Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile long barrier island on the Atlantic Coast of Maryland and Virginia. Famed for its wild horses, this barrier island is a constantly shifting ribbon of sand, altered daily by powerful wind and waves. Assateague Island, dedicated as a National Seashore on September 1, 1965, lays claim to a long and rich history. Today's visitors can explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays. Only a couple of miles wide at its broadest point, the island's terrain offers shelter to the famed wild horses as well as sika deer, ghost crabs, and migrating birds such as the great blue heron and snowy egret. Favorite recreational activites include fishing, surfing, beachcombing, swimming, and sunbathing. 

The Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone at Assateague Island contains miles of unspoiled beaches managed by the National Park Service to accommodate OSV enthusiasts and other beach goers.

The Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge work together to manage and protect this unique, diverse strip of land.

For more information visit the Assateague Island National Seashore website . 

The campground is open year-round. Advance reservations are available up to 6 months in advance during the following dates: 

• Oceanside Group sites: Year-round.
• Bayside Individual sites: Year-round.
• Equestrian Non-electric sites: From October 16 through April 15 each year (closed April 16 - October 15).
• Oceanside Individual sites: From March 15 through November 15 each year (first come first serve only, November 16 - March 14). 

Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and unheated showers (March 15 - November 15 only) for rinsing off sand. Water in the campground is available when temperatures are above freezing, and year round at the dump stations.

The island can be accessed from the northern route in Maryland or the southern route in Virginia, but there is no through road from one end of the island to the other. Access to both Maryland and Virginia entrances are reached by bridge over mainland routes. 

Notifications and Alerts

• Please be aware that our showers are shut off from mid-November to mid-March to prevent frozen pipes. Potable water and dump stations remain operable.

Need to Know

• Entrance Fee: An Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, Assateague Annual Pass, or $25 entrance fee is required to enter the park in addition to camping fees. If you do not already own a pass you may pay the fee upon arrival.

• Check-in: Campers must check in at the Ranger Station upon arrival. Campers who arrive after the Ranger Station closes must check in with the rangers before 10 am the next morning. Reservation holders who have not checked in by noon of the day following their reservation date are considered "no shows" and the site may be re-sold.

• Wild Horses: Wild (or feral) horses roam free on the island. All food must be stored inside a latchable hard-sided cooler or inside your vehicle. Stay at least a school bus length (40 feet) away from the wild horses. Do not touch, feed or otherwise entice the horses. Learn more on the park's Assateague's Wild Horses web page .

• Check-out: Campsites must be vacated by 11 am on the day of checkout. Campers who desire to depart early MUST check out at the Ranger Station and be off the site completely by 11:00 am or NO REFUND will be given. If it is an after hours emergency, please contact the campground host.

• Late Cancellations: Customers who cancel a reservation the day before or the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a 1-night stay will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to the additional service fee.

• Equestrian Campsites A & B: Horse Camp campers must bring their own horses. If you do not have a horse do not book a horse campsite.

• Mosquitoes: Extreme mosquito/biting insect conditions are normal to the area; bring insect repellent with DEET.

• Vehicle Limits on Drive-in Campsites: No more than two motor vehicles, or one vehicle with trailer, are allowed per drive-in campsite.

• Vehicle Limits on Walk-in Campsites: No more than one motor vehicle allowed per walk-in campsite.

• Vehicle Limits for Group Campsites: No more than 10 motor vehicles permitted per Group site.

• Generators Prohibited: Generators are completely PROHIBITED in Bayside Loop B as well as in walk-in and group sites.

• Tent Stake Recommendation: The park recommends using long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and against the wind.

• Sleeping in a vehicle is prohibited in Walk-in and Group sites. Walk-in and Group campsites are tent only sites. Campers must sleep in the designated campsite. 

• Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. There is no firewood for sale on the island in the off season (generally mid-October - Memorial Day).

Natural Features

Assateague Island, famed for its wild horses, lies off the Delmarva Peninsula on the Atlantic Coast. This barrier island is a constantly shifting ribbon of sand, altered daily by powerful wind and waves.

