How much does camping cost at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Camping fees at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground range from $40-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Assateague Island National Seashore Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground before I book?

Yes! Assateague Island National Seashore Campground has 16 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground is open March 15 to November 15.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Yes, Assateague Island National Seashore Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Assateague Island National Seashore Campground have?

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground has 104 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Popular activities at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Fire policies at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pest spread.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

1.2K reviews

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsFishingSwimming

Featured in:Summer Camping Maryland#2

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

104 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

104 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

$40.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $40 per night for standard nonelectric sites to $80 for group tent-only and equestrian sites. Fees do not include additional...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$40.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

410-641-3030Michael_Yandle@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 1.2K reviews

75 Google reviews

Most mentioned

beach

Some mention

noisemosquitoes

"User reviews for the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground highlight its natural beauty, with many praising the wild horses, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. However, common complaints include mosquitoes, lack of electricity, and noise from generators in certain loops."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Nearby places

Berlin (10 miles), Ocean City (10 miles), Chincoteague (approximately 30 miles south).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Berlin, MD (10 miles). Firewood sold at nearby Assateague Outfitters during peak season.

Driving directionsFollow US Route 50 east to MD Route 611 south. Proceed over the Verrazano Bridge. Take the first right onto BayBerry Drive. Continue 2.25 miles (3.6 km) to the entrance station. An entrance fee is required unless you possess an America the Beautiful annual or lifetime pass. Take the first right to the ranger station to register and check in.

Accessible via paved roads. The campground can be reached from the Verrazano Bridge, with clear signage to guide visitors.

Best Time to Camp at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Fall delivers the best camping window. September through October brings daytime temps around 55–70°F, calm mornings, and ocean water warm enough for kayaking or late swimming. Mosquitoes drop off dramatically after Labor Day. Crowds thin after mid-October, leaving beaches nearly empty for biking and beachcombing. Spring offers comfortable temperatures without summer's insect surge, though mosquitoes start building in late May. Summer means warm beach days but relentless mosquitoes. DEET becomes mandatory. Winter turns the island into a quiet sanctuary with miles of solitary coastline, though expect cold winds and sparse facilities.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in MD

Spring reviews praise pleasant weather and low bugs; popular season for visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 to November 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round for some site types. Oceanside Individual sites are open March 15 to November 15 with first-come-first-serve availability during winter.
Current Alerts: Construction occasionally limits access to trails. Water amenities may be affected by seasonal closures.

About Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground sits on a barrier island between Maryland and Virginia, where wild horses wander through 104 campsites and Atlantic waves break just beyond the dunes. Sites cost $40–$80 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. You'll choose between oceanside sites (closer to the beach, more exposed to wind) and bayside sites (larger, more private). Expect horses to visit your campsite, so food storage matters.

The Assateague Island National Seashore Campground offers multiple options, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Oceanside sites are particularly popular for their proximity to the beach, while bayside sites offer more seclusion.

Historical Significance

The island became a National Seashore in 1965. The nearby town of Berlin preserves Victorian-era architecture. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge borders the island to the south.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window. September through October brings daytime temps around 55–70°F, calm mornings, and ocean water warm enough for kayaking or late swimming. Mosquitoes drop off dramatically after Labor Day. Crowds thin after mid-October, leaving beaches nearly empty for biking and beachcombing. Spring offers comfortable temperatures without summer's insect surge, though mosquitoes start building in late May. Summer means warm beach days but relentless mosquitoes. DEET becomes mandatory. Winter turns the island into a quiet sanctuary with miles of solitary coastline, though expect cold winds and sparse facilities.

ElevationAt sea level, where land meets ocean in an eternal dance

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a narrow strip of barrier island flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and coastal bays on the other. Windswept beaches stretch for miles, backed by dunes and patches of maritime forest adapted to salt spray. Salt marshes filter the edges of the bay, drawing great blue herons and egrets to tidal pools at dawn. Sika deer browse the underbrush. The island's wild horses leave hoofprints across the sand and occasionally graze between campsites. Ghost crabs emerge at twilight. During migration seasons, the sky fills with birds moving along the Atlantic flyway.

