Assateague Island RV Camping: A Retired Couple's Paradise

For years, Martha and I dreamed of exploring the Eastern Shore in our 25-foot Airstream. This year, we finally made it happen with a visit to Assateague Island National Seashore. Combining the charm of wild ponies, serene beaches, and excellent birdwatching, Assateague proved to be the perfect destination for a relaxing RV getaway. Here's our experience, tips, and recommendations for fellow retired RVers planning a trip to this unique coastal gem.

The Journey: Navigating to Paradise

Our trusty Garmin RV GPS guided us toward Assateague. While it generally did a good job, the final approach was a little tricky. We found that relying on the signs for Assateague Island and the National Seashore itself were more helpful than specific campground names as we got closer. The Chincoteague Pony Centre, while a landmark, wasn't directly on our route, but seeing the excitement building around it definitely added to the anticipation.

The moment we crossed the bridge onto Assateague, a wave of excitement washed over us (literally and figuratively!). The salt spray in the air was invigorating, and the first glimpse of the wild ponies grazing in the distance was simply magical. It was a feeling we won't soon forget.

Setting Up Camp: A Sandy Challenge

Arriving at our campsite, we quickly realized that leveling the Airstream would be a bit of a challenge. The ground was soft sand, which required some extra attention. Here are a few tips we learned:

• Leveling Blocks are Key: Invest in heavy-duty leveling blocks designed for RVs. We used a set of interlocking blocks to create a stable base under the tires.
• Dig Out if Necessary: In some spots, we had to carefully dig out a small amount of sand from under the tires on the low side to get closer to level before placing the blocks.
• Stabilizer Jacks for Fine-Tuning: Once the RV was mostly level, we used our stabilizer jacks to fine-tune the balance and minimize any rocking.

Connecting to utilities was straightforward. The campground provided water, electric, and sewer hookups at our site. We did notice that the water pressure was a bit lower than we’re used to, so a pressure regulator is a good idea.

Finally, we unfurled our awning, creating a delightful shaded outdoor living space. The warm afternoon sun filtering through the fabric made it the perfect spot for relaxing with a book and a glass of iced tea.

Campground Rules: Respecting the Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore has several rules specific to RVers, which are important to keep in mind:

• Leash Laws: Pets are allowed in the campground and on certain designated areas of the beach, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Note that dogs are not allowed on the lifeguarded beach during the summer months. This is to protect both the wildlife and other visitors.
• Generator Restrictions: Generator use is limited to certain hours of the day (typically during daylight hours) to maintain a peaceful environment. Be sure to check the specific rules posted at the campground.
• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are strictly enforced, usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Respect your neighbors and keep noise to a minimum during these times.

We had a brief but friendly encounter with a park ranger who reminded us about the leash laws when he saw our little terrier, Buster, enjoying the campsite with us. He was polite and informative, emphasizing the importance of protecting the island's delicate ecosystem.

Bathroom Facilities: A Practical Overview

The bathroom facilities at the Assateague campgrounds are functional but not luxurious. They offer a mix of flush toilets, vault toilets, and shower houses.

• Flush Toilets and Shower Houses: The flush toilets and shower houses are generally located in the central areas of the campgrounds. For example, the Bayside campground had a shower house within a reasonable walking distance from most campsites.
• Vault Toilets: These are located in more remote areas and are a more basic option.
• Cleanliness and Accessibility: The facilities were generally clean, but remember that you are camping near the beach, so expect some sand! The shower houses had ramps to increase accessibility.
• Night Lighting: Adequate lighting was provided at night, making it easy to navigate to the facilities.

The dump station was conveniently located near the entrance of the campground. Emptying our RV's holding tanks was a simple process.

Showers: Conservation is Key

The shower houses offered warm water and decent water pressure, although it varied depending on the time of day. Showers are free. To conserve water, both in the shower houses and in our Airstream, we practice a few simple techniques:

• Low-Flow Showerhead: We replaced our RV showerhead with a low-flow model to reduce water consumption.
• Navy Showers: We use the "Navy shower" method: wet down, turn off the water while soaping up, and then rinse quickly.

Activities for Retired RV Campers:

Assateague Island offers a wealth of activities perfect for retired RV campers:

• Birdwatching: Assateague and Chincoteague are a birdwatcher's paradise! We spotted snowy egrets, herons, various migratory birds, and even the elusive piping plover. The Marsh Trail is an excellent location for birdwatching. Don't forget your binoculars and a good bird identification guide!
• Beachcombing: The beaches are teeming with shells and marine life. We found whelks, clamshells, and horseshoe crab shells. Remember to practice ethical beachcombing: don't disturb nesting birds or collect live creatures. The feeling of the cool, wet sand between our toes and the sound of the waves was incredibly relaxing.
• RV Cycling: Assateague offers several cycling routes. We brought our foldable e-bikes, which made tackling the terrain a breeze. The wind in our hair as we cruised along the bike paths was exhilarating! We store our bikes on a rack attached to the back of our Airstream. The "Old Fire Road" trail was especially enjoyable. It was suitable for both bikes and pedestrians.
• Pony Watching: Of course, the highlight of any trip to Assateague is watching the wild ponies. Remember to maintain a safe distance (at least 25 feet) and never feed them. We watched a band of ponies grazing in the marsh at sunset. The play of light and shadow was breathtaking.

Farewell, Assateague: Until Next Year

As we drove away from Assateague, we felt a pang of sadness. This unique island has a special charm that captivated us. It's a perfect destination for retired RV campers seeking relaxation and a connection with nature. We're already looking forward to returning next year. The image of the ponies grazing peacefully as the sun sets will forever be etched in our memories. We can't wait to come back to our Assateague Island RV camping adventure.