The best camping near Assateague State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Assateague State Park adventure.

88% (8 reviews)
88% (8 reviews)

Sandy beaches, wild ponies, and bird-filled marshlands await.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Assateague State Park

100%
(109)

Why Not Acres

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Frankford, DE
HORSES WELCOME!  Why not run your horse on the beach, then come to our campsites to relax for the rest of your day.  There is a fenced pasture positioned next to the sites so you can see your faithful friend enjoying some grass or hay.  We have a new Zinger 29' trailer set up with a bunk room and another bedroom, full kitchen and bathroom.  It can easily sleep six people.  If you have your own RV, we have a full hook up at the same area.  The pasture where your horse stays will also have hay, water and shelter with a run-in.  This is a sanctuary for our animals.  We have nine animals here, four horses (some minnies) and five donkeys (some minnies).  By staying here, you will be helping us to support our animals.  We are in Frankford, De which is close to all the beaches and parks.  There are many shopping adventures awaiting you, either outlets or upcycle stores.  If you just want to relax, there is a small pond out back stocked with bass and turtles.  We have 17+ acres but we only use the front five acres and leave the rest for the deer, foxes, eagles, hawks and whatever else shows up.  We believe this is Heaven on earth and would love to share it will you.  So please come, stay at our farm and relax.  We are here year round.
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$55
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100%
(1)

Spillway Farms And Homestead

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Laurel, DE
Come stay on our Farmstead! We are full time livestock, grain, and produce farmers. If you are looking to enjoy the experience of a Farmstead, consider spending the weekend here! We have a few very friendly steer, a small herd of Boer goats, an obnoxious amount of piggies (about 40-ish), and a flock of free range chickens that keeps us on a never ending Easter egg hunt!! HEY FISHING GURUS - We are located on Chipman Pond and have there are more freshwater fishing ponds in and around our immediate area, several within just 5 miles. We are directly across the road from the Chipman Pond Boat Ramp, and we have plenty of room for vehicles with trailers. We have an onsite fish cleaning station and access to water. Local guides available (see link for a local fave) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089312072251 We are established on 2 acres of waterfront property tucked between a beautiful spillway on a 180 acre pond and a quiet horse rescue. 420 friendly *PLEASE NOTE - We are always growing and evolving, and we have to start somewhere. We have a long 'honey-do' list for this sweet little rental and cant wait to upgrade as we can, so bear with us in our early stages.
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$52
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97%
(478)

Historic Blueberry Lane Farm!

5 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Frankford, DE
Pitch your tent or park your RV on our historic 36-acre blueberry farm. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, and fire pits are located on lots. We  are a newly renovated farm that has an almost 60-year history. Very close to Delaware and Ocean City Beaches!  Our property is also  monitored by security cameras.Once owned by Tom Ryan and part of the 100+ acres of Ryan's Berry Farm, Kingsley Orchards now owns the middle 36 acres and market building of the historic farm. It was purchased at Sheriff Sale by Tony Morgan in June 2016 and 10+ months of extreme labor and renovation were required to bring the very neglected farm back to life.  Efforts paid off and the farm and market opened in June 2017 with a beautiful crop of blueberries and many multi-generational customers coming back with their children. The best outcome has been the opportunity to share growing food with children and helping them learn a love for outdoors and farming. Many of the customers remember their own grandparents bringing them to the farm! We had customers from age 1 to 89 picking blueberries. Meghan was able to retire from her state job in August to devote her full time and attention to the farm and family. Special accommodations and transportation options are  available to all customers! We also offer  a climate controlled restored marketplace for parties, events and several campsites on our farm.
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$49.50
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The best camping near Assateague State Park guide

Overview

About

Encompassing a two-mile stretch of Assateague Island, Assateague State Park is an idyllic slice of nature—think white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, and lush marshes. Campers can choose from primitive sites or electric hookups at Assateague State Campground, all within easy reach of the beach, where you can swim, fish, or paddle out to tranquil coves by canoe or kayak. The island’s prime location on the Atlantic Flyway means birdwatchers are in their element, with huge numbers of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Keep a look out for the island’s equine residents, too—herds of wild ponies roam freely around the park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve the park’s 350 campsites online via Maryland Parks Reservations.
  2. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance.
  3. Campsites can book up fast, especially for peak season (June-September) and holiday weekends. Aim to book more than six months in advance for these times.

When to go

Summertime is the most popular time to visit Assateague State Park, when swimming and water sports draw crowds to the coast. Shorebirds migrate to the marshes along the Atlantic Flyway in summer, while fall sees large numbers of waterfowl swoop in. Camping is possible from the last week of April through the last weekend of October, but year-round camping is available on the surrounding national seashore.

Know before you go

  • Assateague State Park is 12 miles south of Ocean City or about a 30-minute drive away. Entrance to the island is via the Assateague Island State Park Boat Ramp, while the rest of the island is part of the Assateague Island National Seashore.
  • Along with camping, boating, and watercraft fees, day-use fees also apply.
  • Park facilities include a day-use and beach area, a summer snack bar, accessible portable restrooms, and a marina with a boat launch and fishing pier. The mainland visitor center has restrooms, a gift shop, and an aquarium. 
  • Surfboards, kayaks, and non-motorized vessels may be launched from the beach in daylight hours, outside of the swimming area. Swimming is permitted in the flag-designated swimming area only, but there is no lifeguard service.
  • Assateague has free-roaming herds of wild ponies, and visitors are advised to keep a distance, as the feral animals may kick or bite. Keep all food secured at your campsite, and do not approach ponies if they enter the camping areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore offer camping experiences on the beautiful Assateague Island, but there are some differences between the two:

Assateague State Park:

  • Located in Maryland and managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
  • Offers 350 campsites, including some with electric hookups for RVs.
  • Provides amenities such as bathhouses, picnic tables, fire rings, and a camp store.
  • Has a designated swimming area with lifeguards during the summer season.
  • Allows pets only in specific loops.

Assateague Island National Seashore:

  • Managed by the National Park Service and spans across Maryland and Virginia.
  • Offers two campgrounds: Oceanside and Bayside, with over 150 campsites in total.
  • Campsites are more primitive, with no electric hookups and limited amenities.
  • Provides cold-water showers, chemical toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.
  • Allows pets in designated areas and campgrounds.
  • Offers more opportunities for backcountry camping and exploring.

Both locations provide a unique experience with opportunities to see the famous wild horses that roam the island. The choice between the two depends on your preference for amenities and the level of adventure you seek.

Yes, you can camp overnight on Assateague Island. The island is divided into two main areas: Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. Both areas offer camping options. Assateague Island National Seashore has two campgrounds: Oceanside Campground and Bayside Campground. Oceanside Campground is close to the beach, while Bayside Campground is closer to the bay. You can find more information about camping at the National Seashore here. Assateague State Park also offers camping, with 350 campsites available. The campsites are located near the beach, and you can find more information about camping at Assateague State Park here. Please note that reservations are required for both the National Seashore and State Park campgrounds, and it is essential to follow the rules and regulations to protect the island's natural resources and wildlife.

Assateague State Park offers 350 campsites for visitors. These campsites accommodate a variety of camping options, including tents, RVs, and trailers. You can find more information about the park and its campsites here.

At Assateague State Park in Maryland, camping fees vary depending on the type of campsite, season, and day of the week. For a standard campsite without hookups, the fees range from $25 to $45 per night. Electric campsites range from $35 to $55 per night. The park also offers discounts for Maryland residents and senior citizens. You can find more information about camping at Assateague State Park on the Hipcamp Assateague State Park page and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reservation site.

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