Could Tents Be Banned on the Beach?
In recent years, a notable transformation has taken place on beaches along the East Coast. Gone are the days when families would simply set up a small umbrella for a day by the sea. Nowadays, beachgoers are increasingly choosing to bring larger tents and beach cabanas to enhance their coastal experience.
However, this shift has sparked controversy, particularly due to the obstructive nature of some tents, raising the crucial question: Should these expansive tents be prohibited on the beach?
The debate over whether to ban certain types of tents on the beach stems from concerns about obstructed views and fairness to fellow beach enthusiasts. Many of these larger tents, with their enclosed walls, have the unintended consequence of blocking the line of sight for individuals situated behind them.
This issue has triggered frustration among some beach visitors who feel their beach enjoyment is compromised by the presence of such tents.
This question came from a first-time Wildwood visitor who inquired whether her CoolCabana—a specific brand of beach cabanas renowned for their ease of setup and stylish design—was permissible on the beach.
CoolCabanas are constructed with a collapsible frame featuring a single pole that can be effortlessly unfolded and secured, with sand-filled ends providing stability in the sandy terrain.
The response to the inquiry yielded a positive outcome—CoolCabanas were indeed allowed. However, an interesting revelation followed: the visitor’s hometown had implemented a ban on such tents this summer.
This experience showcases the growing trend of questioning the suitability of larger tents on beaches, a trend observed not only in Wildwood but also in the Tri-State area.
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Travelers taking the Cape May Ferry to Delaware are met with a clear indication of what kinds of tents are permissible on Rehoboth beaches and which are not. A prominently displayed sign outlines the Tent, Canopy, & Umbrella Ordinance, specifying the types of shading devices that are allowed:
“The city of Rehoboth Beach restricts the use of tents and other shading devices except for umbrellas and baby tents…Umbrellas with circular shades no greater than 8 feet in diameter and central poles no taller than 7 feet 6 inches are permitted…Baby beach tents up to 36” high by 36” wide and 36” deep, used to shade infants and small children, are permitted.”
These regulations have been in effect since March 2017, and they have not sparked significant controversy or backlash thus far.
While the discussion around banning specific types of tents on the beach has not emerged in local cities, the underlying query remains: should there be limitations on the types of tents permitted on our shores?
As the beach culture evolves and the desire for comfort and convenience grows, at what line do visitors say enough is enough?