Assateague Island National Seashore is an absolute gem on the Atlantic coast. If you’re like me and love nature, wildlife, and the great outdoors, this place is a dream. What I love most about the park is how it balances comfort with preserving the island’s natural beauty. It’s like they’ve kept the best parts of nature while still making it accessible for visitors like us. The views here are breathtaking, with endless stretches of sand dunes, marshes, and beaches. And if you love wildlife, you’re in for a treat. You’ll see everything from wild horses to a variety of plant and animal species. It’s like stepping into a nature documentary, but better because you’re right in the middle of it all! Keep reading to experience the magic of this unique coastal experience. Here is a Complete Guide to Camping at Assateague Island.
Activities for Every Adventurer
Assateague Island has a little something for everyone. Here are some fun activities to add to your itinerary.
Camping on Assateague Island
Camping on Assateague Island is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s hard to find anywhere else. The park is a barrier island, meaning it’s a narrow strip of land that separates the mainland from the ocean. One of my favorite parts about camping on Assateague Island is the opportunity to see the island’s famous wild horses. The horses roam freely across the island, and they’re pretty curious about campers and visitors and often want to say “Hi”!
Exploring Assateague Island’s Wildlife
One of the best ways to experience the island’s wildlife is by taking a hike or bike ride on one of the island’s many trails. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the island’s animals. You can even just drive around. I was stunned to see so much wildlife without even trying.
Visit the Beaches of Assateague Island
The island’s beaches are absolutely beautiful. There are opportunities for swimming, beachcombing or just taking in the scenery.
Hiking Trails and Biking Adventures
Assateague Island offers a few trails that are each on uniquely different terrain. My personal favorite is the Life of the Marsh trail. On this trail, I saw wild turtles, herons, and of course, wild horses. There is a biking trail that goes around the island, which is perfect for exploring the entire park while you’re visiting. Pro tip: Stay for the sunset on the sunset on the Bayside trail- its on my list of the Best Sunset Hikes in the Mid Atlantic.
Kayaking Adventures at Assateague Island
You can rent a kayak from one of the island’s rental shops and explore the island’s marshes and waterways at your own pace. Be sure to check the hours of these shops before you arrive. I made this mistake and missed out on kayaking. Don’t be like me, do your research first!
Getting to Assateague Island
Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. The island is divided into three parts: Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park (Maryland), and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia). It’s accessible by car, boat, or public transportation.
I personally recommend getting here by car. You can access Assateague Island via the Route 611 Bridge by going through the town of Berlin, MD. Parking is available at both Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore. There are designated parking areas for day visitors and overnight campers.
Facilities and Amenities at Assateague Island
Assateague Island National Seashore has two campground sections: Oceanside and Bayside. If you want the full beach camping experience, you’ll want to book a spot on the oceanside. There are drive-in sites, walk-in sites and 2 sites for horse camping for a group. The park offers a few amenities, while keeping the development to a minimum. There are well maintained restrooms with chemical toilets, potable water spigots outside, and cold water showers (these are only available mid-March through mid-November).
Reservations and Fees for Camping
When it comes to reservations, it’s important to plan ahead. Reservations can be made online at nps.org. Campsites become available 6 months out and most sell-out the same day.
The park offers some first come first serve sites, but I wouldn’t plan on getting one. Since the sites sell out so fast, your best bet is to reserve in advance.
Respecting Wildlife and Following Regulations
The #1 rule of Assateague is don’t harass the wildlife! Per the National Park Service rules:
Visitors observed to be 40 feet or closer to a wild horse may be subject to a minimum fine of $100.00. Touching, feeding, or enticing Assateague horses is ILLEGAL.
https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/campground-regulations.htm
Assateague Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild horses, deer, fox , and a ton of bird species. It’s important to respect the island’s wildlife and follow all posted regulations. Feeding or approaching wildlife is prohibited, and you should never attempt to touch or pet the wild horses. It’s also important to keep all food and trash secured to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite. Take all the photos you want, but stay far away from them!
Food Storage
Assateague Island has very strict guidelines for camper’s food storage. Of course, you’ll want to do anything necessary to protect the horses, right? That means storing all food so that the horses are not able to get into it. And they are sneaky! Store all food in a hard sided container, like a locked cooler, or latched storage, or just keep it in your car. Any food left out will be confiscated by park rangers.
Firewood Regulations
When camping on Assateague Island, you must use firewood that has been purchased within 50 miles. It’s not too hard to abide by this rule. On your drive to the island, you will find many roadside stands selling wood. Grab a couple bundles on the way there so you’re prepared.
Leave no Trace
I can’t stress this enough- Assateague Island is a protected natural area, so it’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. This means packing out all of your trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife and other visitors. It’s also important to use biodegradable soaps and detergents when washing dishes or bathing, and to avoid disturbing the island’s natural resources.
Safety Precautions
Assateague Island is a harsh, wild and remote place. It’s important to take precautions to stay safe.
Check the weather
Camping on the beach can be incredibly harsh. On the island, you are exposed to all the elements without much relief. Check the weather before you arrive. Have a plan in case of storms, sun or wind.
Sun exposure
There isn’t much shade on the island. On sunny days, you will be in direct light. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat and shirt. You will thank me for this suggestion!
Conclusion: This Park is a Must-Visit Camping Destination
Assateague Island is a beautiful and unique destination that offers something for everyone. If this park wasn’t on your camping bucket list, I hope it is now! By following these safety tips and being prepared, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable camping trip. Comment below if you love this park!
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