Assateague State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Off the coasts of Maryland and Virginia lies a 37-mile-long barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean known as Assateague. It's been home to herds of wild horses for hundreds of years. A boundary divides two sections of the island in Maryland into a state park and a national seashore. Maryland's Assateague State Park lies between the Sinepuxent Bay in the West and the Atlantic Ocean in the East. It is full of unspoiled natural wilderness, but the activities and attractions found in a typical tourist destination are just a quick drive away.
The seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland, is known for its boardwalk, saltwater taffy, and ocean view. It takes less than 20 minutes to drive from the state park to this booming oceanfront destination.
Driving an hour south will bring travelers to Chincoteague Island, Virginia. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is here. This area is popular with tourists and locals for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and fishing.
The Spring Pollinator Festival is a free event in April. It is an educational planting event. It's a great way to learn about gardening and provides an opportunity to browse plant and outdoor living products from local vendors.
The Ballet on the Beach Dance Festival is in September. It combines the artistry of ballet with the crucial importance of environmental awareness. This event is free and open to the public.
Nearby Cities:
Berlin, MD
Ocean City, MD
Chincoteague, VA
Salisbury, MD
Spring 63-80 F
Summer 68-84 F
Fall 40-78 F
Winter 28-50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Assateague State Park
Campground Accommodations
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes, but spaces are limited
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 60 feet
Other amenities: retail shop, restaurant, beach, and bathhouse
What to Do at
Assateague State Park
The Assateague Island horses were made famous by the book Misty of Chincoteague by author Marguerite Henry. The subsequent movie, Misty, was adapted from this story. Watching these wild horses in their natural habitat is a favorite activity for many Assateague Island tourists today.
Fishing
Water surrounds the park, making fishing opportunities plentiful. Options include surf fishing on the beaches outside the swim area, bay fishing from the piers and boats, and clamming in the bay. Maryland requires a state fishing license for anyone over the age of 16. There are different licensing requirements for coastal fishing. Before purchasing the coastal license, guests should check to see if they qualify for the Saltwater Angler Registry.
Nature Watching
With over 200 species of birds spotted in the park, birdwatchers will be delighted. Birds commonly seen here include osprey, herons, ducks, geese, swans, pelicans, egrets, owls, and more. Two types of deer call the park home: whitetail and sika. Watching the dolphins frolic in the ocean is a fun activity. Sand sharks and sea turtles swim nearby, as well as marlin and tuna. The nature center has aquariums where you can get a close-up glimpse of local sea life.
Stargazing
Historically, residents fought for this park as a means of conservation and did not welcome development. The lack of commercial development here means the dark skies are plentiful, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Flora and Fauna
Plants that flourish in the area must be adaptable due to the constantly changing environment. Blackberry bushes, wildflowers, beach grass, seabeach amaranth, orchids, and the prickly pear cactus are just some of the plants in the area.
Hiking
A one-mile trail, the Rackliffe House Trail Loop, begins at the visitor's center. Hikers will pass through woods and wetlands before reaching the end of the path.
Boating
There are two boat ramps with access to the bay, and fees for launching boats range from $10-$12.
Swimming
There is a day-use beach area, with lifeguards during summer, available for swimming. Although swimming is permitted, beaches inside the park's campground do not have lifeguards at any time.
Biking
There are designated lanes for bikes in the park. Children under 16 must follow the law and wear a helmet. If you'd like a bicycle map for planning your cycling route, you can pick one up at the ranger station.
How to Get to
Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is on route 611. Travelers can take Route 50 towards Ocean City or Route 113 to Berlin before turning onto 611 and reaching the entrance. The address is 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Berlin, MD.
Entering Assateague State Park
The park entry fee is $20 per vehicle, but parking is free, although limited. There is also a day-use admission fee of $5 per person during summer and $5 per vehicle during the off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Assateague State Park
The best time of year to visit Assateague State Park is during the summer. Lifeguards will be on duty, and the park's restaurant will be open.
Assateague is notorious for its wild ponies. Visitors will see these ponies roaming on the beaches and throughout the park.
Yes, 342 sites are available in Assateague State Park with RV access.
Yes, from April through October, reservations are a must. Electric hookup sites are limited and should be reserved as soon as possible in advance. The rate is $27.50 or $38.50 for sites with electricity.
Yes, vaccinated and leashed pets can stay at the pet-friendly sites in the campground. They are also allowed in the marina area. Pets are welcome at the day-use location in the off-season.