You will definitely have to plan ahead if you want to make sure you have a campsite reserved, especially if you want to camp on a weekend. How about just staying at the Assateague Island National Seashore instead? Do not move picnic tables. I have to admit, I haven’t had much experience camping but this place really blew me away! Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, effective June 15, 2020, Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds will reopen. Personally, we didn’t see any horses on our campsite, we saw them closer to the other beach we visited that was open to daily visitors. Vehicles must display parking tag obtained with permit.Transportation of campers or any of their equipment by motorized boat or vehicle (including vehicles with Over-Sand Vehicle permits) is strictly prohibited.Camp within 50 feet of fire rings at all bayside sites.
We will notify the public when we resume backcountry camping operations and provide updates on our website and Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @AssateagueNPS.Permit is valid only for the trip leader, designated camping area, dates and number of people specified on the permit. Pet-Friendly Camping Youth group camping can be reserved from the last week of April through the last weekend of October.
In Virginia, Toms Cove Visitor Center staff will provide parking information. Consider going during a weekday if possible if you want to try and avoid this.Closest Airports: BWI, IAD, DCA, PHL or SBY (Salisbury)The main appeal of camping on Assateague Island is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural scenery and wildlife.
Nightly service charges apply. Call 410-656-9453 or visit Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, effective March 28, 2020, Assateague Island National Seashore backcountry campsites will be CLOSED to all park visitors until further notice. The Park Service regulations advise staying at least 40 feet away when viewing the horses. A 7-day backcountry permit is $10 per person (ages 16 years and older).
You can check availability and make your reservations Assateague Seashore is a great road trip destination from many spots on the East Coast! Horses on Assateague Island Bayside Drive In – National Park Service. Sites for the weekend are usually taken the day them become available. Campground Office/Ranger Station. Please note that the Toms Cove Visitor Center is Due to sudden and severe changes in weather, advance reservations are not accepted. There are a few legends about how the horses ended up calling Assateague their home, the most popular one being that they came ashore when a Spanish Cargo Ship sank.
Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds: Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups).
Camping is allowed in both areas but there are slight differences in pricing, amenities, and rules:The park is open year-round, but the best and most popular time to go camping on Assateague Island is summer, to utilize the beautiful beach.
… Campers with a reservation arriving after business hours must register by 11 AM the next morning at the Ranger … Kids & Youth Explore resources for kids of all ages to do at home or in a park to learn more about nature, history, and culture in parks.
Though personally I don't take much more to the beach than a chair and umbrella--I do notice that those on the national park side bring all manner of food and drink, dogs to swim, etc. Appropriate equipment for backcountry conditions is recommended, including drinking water, raingear and insect repellent.Backpackers’ vehicles park at North Beach; paddlers park at Old Ferry Landing or Bayside Picnic Area. No camping on the beach or dunes.
This also means that it’s the most crowded time and campsites book up well in advance. They have learned to adapt and thrive in their salty/marshy environment and have their own water sources. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Now that National Parks are opening up, why not consider camping with wild horses on Assateague Island?Yes, you read that right: you can camp with wild horses!
Sites are $30 per night.
Of course the driving times below are approximate and don’t account for stops or traffic.The biggest obstacle for travelers from Baltimore, DC, or other parts of Maryland (minus the Eastern Shore) is the Bay Bridge, which often has large traffic backups, especially on the weekends.