Backcountry Camping

Temporary Backcountry Campsite Restrictions - Effective June 7, 2013 there is a complete beach closure in effect from km 22.0 south to km 25.5 to protect nesting birds. Hikers leaving from North Beach in Maryland can access Little Levels, Tingles Island & Pine Tree campsites. Hikers leaving from Virginia can access State Line, Pope Bay and Green Run campsites. Hikers cannot travel between the State Line and Little Levels campsites. Bayside campsites are open but visitors camping in Bayside campsites cannot travel/hike into any area between Km 22 – km 25.5.

 

Assateague Island National Seashore has two oceanside and four bayside camping areas for visitors who wish to backpack or paddle the island. All backcountry campsites are located in Maryland; no camping is permitted in the Virginia district. The distance traveled to backcountry sites from the Ranger Station in Maryland range from 2 1/2 to 13 miles. If traveling from the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia the nearest campsites are State Line and Pope Bay, each at 12 1/2 miles.

 

Backcountry Campsite Descriptions
No freshwater is available at any backcountry site. It must be carried in by campers along with their other camping supplies. One gallon per person per day is the recommended minimum.

Oceanside campsites:
· are designated by boundary posts
· located in the open inner-dunes
· general camping area accommodates up to 25 people
· a picnic table and a chemical toilet are provided

Bayside sites:
· located in forested areas (except Pope Bay, where shade is limited)
· some camping areas accommodate up to 25 people
· a picnic table, a fire ring and a chemical toilet are provided

 

Obtaining a Backcountry Permit
Backcountry camping without a permit is prohibited. 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. Fees are paid and permits may be obtained in either district of Assateague Island National Seashore: at the Ranger Station in Maryland or the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Please note that the Toms Cove Visitor Center is closed Tuesdays through Thursdays from December through February.

Due to sudden and severe changes in weather, advance reservations are not accepted. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of departure.

 

Check-In Times
Check-in times are based on the distance to the campsite from the departure points. Permits will not be issued after the times listed. Assateague sunset charts are found at the U.S. Naval Oceanography Portal by searching for "Ocean City, Maryland" or by calling [phone].

Please consider your level of experience and weather conditions and adjust your start time accordingly.

Campground	Maryland Departures	Virginia Departures
Tingles Island	2 hours before sunset	8 hours before sunset
Little Levels	2 hours before sunset	8 hours before sunset
Pine Tree	2 hours before sunset	8 hours before sunset
Green Run	4 hours before sunset	6 hours before sunset
State Line	4 hours before sunset	4 hours before sunset
Pope Bay	4 hours before sunset	4 hours before sunset

 

Getting There
When hiking on the beach or camping at the oceanside sites, expect to encounter up to 145 vehicles in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone, especially during the summer months. Transportation of campers and/or equipment by vehicle is prohibited.

Please check with radio, television, and the internet for up-to-date information on local weather patterns. Paddlers should obtain information from the National Weather Service regarding small craft advisories for "Coastal Waters from Fenwick Island to Chincoteague Island" at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/akq/index.php or by calling [phone].

In Maryland, canoe rentals are available on the island. Call 410-726-3217 or visit http://www.mdcoastalbays.org/ from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the off-season, rentals are often available in the local area. In Virginia, canoe rentals are available from several local vendors. Call the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at [phone] for more information. Many outfitters will not rent canoes or kayaks during a small craft advisory.

 

Advisories

• On rare occasions the park and/or backcountry campsites will be closed due to severe weather.
• During the spring and summer, oceanside sites may be closed due to bird nesting.
• Bayside sites are closed during the hunting season. Please check with the Ranger Station at [phone] for designated hunting dates.
• Adverse weather conditions are common during the spring and fall. We strongly discourage paddling during small craft advisories.
• Bayside campsites are known for high concentrations of biting insects anytime from April through October. Camping on the bayside during the summer months is not recommended.