• An Assateague wild horse finding shelter in the dunes.

    Assateague Island

    National Seashore MD,VA

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Camping At Assateague

Firewood Alert (PDF file 81 kb)
Campers may not bring firewood from out of state. Firewood must be purchased locally.

Camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared. Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Campers are reminded to bring firewood, sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.

Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds:

  • Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
  • Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring.
  • Bayside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. A Drive-In "Generator-Free Zone" is located in Bayside B Loop.
  • Group Camping: Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill. Group campsites can be reserved year round, up to 6 months in advance at $40 per night per site.
  • Horse Camp: There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 to April 14. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses. The fee is $30 per night per site. Generators are permitted from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Call (877) 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.

Camping facilities include chemical toilets, cold water showers and drinking water.

October 16 through April 14, campsites are first-come first-served and sites are $20 per night.

There is a 50% discount for campers with Golden Age, Interagency Senior, Golden Access or Interagency Access passports.

For campground regulations or more information call the ranger station at (410) 641-1441 (press 3).



National Park Service Reservation System
  • Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of the date you want to camp between April 15 through October 15.
  • Call (877) 444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.
  • Sites are $25 per night.


There is no camping available in the Virginia district of Assateague Island. Commercial campgrounds are available on the neighboring island of Chincoteague, Virginia. For more information contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at (757) 336-6161.

Did You Know?

Sea pork are orange, blob-like critters related to sea squirts. 5 kb

Animal, vegetable or mineral? These orange, blob-like critters are a colony of animals related to sea squirts. Their name, sea pork is thought to be derived from their close appearance to salt pork. When they are babies they have a notochord just like human embryos!