Systems and methods for dynamic beacon rates and fixed ad hoc modes in ad hoc networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an ad hoc wireless network includes a plurality of peers configured to form an ad hoc network, wherein the plurality of peers are configured to transmit and receive beacon frames, wherein one or more of the plurality of peers is configured to be fixed in a host mode, wherein one or more of the plurality of peers is configured to be fixed in a client mode, wherein the one or more peers in host mode are configured to transmit beacon frames, where the beacon frames identify an ad hoc wireless network, and wherein a peer not connected to an ad hoc wireless network does not transmit beacon frames when in client mode.