Camping at Assateague

This is the perfect getaway if you are on the East Coast! Assateague Island is a 37-mile long barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia that is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. The state and national parks offer the chance to explore the island in all its splendor and are sure to give you plenty of adventures that will entertain you for well over a week. The island offers swimming, beach-combing, sunbathing, surfing, paddle-boarding, crabbing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, biking and ocean kayaking. The bayside offers you the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak.

It is important to note a few differences between Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds

• offers warm showers and some electric sites
• fresh water is located at the bathhouses
• open fires are not allowed on beaches
• pets are allowed in the day-use beach area from October 1 to April 30
• registration is available 24 hours a day online.

• has cold showers and chemical toilets
• fresh water is located at the bathhouses
• open fires are allowed with permission from the Park Ranger Station
• also allow pets (dogs must be on a 6-foot leash)
• offers backcountry camping (A 7-day backcountry permit is $6 per person ages 16 years and older. A $15 7-day entrance fee per vehicle is also required)
• offers an Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone (The permit fee ranges from $70 to $150, depending upon the type of access desired)
• registration is available 24 hours a day online.

The beaches of both parks are the same. However, the State Park has only one entrance through the dunes in day-use and the National Park has two. Each camping loop has at least one dune crossover to the beach.

We chose the state park for two reasons: cheaper rates and more availability. As it approaches tourist season you will notice it will be harder to find availability. So I recommend booking months in advanced or go in the off-season, which would be late May and August. The water will be slightly colder but definitely bearable. When booking at the state park, aim for campsites 12-16 on any loop, these will put you closest to the dune that separates you from the beach.

If you look at the marker I placed on the map, you will notice it isn't actually on the island. This is where the visitor center is located. It is highly recommended you stop by and grab some pamphlets before crossing over to the island. They are loaded with information on the island and the Park Rangers will tell you all of the secret spots to visit on the island. The Ranger we spoke with gave us a map of the bay and circled some isolated coves that are a must-see if you plan on going kayaking/canoeing. To reach the bay, you have to enter through the National Park. A $13 7-day entrance fee is required.

One last thing, keep your food out of your tent! The horses that roam the island are brazen and will raid your site. We witnessed a horse stomp through one of our neighbor's tents just for some twizzlers! Your food will be safe as long as you keep it in your car.

Camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared.