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Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore Campground sits directly on the barrier island made famous by its wild horses, split between bayside sites tucked into loblolly pine and oceanside sites out in open dunes just steps from the Atlantic surf. There's no shade on the oceanside loops, wind off the ocean is a near-constant, and biting flies and mosquitoes can be fierce in warmer months — bring a screen tent or shelter. Wild horses roam freely through camp and along the beach, and all food and scented items must be stored in wildlife-proof containers, both for the horses and the island's raccoons.
159 campsites|Maryland
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Campsite Types
Standard (no hookups)
83 sites
No hookups · tents and small rigsRV OKTent OK
Walk-to
63 sites
No hookups · walk-in tent sitesTent OK
Tent only
6 sites
No hookups · tent onlyTent OK
Group
5 sites
No hookups · tent-only group sitesTent OK
Group equestrian
2 sites
No hookups · group equestrian sitesTent OK
Prefer a cabin or cottage nearby?
Ocean City, just across the bay, has hotels and vacation rentals within easy reach of Assateague.
See cabins & rentals near Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore →We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Guide to Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore
Best Campsites
For Families:Bayside Loop A standard sites have more tree cover and are a gentler introduction to island camping
For Tents:63 oceanside walk-to sites put tent campers right near the dunes and surf
For RVs:Bayside Loop A's standard sites are the best fit for RVs — oceanside sites are walk-to only
When to Go
Late spring through early fall, when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beach, though biting insects peak in the same window. Fall brings fewer bugs and cooler, often calmer days.
Tips
- →All food, coolers, and scented items must go in the provided wildlife-proof storage — wild horses and raccoons will get into anything left out
- →Oceanside sites are walk-to only and completely exposed — bring wind-resistant gear and shade
- →Insect repellent and a screen shelter are close to mandatory in warmer months
- →Never approach or feed the wild horses — they bite and kick, and it's illegal
- →Ocean City, just north, has the nearest full range of groceries and supplies
Highlights
Wild horses roam freely through the campground and along the beachOceanside sites put you steps from the Atlantic surf, with zero shadeBayside sites offer some tree cover in loblolly pineStrong ocean wind and biting insects are part of camping here — come preparedEquestrian group sites available for horse campingNear Chincoteague and Ocean City, Maryland for supplies
Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore — Frequently Asked
Is Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore hard to book?+
Yes — Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore is a federal campground booked through recreation.gov, and its sites fill up on weekends and during peak seasons. Late spring through early fall, when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beach, though biting insects peak in the same window. Fall brings fewer bugs and cooler, often calmer days. Reserve early on recreation.gov, and set a Camp.land alert to catch cancellations the moment they open.
How many campsites does Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore have?+
Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore has 159 campsites, including Standard (no hookups), Walk-to, Tent only, Group, Group equestrian.
How far in advance should I book Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore?+
Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore is a federal campground, so sites are booked through recreation.gov — typically up to 6 months in advance — not the Texas state park system. If your dates are already full, set a Camp.land alert and we'll email you the moment a cancellation opens.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore?+
Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore occasionally has same-day or cancellation openings on recreation.gov, especially midweek. Camp.land watches Assateague Island Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore for cancellations and emails you the instant one opens, with a direct booking link.
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