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Assateague State Park Camping

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Campgrounds

Campgrounds in Assateague State Park

Loop G

Assateague State Park

Loop H

Assateague State Park

Loops A & B

Assateague State Park

Loops C & D

Assateague State Park

Loops E & F

Assateague State Park

Loops I & J

Assateague State Park

Overflow

Assateague State Park

Youth Group

Assateague State Park

Overview

A brief introduction to Assateague State Park

Ever camped next to wild horses? Visitors to Assateague State Park do! They also get treated to campsites that walk out to miles of beautiful white beaches and dunes—and the calming sounds of ocean waves. Just be prepared for some wind and mosquitos in the summer months. Note: Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are different parks.

Camping at Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park’s season runs from late April to the end of October. A popular place to camp, it features primarily drive-in sites, with a handful of walk-in campsites. The park is renowned for its wild horses (known as Chincoteague ponies) that roam the area, and the campground’s proximity to Assateague Island’s beaches. The park is popular, so campsites can fill up quickly.

There are 342 campsites at Assateague State Park. The park offers tent campsites as well as RV/trailer campsites. Youth group campsites are also in the park. All campsites feature an asphalt pad, picnic table, and fire ring. The park’s campsites are reasonably spacious but offer almost no shade. Those with RVs will need to be self-contained as the park only offers limited hook-ups (electric in just one loop). Water and sewer hook-ups are not available at Assateague State Park.

Park amenities include a bathhouse with hot showers and flush toilets (unavailable at the adjacent national park). Those who wish to make the most of the nearby ocean can access a boardwalk, boat launch, and pier. Lifeguards are on site at some—not all—beach areas. A dump station for RVs is on-site, as are trash and recycling options.

The campground offers a few ADA-accessible campsites with paved paths to the bathhouse. (All of the campground’s pads are paved.) Beaches are accessible, and ramps are in place to help people access some buildings. Eligible people can apply for a Universal Disability Pass, which offers free entry to state parks. Here’s a link with instructions on how to obtain a Universal Disability Pass.

Location, geography, and history

Assateague Island is a 37-mile long natural barrier island directly south of Ocean City, on the Atlantic Ocean. Part of this island is in Maryland; the other is in Virginia. Assateague State Park occupies 855 of the island’s 41,320 acres. There is no through road from the island’s north to the south.

Assateague Island is part of a chain of barrier islands on the Atlantic Coast. It is the product of winds from the Delmarva Peninsula and stormy seas. It is made from sand (run-off from the Appalachian Mountains) moving southward. Storm effects push the island westward, and climate change is accelerating this process.

All of Assateague Island is owned and operated by three government agencies. The state park represents the most developed part of the island, which is otherwise largely untouched by human development (no one resides on the island). The southern part of the island contains Assateague Island National Seashore (established in 1956).

Features, wildlife, and vegetation

Assateague Island houses several unique habitats. Natural and human-made dunes separate the beaches of the Atlantic from inland areas where you can find thickets, forests, grasslands, and scrublands. A number of bays, coves, and marshes are also present near the water. Freshwater pools appear after rainy periods.

In addition to Assateague’s population of over 300 wild ponies is a large bird population. Piping plovers arrive in the spring before traveling south in August. Wading birds like great egrets and clapper rails hunt in the marshes. Northern harriers hunt on the island in the winter. Flocks of brant winter in the area before returning to Northern Canada for summer. Assateague Island is also home to frogs, toads, snakes, crabs, foxes, and raccoons.

The salt and heat of the beach limit the growth of most plants. As you move inland, though, you find durable sea rocket in the dunes and American beachgrass a little higher yet. Beyond the dunes one can find wildflowers including seabeach amaranth, crested fringed orchids, rose mallow, and Eastern prickly pear cactus.

Activities at Assateague State Park

Given its marine setting, visitors to Assateague State Park enjoy kayak touring, allowing them to explore the area’s marine habitats. You might also choose to swim or surf. Please take care when in or near the water. Ocean winds vary, and waves can carry great force and strong currents.

Over 200 bird species have been spotted on Assateague Island, so bring your binoculars! You might take a walk and witness the island’s wild horses. (Please keep a respectful distance.) There are a few trails in the park that allow you to take in the sights and get some exercise. You can also check the park’s Nature Center for interpretive programs.

Visit historic Rackliffe House. (It’s right behind the visitor center.) Or book a private day tour of the island. Day trips might include visits to Ocean City, nearby theme parks, or some local towns, golf courses, and restaurants.

Risks, cautions, and notes

Mosquitos can be bothersome at Assateague State Park, so pack some insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.

Do not approach or feed the park’s wild horses, as they might bite or kick. Also, pack away any food and discard trash to prevent attracting them.

Weekends in July can be jam-packed. Plan ahead, and perhaps book stays for mid-week or less hectic times.