Geological RegionAssateague Island stands as a magnificent example of a barrier island ecosystem, where the Atlantic Ocean has crafted a slender ribbon of land that protects the mainland while hosting an extraordinary array of habitats. This dynamic landscape encompasses windswept beaches that shift with each storm, expansive salt marshes that filter and nurture marine life, resilient maritime forests adapted to salt and wind, and peaceful coastal bays that serve as nurseries for countless species. Straddling the Maryland-Virginia border, this geological wonder continues to evolve with each tide, offering visitors a front-row seat to the powerful forces that shape our coastlines.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in by noon the day following the reserved date. Campers arriving after the ranger station closes must check in before 10 AM the next morning.

Check-out

Check-out by 11 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite accommodates up to 8 people.

Groups

Group sites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents. They are equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, and are conveniently located near restrooms.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are organized into oceanside and bayside loops. Bayside sites are generally larger with more vegetation for screening. Oceanside sites are more open. Walk-in sites require hauling gear across sand. Bring long tent stakes. No hookups. Generators run in certain loops, creating occasional noise.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability for Oceanside Individual sites from November 16 to March 14 annually.

Cancellation PolicyCustomers can modify/cancel reservations starting 18 days after booking. A $10 fee applies for cancellations. Late cancellations incur the first night's fee as well. Early departures before 11 am are eligible for refunds for unused nights.

AccessibilityThe campground offers some accessibility features, including ADA-compliant trails like the Life of the Marsh Trail. Beach wheelchairs are also available for those with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some accommodating tents, RVs, and trailers. Bayside sites tend to be larger and more private, while oceanside sites are suited for tent camping and closer to the beach.

PrivacySites on the bayside are generally more private and secluded, while oceanside sites are more open and exposed to coastal winds. Reviewers have noted that privacy varies by site configuration and surrounding vegetation.

Total Campsites104 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and fewer bugs, choose beachside sites with breezes to deter insects. Avoid sites near standing water.

Need help booking Assateague Island National Seashore Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at the campground are extensive and include beachcombing, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, crabbing, windsurfing, and birding. The wild horses are a unique highlight, attracting many visitors.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent biting insects, including mosquitoes and horseflies, are mentioned in reviews. Horses may invade campsites for food.

Active AlertsConstruction occasionally limits access to trails. Water amenities may be affected by seasonal closures.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent pest spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital: Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, MD (approximately 10 miles). Police assistance available in Berlin. Ranger station nearby for immediate concerns.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users have noted the lack of garbage cans directly at campsites. Trash disposal must be done at designated locations within the campground.

Water FeaturesDirect access to beaches and coastal bays. Bayside campsites have trails leading to water areas.

Camp HostHosts are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. They are available onsite for questions.

Weather at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

1.2K reviews

Recommended

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground highlight its natural beauty, with many praising the wild horses, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. However, common complaints include mosquitoes, lack of electricity, and noise from generators in certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 1175 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground's proximity to the beach, opportunities to observe wild horses, and the overall serene environment are frequently praised. 'The horses were magical, and the beach was pristine,' noted...

Based on 1175 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes and biting flies are a major issue during warmer months. Noise from generators and lack of hot water in showers are also common complaints. Some users found the vault toilets to be less...

Based on 1175 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

1. Bring long tent stakes for the sand. 2. Use DEET bug spray to combat mosquitoes. 3. Store all food securely to avoid attracting wild horses. 4. Consider visiting during the off-season (fall or...

Based on 1175 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit due to cooler weather and fewer insects. Summer sees more mosquitoes and intense heat, while winter offers solitude but fewer amenities.

Based on 1175 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Magical place with wild horses wandering freely.' 2. 'Bring bug spray—mosquitoes are relentless in the summer.' 3. 'The vault toilets are clean but basic.' 4. 'Loved the under-table storage to...

Based on 1175 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 79 and 97 are highlighted for their proximity to the beach and vistas. Bayside sites are noted for their privacy, while oceanside sites are recommended for proximity to the beach but can be...

Based on 1175 reviews

Accessibility Features

The Life of the Marsh trail is ADA-compliant and appreciated by users with mobility challenges. Beach wheelchairs are available, adding accessibility to the experience.

Based on 1175 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviewers noted issues with mosquitoes and wild horses when camping with dogs. One reviewer recommended keeping dogs leashed and away from horses.

Based on 1175 reviews

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