Camping

Camp near the ocean or bay with drive-in sites, walk-in options, and limited backcountry camping for backpackers and paddlers.

Assateague guide Official NPS

Summary for Ocean City visitors based on National Park Service Assateague guidance. Fees, hours, closures, and permit prices change—confirm on nps.gov/asis before you go.

Overview

Assateague Island National Seashore offers drive-in and walk-in camping in the Maryland district, plus oceanside and bayside backcountry sites for visitors who backpack or paddle. All backcountry sites are in Maryland—no camping is permitted in the Virginia district.

Drive-in reservations are required from March 15 through November 15 and open six months in advance on recreation.gov. Nearly all weekend reservations fill the first day they become available.

Backcountry permits are issued only in person at the Maryland Ranger Station on a first-come, first-served basis—no advance reservations, because weather can shut trips down. All party members must be present. Distances from the ranger station range roughly 2½ to 13 miles; carry all fresh water (about one gallon per person per day).

Oceanside backcountry sites (Little Levels, State Line) sit in open inner dunes near the OSV zone. Bayside sites (Tingles Island, Pine Tree, Green Run, Pope Bay) are mostly forested—Pope Bay has limited shade. Check-in cutoffs are tied to sunset and distance; permits are not issued after posted times.

Highlights

  • Book drive-in weekends six months ahead when possible; keep Ocean City lodging as a backup.
  • Expect soft sand, wind, insects, and limited shade—bayside sites are notoriously buggy April–October.
  • Food storage and wildlife rules are strict—horses and gulls raid open coolers.
  • Pets are prohibited in backcountry sites. Glass bottles are prohibited in backcountry camps.
  • Bayside sites often close during hunting season; oceanside sites may close for nesting birds—confirm before you go.

More Assateague topics

Plan your visit — Ocean City, Maryland

Plan your visit

Directions, fees, hours, weather, visitor centers, and what to pack from Ocean City.

Wildlife & wild horses — Ocean City, Maryland

Wildlife & wild horses

Feral horses, birds, and viewing tips—keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Hiking — Ocean City, Maryland

Hiking

Short paved and unpaved loops plus 37 miles of beach—heat, insects, and tides matter.

Biking — Ocean City, Maryland

Biking

Several miles of bike trails wind through Maryland and Virginia districts of the island.

Swimming & surfing — Ocean City, Maryland

Swimming & surfing

Swim at your own risk—strong surf and currents. Read beach and surf safety first.

Canoeing & kayaking — Ocean City, Maryland

Canoeing & kayaking

Launch from designated areas; respect weather, tides, and currents. Seasonal rentals in Maryland.

Surf fishing — Ocean City, Maryland

Surf fishing

Surf cast for flounder, drum, blues, and more—Maryland license required; no fishing in lifeguard beaches.

Crabbing & clamming — Ocean City, Maryland

Crabbing & clamming

Blue crabs and bay shellfish—check size limits and seasons at the visitor center.

Horseback riding — Ocean City, Maryland

Horseback riding

Seasonal riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV) — Ocean City, Maryland

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV)

Beach-driving permits via recreation.gov—equipment rules, density limits, and nesting closures.

Ranger-guided programs — Ocean City, Maryland

Ranger-guided programs

Seasonal guided walks and talks that unlock barrier-island ecology and history.

Safety — Ocean City, Maryland

Safety

Surf, sun, insects, ticks, lightning, wildlife distance, and emergency basics.

Shell collecting — Ocean City, Maryland

Shell collecting

Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells so beach life keeps its habitat.

Hunting — Ocean City, Maryland

Hunting

Regulated hunting opportunities exist—confirm seasons, permits, and safety zones with NPS.

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