News Release

Assateague Island National Seashore is Restoring Recreational Access to Oceanside and Bayside Campgrounds

Date: June 9, 2020
Contact: Bill Hulslander, 410-629-6061

[Berlin, MD] – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Assateague Island National Seashore is increasing recreational access to campground services in the Maryland district. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning June 15, 2020, Assateague Island National Seashore will reopen access to:  

• Oceanside Campground

• Bayside Campground

• As a reminder: Advanced reservations are required through November 15. Campsite reservations are available six months in advance. Be aware that nearly all reservations for weekends are filled the first day that they become available. To make a campsite reservation, call the toll-free reservation line: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST) or visit www.recreation.gov.

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   

• Recreational beaches, parking areas and restrooms at North Beach, South Beach, Ferry Landing and Bayside Peninsula

• The Maryland District Over Sand Vehicle Zone (OSV)

• Nature trails in the Maryland District

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Center in the Maryland District and the Toms Cove Visitor Center in the Virginia District

• Group campsites
  Note: As of August 1, 2020 - Group campsites are open

• Backcountry campsites

 
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Assateague Island National Seashore, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, maximize physical distance from each other, avoid crowding in all areas, limit gatherings to less than 10 individuals, and practice Leave No Trace principles.  

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.