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 December 31. 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. 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: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. There is no firewood for sale on the island in the off season (generally mid-October - Memorial Day).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.50

1.2K reviews

7206 NATIONAL SEASHORE LN

Top 1% in MDSpring

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

Equestrian Non-elect...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

104 campsites

Season

Equestrian Non-elect...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

$40.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $80.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $40.00; WALK TO:...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$40.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

410-641-3030Michael_Yandle@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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).

Weather at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Current alerts(13)

Check-in: Campers must check in at the Ranger Station upon arrival. Campers who arrive after the Ranger Station closes must check in with the rangers before 10 am the next morning.
Check-out: Campsites must be vacated by 11 am on the day of checkout. Campers who desire to depart early MUST check out at the Ranger Station and be off the site completely by 11:00 am or NO REFUND will be given.
Entrance Fee: An Interagency (America the Beautiful) Pass, Assateague Annual Pass, or $25 entrance fee is required to enter the park in addition to camping fees. If you do not already own a pass you may pay the fee upon arrival.
Equestrian Campsites A & B: Horse Camp campers must bring their own horses. If you do not have a horse do not book a horse campsite.

Best Time to Camp at Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, dramatically reduced mosquito activity, and excellent wildlife viewing — especially migratory birds and calm shorelines for spotting the wild horses. Expect daytime temperatures in September–October around 55–70°F (13–21°C) with cooler mornings, and ocean water that remains relatively warm through early fall for kayaking and late-season swimming. Crowds thin significantly after Labor Day and even more after mid-October, making beachcombing, biking, & Peak months: October, September, May, November

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 December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Equestrian Non-electric sites : From October 16 through April 15 each year (closed April 16 - October 15).

About Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground sits on a barrier island off Maryland's Eastern Shore, operated by the National Park Service. The campground offers beach access and opportunities to see the island's famous wild horses, with tent, RV, primitive, and group camping options. Visitors hike, bike, fish, and swim along miles of Atlantic coastline.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild weather, dramatically reduced mosquito activity, and excellent wildlife viewing — especially migratory birds and calm shorelines for spotting the wild horses. Expect daytime temperatures in September–October around 55–70°F (13–21°C) with cooler mornings, and ocean water that remains relatively warm through early fall for kayaking and late-season swimming. Crowds thin significantly after Labor Day and even more after mid-October, making beachcombing, biking, & Peak months: October, September, May, November

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.

Programs & ActivitiesRangers offer programs such as crabbing lessons, guided nature tours, and Junior Ranger activities for kids. These are highly praised in reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

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.

Best CampsitesOceanside Loop 1 and Bayside Loop B get frequent mentions in reviews for quieter atmosphere and better views. Bayside sites tend to be larger and more private, while oceanside sites put you closer to the beach but expose you to coastal winds.

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

Amenities include vault toilets, drinking water, and unheated showers (March 15 - November 15 only) for rinsing off sand. Water in the campground is available when temperatures are above freezing, and year round at the dump stations.

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more. There is no firewood for sale on the island in the off season (generally mid-October - Memorial Day).

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.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies by carrier. Some users reported difficulties with Boost Mobile, but Verizon and AT&T had stronger signals. One user noted, 'Excellent network service by Verizon; streaming music was consistent.'

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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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

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want oceanfront camping with wildlife encounters and don't mind seasonal mosquitoes or occasional equine visitors to your site.

Skip if

You need electric hookups, want guaranteed horse-free campsites, or can't tolerate heavy mosquito activity outside fall months.

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Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground

About Assateague Island National Seashore

Context for the broader area surrounding Assateague Island National Seashore Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.

Directions

There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA. There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.