Camping at Assateague: A Striking Rendezvous with the Wild

Need digital detox and unique encounters with the wild horses while exploring the long stretches of sand in Maryland? If yes, then camping at Assateague is just what you need!

In this blog, I’ll share everything you’ll need to know while planning your camping trip to Assateague, a 7-mile-long barrier island on the Atlantic Coast of Maryland and Virginia. Remember that you can only camp in the Maryland district of this beautiful island famous for its feral horses and innumerable bays.

 Camping at Assateague is different from dispersed camping. While in dispersed camping, one has to prepare for the potential lack of amenities, fire-pits, cell service, etc.; the National Park Service (or NPS) has provided several facilities at Assateague to ensure a smooth experience for the campers. We’ll dive into the details of those facilities shortly!

Reservation System for Camping at Assateague

NPS (National Park Service) has crafted an immaculate reservation system to prevent any clashes upon arrival. Following are the things you should take into notice before planning your trip:

• Visitors from March 15 to November 15 must reserve their spot in advance.
• Campsites are open for booking six months in advance.
• Oceanside Drive-In campsites are open on a first-come, first-served basis From November 16 to March 14. Walk-in sites are closed during that time.

For toll-free reservations,  visit www.recreation.gov.

What is the Best Time of Year for Camping at Assateague?

If you’re planning a camping trip to Assateague, weather is crucial (sometimes even more than your budget!). The weather directly impacts the number of tourists visiting and, thus, the hotel costs.

The tourist-favorite season to visit is from March to September. During this season, the island’s beauty is at its peak! This fairly wet season averages 9 or 10 days of rainfall each month. The only catch is that hotel costs tend to soar in this hot season.

From October to February, as the summer crowd starts to thin, this season offers you a more serene and intimate experience with the wild. The season is mostly dry, and hotel pricing ranges from medium to low.

What should you know about Wildlife at Assateague?

The only thing that should come in your way of relishing the scenic beauty of this island is ‘Safety.’ Whether it’s protection from the sun, beach, or wild peers, you should always be one step ahead of the danger.

How close can you go to the animals?

While camping, maintain a safe distance from animals.

Horses: 40 feet (12 meters)

Seals: 150 feet (46 meters)

Pro Tip: Don’t expect to approach closely without risk; it’s called wildlife for a reason!

Other Precautions

• Don’t feed other animals
• In case of an animal approaching, retreat and hold your distance

You need to choose your battles wisely!

Are Pets Allowed?

Yes, your pets are allowed at Assateague, but you need to be mindful of the rules that are in place to prevent any mishaps.

Allowed Pets: Domesticated pets e.g. Cats and dogs

Prohibited Pets: Horses, seals, lions, tigers, or any reptiles or birds

But don’t be all happy. They have placed some strict rules for your furry friends. Here are some of them:

• Pets should be licensed and vaccinated.
• Be mindful of the quiet hours, i.e., 10:00 PM to 07:00 AM.
• The hand leash of your pet should not be longer than 6 feet.
• Owners are solely responsible for the well-being and behavior of their pets.
• Pet food can be fatal for horses; never leave it unattended.

Can you light a campfire on the beach?

NPS has allotted a spacious fire ring; fire is advised to be started and contained in the specified area. Assateague Island National Seashore has two camping sites: Oceanside and Bayside Campground. Fires are permitted on the Atlantic Ocean (excluding the lifeguard beach area) and only below the high tide line.

Lastly, make sure to put out your fire before you leave!

What Essentials do you need to pack for camping at Assateague?

1. Camping Essentials (tents, sleeping bags, cooking utensils etc.)
2. Sunscreen. Protect yourself from the Sun. Sunburns while camping are nasty!
3. Bathing suit because it’s a beach, duh!
4. Umbrella: weather is more unpredictable than your phone’s battery life
5. Shoes and clothes you’re COMFORTABLE in
6. Sturdy Tent stakes: you’ll need them to anchor your tent to the ground
7. Bug Spray. Lots of it. Trust me, it’ll be your best friend. Find out more about bugs on Assateague Island.

What is the cost of Camping at Assateague Island?

Camping: Both Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds cost $40 a night. For group campsites, It’s $80.

Entrance Fee: You must pay a $25 fee to authorize your entry.

Add in food, fuel, and the cost of unknown unknowns; you’ll soon realize that recreation isn’t cheap

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Assateague Island?

Check-in Policy:

All campers must report at noon. They have to register at Ranger Station upon arrival.

Latecomers: If you arrive late and the Ranger Station closes, you must wait until 11:00 AM the next morning to register

No shows: If the camper fails to arrive by noon the following day. His/her reservation is revoked, and the site is re-sold

Check-out Policy:

Campers should vacate the premises by 11:00 PM on the day of check-out. In case of early departure, the person has to check out at the Ranger Station. Sadly, no refund will be provided.

Final Words

Congratulations! If you’ve come this far, you can now plan your trip to rejuvenate your soul and keep you away from the hustle and bustle of adult life (for an ephemeral period, though!). Do get a general idea about visiting Assateague, and enjoy it much more than camping.

Now, plan your trip, pack your essentials, and immerse yourself in the serene charm of the great outdoors. Stay safe, stay happy!