
These sites require a 2.5 to 13-mile hike or paddle in depending on which site you choose. If you’re up for even more of an Assateague Island camping adventure, you can opt for a backcountry campsite. These tent-only sites are located 100-200 feet away from the parking area and have picnic tables & fire pits.

Group Campsitesįor larger groups, you’ll need to reserve a group campsite. Fire pits & picnic tables are available at each site. Tent-only camping at Oceanside Walk-in is located 100-200 feet away from parking areas and just a short walk from the beach. Assateague Island Tent Camping Oceanside Walk-In A “Generator-Free Zone” is located in the Bayside B Loop. Bayside Drive-Inīayside Drive-in is essentially the same campground as the Oceanside Drive-in and is another option for RV camping on Assateague Island, however, it is located away from the ocean and closer to the bay. There are no hook-ups at these sites but there are picnic tables and fire pits available to use. Assateague Island RV Camping Oceanside Drive-Inįor those who are planning to RV camp on Assateague Island and want to be close to the beach, you’ll want to reserve an Oceanside Drive-in campsite. Sites are $30 per night and walk-in sites are closed. Off-Season Campingįor off-season camping on Assateague Island, campsites are first-come-first-served between November 16 through March 14.


Leave your Assateague Island camping permit in your car in the windshield or somewhere that’s easily noticeable for park rangers. Once you’ve made your reservation, you can grab your permit at the entrance of the campground upon arrival. Sites are $30 per night and can be made by calling 1-87 (10:00 AM – 10:00 PM EST) or on here. Reservations are available six months in advance, but be aware that nearly all reservations for weekends are filled the first day reservations become available. If you’re traveling with small children you can also find the beach lifeguard schedule online.Īssateague Island Camping Reservations & Permits High-Season CampingĬamping reservations for Assateague Island campgrounds are required from March 15 through November 15. More information on watercraft outfitters & rentals can be found on the NPS website. There are also self-guided nature trails, surfcasting (fishing from the beach), crabbing in the Bay, and of course, swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. From Chincoteague, Virginia, a paved path leads bicycles from Chincoteague to Assateague. Visitors can even choose to bike onto the island. From Maryland, cyclists can travel to Assateague over a bicycle-pedestrian bridge and follow a paved bike path along Bayberry Drive through 4 miles of island habitat. Bird-watchers make sure to bring your binoculars since Assateauge Island is home to an amazing diversity of bird life and activity. Choose from the Wildlife Loop, Woodland Trail, Black Duck Marsh Trail, or others. Assateague Island beach camping is surely a highlight of the trip, however, you can also enjoy miles of biking and walking paths that wind around the island. This beautiful and rural island is an oasis for outdoor lovers, especially people who love the water and the beach. Kristen once visited in March and ended up getting rained on the entire time! The off-season is a nice time to visit if you want fewer crowds, but the weather can be hit or miss. Since campsites are quite literally only a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll want to visit during the high summer season (June-August) if you can to experience the best summer beach weather. The closest airports to Assateague Island are Ocean City Municipal Airport and Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport, both in Maryland, but there is no public transportation to the island so you’ll want to rent a car.Īssateague Island is best visited during late springtime through late summer. However, there is no vehicle access between the two entrances and there is no camping in the Virginia district of Assateague Island. There is also a southern entrance onto Assateague Island via Chincoteague, VA.

Drive through the lower peninsula of Maryland and all the way out to Assateague Island National Seashore via US 301-N/US 50-E until you get on US-13 which will take you straight to the island. The best way to get to Assateague Island is to travel over the iconic 4.3 mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge near Annapolis, Maryland.
