Beach, bay, and marsh life enchant RVers, campers, bikers, birders, and surfers. Wild ponies roam the beaches and coastal zones bringing a unique draw to this barrier island campground. A great post ahead.
This campground is literally right next door to Assateague National Seashore, with sites that walk out to gorgeous beaches separated by sand dunes. Most sites are without hookups.
Campsites
With campsites just a stone’s throw from the beach, Assateague Island is a dreamy spot to camp. The barrier island’s sandy beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, and surfing, while its bayside offers kayaking to secluded coves and unbelievable wildlife viewing.
The park is home to herds of wild ponies, and their calming presence on the beach provides visitors with a relaxing and serene experience. The best time to visit is in late springtime through the summer, though the fall can be a great time as well.
If you’re looking for a campground that gives you easy access to Assateague Island National Seashore but isn’t a full-on oceanfront camping resort, check out Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, just eight miles from the national seashore entrance. This Ocean City camping resort offers primitive and RV sites with a Western theme, and it’s perfect for families. There are also vacation rentals, a waterpark, a miniature golf course, and more.
Fishing
The ocean waters around Assateague Island teem with life, and surf fishing is an excellent option here. While most anglers prefer the warmer months, spring and fall can also offer great conditions.
The beach can be a serene place in the off-season, with steady breezes and few visitors. If you do plan on swimming, make sure to only swim in the lifeguard-protected areas, which are clearly marked with flags.
If you want to get out on the water, kayaking is a great way to explore the bay and ocean areas surrounding Assateague State Park. The calm waters of the bay and the vast Atlantic Ocean provide excellent fishing opportunities, and you’ll be able to explore secluded beaches and marsh zones with ease. Biking is another popular pastime on Assateague, with the Bayberry Drive bike path offering a four-mile ride down the length of the island. It’s a great way to see all of the sights that Assateague has to offer. This article is worth reading.
Hiking
Trillions of grains of sand, eroded from the Appalachian Mountains and deposited by the sea, create Maryland’s barrier island of Assateague. Its two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, surfing, and fishing while its bayside beaches and marshes provide a place to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak.
Keep your eyes peeled for the wild herd of feral horses that roam the island. It is important to stay at least 40 feet away from them as they are wild animals.
Join a park naturalist on a guided hike stressing the identification of trees by bark (white and red oak, black cherry, white ash, and red maple). Leashed pets are welcome. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Day-use fees apply. Please pre-register. In the event of extreme cold, ice, or snow the hike will be cancelled. Park rangers will notify registrants in advance of a cancellation.
Wildlife
Assateague is home to a unique herd of wild ponies that are a great attraction for visitors. The herd roams the beach and marshes so visitors are often able to see them from the boardwalk or the beaches. However, guests are reminded that these animals are wild and it is dangerous to approach or feed them. Getting close to the horses also puts people in danger, so it is important that guests respect their space and stay at least 40 feet away from the animals.
In addition to the wild horses, Assateague Island National Seashore is home to a variety of other wildlife. The area’s coastal salt marsh environment attracts wading birds, fish, and mammals that have adapted to the harsh conditions. The ocean and bay teem with life too, with trout, pufferfish, flounder, rockfish, and bluefish all found in the waters surrounding the island. Browse the next article.
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