits, it never hurts to bring multiples of everything else: shoes, socks, shorts, shirts, hats, towels (especially towels), and underwear. Everyone tends to get wetter and dirtier at a campout and a beach campout simply compounds the wetness and dirtiness. Bring plenty of everything so you won't run out of dry clothing.

4. Speaking of wetter and dirtier, be sure to pack rain gear for your beach campout. A good slicker will cover you in the event of a sudden summer shower - and you won't have to worry about changing clothes yet again.

5. Although the beach in the summer is usually quite warm, bring a sweatshirt for the evenings. The sun will go down but the ocean breeze will stay, and you might find it gets a bit chilly at night. Have fun and bon voyage!