Camping at Assateague Island National Seashore
Two drive-in campgrounds, one walk-in campground, a group campground, six backcountry campsites open to hikers and kayakers, and even a campground for those who bring their horses to the park are located in the Maryland section of Assateague Island National Seashore. There is no camping in the Virginia section. All camping must be done in designated areas. In addition to these campgrounds, those who purchased an Over Sand Vehicle Bullpen Permit can stay overnight in the “bullpen,” an RV park, so to speak, on the beach. To qualify, your vehicle must be self-contained and have an approved toilet and permanent waste storage system installed (see the Beach Driving page for details).
There are no electricity or water hook-ups at any of the campgrounds. The drive-in and walk-in campgrounds have drinking water, compositing toilets (fancy portable toilets), and cold water showers from mid-March through mid-November. There is also a dump station for RVs at each of the two drive-in campgrounds. Portable toilets are at the backcountry sites, but no showers. No lights are in the restrooms (at least where I was at), so you have to bring a lantern or flashlight at nighttime.
The Oceanside and Bayside drive-in campgrounds, the group campground, and the equestrian campground are open year-round. The Oceanside Walk-in Campground is closed from November 16th until March 14th.
Reservations are required for the Bayside Drive-In Campground, the Oceanside Group Campground, and the Equestrian Campground at all times. They are also required from March 15th through November 15th at the Oceanside Drive-In Campground. At all other times the Oceanside campsites are available on a first come, first served basis. To make a reservation, call (877) 444-6777 or go online to Recreation.gov. You can reserve a campsite up to six months in advance, and campsites for the weekend are usually taken the day they become available.
No reservations can be made for backcountry sites. A permit is required, and these are available on a first come, first served basis on the day of departure only. Permits can be obtained at the park’s Maryland Ranger Station or the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia.
For more information on the campgrounds, see the following web pages:
For those unfamiliar with the term, a “drive-in” campground is one where you park your car at the site. This contrasts to a “walk-in” campground where you park your car in a main parking lot and carry all of your equipment some distance to the campground.
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Last updated on October 3, 2023
