Don't worry Mister Cake you are still but young and will soon learn the ways of the wise.
Lacey - you need to be properly set up for camping and if it rains it doesn't matter a toss. A good tent, ground sheets, a large tarp well set up and you are set for as long as you want. Only way to go.
The biggest advantage is that if you are camped in the right spot you wake up, look out the door to check the surf, have a Dingo's breakfast and hit the surf. No driving, no hassling about somewhere else being better just out there.
Sound like most of you guys know the spots, good waves, good camping and a short drive to get supplies. Nothing beats it. That is of course IMHO.
PP is one of my all time favourite spots, along with that other spot not far up the road, then those other two a bit further north.
Have fun.
ET.