camping on sand

Use long pieces of driftwood as pegs, and a rock or piece of wood under your poles.

If your sandy pitch is on the coast, make sure you know the tides and incoming weather! Never camp where you can't retreat, i.e. under a sea cliff.

Use a sacrificial piece of plastic under your precious nylon – sand is abrasive!

I find no matter how careful I am I will always end up with sand in the shelter, in my bag and in zippers and shoes. It takes a couple trips before I stop noticing it. Sticks tied to your guylines buried in the sand make good anchor points. Pitch your shelter with the door facing away from the water (less romantic indeed) due to the strong likely hood of a prevailing wind blowing sand inside. Its not too terrible, last time I was out I actually camped on the beach, but do be prepared to deal with sand in all nooks and crannies.