The Assateague Island National Seashore, Assateague State Park, and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge each manage and protect this unique, diverse strip of land.

For more information visit the Assateague Island National Seashore website . 

Nearby Attractions

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge offers a 14,000-acre wildlife preserve located at the southern end of Assateague Island. To the north, Assateague State Park features two miles of pristine ocean beaches. Ocean City, Maryland is only about 10 miles away with a 2.5 mile long boardwalk filled with shops, restaurants, and a wide variety of entertainment options. The historic town of Berlin is about 10 miles west of Assateague, offering many shops and restaurants. 

Recreation

Activities are abundant on the island, with both crabbing and clamming as well as a long stretch of beach for swimming, kayaking and fishing.

Changes & Cancellations

Cancellations/Modifications: Customers can modify/cancel reservations starting 18 days after the reservation was made. Customers cancelling a reservation will be charged a $10.00 service fee. Customers wishing to modify a reservation can do so online or over the phone with Recreation.gov and may be subject to a $10.00 service fee. 

Late Cancellations: Customers who cancel a reservation the day before or the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night’s use fee. Cancellations for a 1-night stay will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to the additional service fee. 

Early Departures: Customers wishing to early depart before 11am can receive a refund for that night and subsequent nights provided they are off the campsite completely by 11am. Customers wishing to early depart after 11am can receive a refund for subsequent days, but will not get a refund for the current night. ANY early departure requires that you stop at the Ranger Station to check out with the rangers or no refunds will be given. (See Need to Know)

Contact Information

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7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN BERLIN MD 21811

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 410-641-3030

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Follow US Route 50 east to MD Route 611 south. Proceed over the Verrazano Bridge. Take the first right onto BayBerry Drive. Continue 2.25 miles (3.6 km) to the entrance station. An entrance fee is required unless you possess an America the Beautiful annual or lifetime pass. Take the first right to the ranger station to register and check in.

Available Campsites

• Site G2, Loop Oceanside Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C44, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site A14, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 083, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 052, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site B35, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 103, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 007, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 059, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 099, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site A21, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site G1, Loop Oceanside Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site B37, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 064, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 044, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 013, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site B29, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 093, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 023, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 078, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 008, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A15, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 062, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 036, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 053, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site A03, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A09, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C49, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 060, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 024, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 087, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 088, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 056, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site G4, Loop Oceanside Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site A23, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A02, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 081, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 025, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 065, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 032, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 095, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 075, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 019, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C41, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 063, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site C45, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 039, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B26, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 055, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site A07, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 079, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site A16, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C38, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 072, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site A05, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 054, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site B30, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 073, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 069, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 035, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 071, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 033, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B31, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A06, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C39, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A20, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A10, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 049, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site Horse Camp - A, Loop Equestrian Non-Electric, Type Group Equestrian
• Site 048, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site 051, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 040, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A13, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 092, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 104, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 012, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 042, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 100, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 026, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 082, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site B28, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 045, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site 034, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 074, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 041, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A01, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 057, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site G3, Loop Oceanside Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 047, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site 089, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 098, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site G5, Loop Oceanside Group Sites, Type Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Site 086, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 029, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 050, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site 076, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 021, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A19, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A04, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 091, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site B32, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 066, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 020, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B33, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site B25, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site Horse Camp - B, Loop Equestrian Non-Electric, Type Group Equestrian
• Site C46, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C42, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B27, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 046, Loop Oceanside Walk-In 45-50, Type Walk To
• Site A24, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site C47, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 101, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 070, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 038, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop Oceanside Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A12, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site B36, Loop Bayside Loop B, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 084, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 061, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site C48, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A18, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 094, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site A08, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A22, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 090, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 058, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 010, Loop Oceanside Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site A17, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 085, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 067, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site A11, Loop Bayside Loop A, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 068, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 102, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 080, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site 097, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To
• Site 077, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site C40, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 043, Loop Oceanside Walk In 42-44, 51-82, Type Walk To
• Site C43, Loop Bayside Loop C, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 096, Loop Oceanside Walk In 83-104, Type Walk To

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