I spent lots of time, days and nights on the beach at Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Tx., where I was raised and went through puberty. We just slept on the beach or where ever. Never had tent or anything like that,, just roughed it. About the only thing we had was a towel, (if lucky),,matches and cigarettes,,,and maybe a beer or two. Could gather up a little wood for a fire that was dry and just kick back on the sand or in the dunes. This was before I met future DW.
My first on the road camping in a tent was in 1957. Went with future wife and her parents from So. Texas to New Mex,, Colorado, Utah.. Az, North and South rims Grand Canyon and back to Texas. I think we were on the road 21 days, camped in tent 18 nights and it rained 16 or 17. Had to hot wire the 57 Ford up on top of Mesa Verde National Park... Future FIL left keys in pants after shower and clothes change, and tossed in trunk and closed it,,, just before we were to depart,,. extra keys to car were in safe place also... in future MIL"s purse,,,, in the trunk. We went down to Durango, Co and spent the night in a room to rent,,now called bed and breakfast,,, had to sleep in same bed with future FIL,,,,AND THAT WOULD NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN,, This was before it was OK to sleep with your future wife before you were married. Borrowed some tools and from inside rear seat area removed trunk hinges to fish out pants with keys...
All in all,,, a really great trip,,, with lots of good memories.
Jimtoo