Factsheet

Information about Assateague State Park

Location

Address

6915 Gatehouse Rd, Berlin, MD 21811, United States

Coordinates

38.2186° N, 75.1466° W

Directions

Assateague State Park is located in Maryland on the Atlantic Ocean. From Salisbury take E Main Street to Ocean Gateway. Follow Ocean Gateway to US-113 S. Turn left onto MD-376 E and then right on MD-611 SD. This will lead you into the Assateague Island. Turn right on Campground Road.

Elevation

0 ft (0 m)

Area

855 acres (346 ha)

Terrain

  • Seashore

  • Beach

Contact

Phone

  • Campground Office / Ranger Station: (410) 641-2918

  • Headquarters Office: (410) 641-2120

Website

Assateague State Park on Maryland DNR

Email

assateague.statepark@maryland.gov

Operator

Maryland Department of National Resources

Links

Facebook

Assateague State Park Page on Facebook (Unofficial)

Twitter

Maryland State Parks on Twitter

Instagram

Photos and Videos of Assateague State Park in Instagram

Resources

Maps

Camp Look Map for Assateague State Park

Videos

Reservations

Reservations available

Up to 365 days in advance of arrival date

Fees

  • Day use (Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day): $5/person to 4:00 p.m.

  • Day use (Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day): $5/vehicle after 4:00 p.m.

  • Day use (Labor Day – Memorial Day weekend): $5/vehicle

  • Campsite: $27.30 (plus fees)

  • Campsite with electric: $38.50 (plus fees)

Online booking

Assateague State Park Reservations at Maryland DNR

Phone reservations

(888) 432-2267

Sold-out?

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Campground

Season

Last week of April – last weekend of October (most sites)

Access

  • Drive in

  • Walk in

Number of sites

342

Site types

  • Tent campsites

  • RV campsites

  • Trailer campsites

  • Youth group campsites

Check-in time

2:00 p.m.

Check-out time

11:00 a.m.

Pets

Vaccinated pets are allowed with registered campers in loops G, H, I, and adjoining beaches

Campfires

In designated areas only; beach fires are prohibited

Group camping

Youth group camping area

Campsites

Max. site occupants

6

Vehicles per site

2

Maximum vehicle length

60'

Pad type

Asphalt

Campsite features

Picnic table, fire ring

Accessibility

Number of accessible sites

9

Accessible campsites

A6, A8, D90, D92, D94, E116, F136, F138, F140

Accommodations

  • Accessible beaches

  • ADA accessible campsites

  • Asphalt path to the bathhouse

  • Beach wheelchairs available

  • Ramp to concession building and bathhouse

  • Universal Disability Pass (free lifetime entry to State Parks)

Amenities

Facilities

  • Boardwalk

  • Boat launch

  • Dock

  • Nature center

  • Showers (hot)

  • Pier

  • Ranger station

  • Restrooms (w/ flush toilets)

Hookups

Electric (one loop only)

Conveniences

  • Concession

  • Gift shop

On site

Support

  • Camp hosts

  • Lifeguards (designated areas)

  • Park rangers

Waste

  • Recycling station

  • Trash

  • Dump station

Activities

Sports

  • Canoeing

  • Cycling

  • Kayaking

  • Surfing

  • Swimming

  • Walking

Nature

  • Scales & Tales

  • Tour secluded coves and marsh areas

  • Wild ponies

  • Wildlife watching

Recreation

  • Beachcombing

  • Boating

  • Clamming

  • Fishing

  • Photography

  • Picnicking

  • Sunbathing

  • Surf fishing

Service

Wifi

Unavailable

Carriers

Spotty coverage

Nearby

Attractions

Campgrounds

To come

Members say

Pros

  • Close to the beach

  • Beautiful white sand

  • See wild ponies

Cons

  • Sometimes crowded

  • Bathhouse could be cleaner

  • Lots of biting flies

Tips

  • Secure your tent well, as there can be strong winds.

  • Use caution near water and note that campground beaches are unguarded. Staff may restrict water access based if conditions are unsafe.

  • Wild animals (including horses) are on the island. Remain at least 40 ft from wildlife, dispose of trash promptly, and keep your food secured.

  • Drive safely and following speed limits. Be mindful of cyclists on the road.

Best campsites

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Other nearby parks

Open to camping at other nearby parks? Here are a few other parks you'll find in the vicinity.

Reviews

Camper reviews for Assateague State Park

Wild horses!

This is one of my favorite parks and campgrounds. The campground is located just behind the dunes, with a gorgeous, expansive beach and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side. Bands of wild horses roam freely. In the other side of the island, the bay and salt marshes offer great kayaking and paddle boarding.

Susan Lamont
Susan Lamont reviewed Assateague State Park
on May 30th, 2023

Map

View a map of Assateague State Park

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