Camping At Assateague

As of June 15, 2020: Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside, Bayside and Group campgrounds are open.

Backcountry campsites will open Fridays through Mondays starting October 9, 2020. Bayside Backcountry campsites will be closed during firearms hunting seasons. Visit our Backcountry camping page for more information.

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

 

Oceanside Campground

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 (locally purchased), sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.

 

National Park Service Reservation System

• Reservations are required from March 15 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.
• Call the toll-free reservation line: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST) or visit www.recreation.gov.
• Sites are $30 per night.

 

Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds:

• Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night.
• Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night. Walk-in sites are closed from November 16 through March 14.
• 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. Sites are $30 per night.
• 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 fire ring with grill. Group campsites can be reserved year round, up to 6 months in advance at $50 per night per site.
• Horse Camp: There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 through April 14. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses. The fee is $50 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 the toll-free reservation line: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST) or visit www.recreation.gov. Download our horseback riding brochure (pdf file, 67kb) for more information.
• Campground Maps

 

RV Camping

NPS photo

More Camping Information

• Camping facilities include chemical toilets, cold water showers and drinking water.
• November 16 through March 14, campsites are first-come first-served and sites are $30 per night. Walk-in sites are closed.
• 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 [phone] (press 3).

 

Tingles Island Bayside Backcountry Campsite

Backcountry Camping

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. Backcountry camping without a permit is prohibited. A 7-day backcountry permit is $10 per person (ages 16 years and older). A $25 7-day entrance fee per vehicle is also required. Pets are prohibited in backcountry campsites. more info...

 

Other Camping Opportunities

Maryland
Camping opportunities are available at Assateague State Park and nearby Pocomoke River State Park.

Virginia
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 [phone].