Assateague's Wild Side: Beach Camping with Kids (and Horses!) - A Miller Family Review
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing and the sight of wild horses grazing just outside your tent. That's the magic of Assateague Island National Seashore. The Miller family, always up for an adventure and a break from city life, packed up our tent (complete with extra pollen protection for our son, Liam’s asthma) and headed to this unique barrier island for a nature-filled vacation we wouldn't soon forget. Camping on Assateague, with its promise of pristine beaches and majestic wild horses, was an experience unlike any other. This is our honest review of the Assateague Island campground, covering everything from campsite setup to those unforgettable horse encounters.
Finding Our Way to Assateague: The Journey
Getting to the Assateague Island National Seashore campground was surprisingly straightforward. We took US-50 East towards Ocean City, Maryland. The key is to follow the signs for Assateague Island National Seashore once you get close to the coast. Look out for the brown park signs; they’re your best friend. Once you exit US-50, you'll be on Route 611 South. It's a pretty direct shot from there. The entrance to the park is well-marked, and after paying the entrance fee, you'll easily find the campground check-in. Just follow the signs, and you'll be setting up camp in no time!
Campsite Chronicles: Setting Up Our Home Away From Home
We reserved a Bayside campsite hoping for a little less direct wind and easier access to the bay for kayaking. The campsite was relatively spacious, although the tent pad was a bit smaller than we anticipated. Fortunately, we brought a tent with extra pollen protection, a must for Liam's asthma, which tends to flare up with high pollen counts.
The biggest challenge was setting up the tent in the sandy soil. The tent stakes just wouldn't hold! We quickly learned a trick from our neighbor: using longer, heavy-duty stakes specifically designed for sand. We ended up buying a set at the camp store, and they made all the difference. Shade was minimal at our campsite, so we were grateful we packed a canopy for some relief from the sun. The proximity to other campsites was reasonable; we had enough space to feel comfortable without being right on top of each other.
Campground Rules: Keeping Our Food Safe From Wild Horses
Assateague's charm comes with a unique set of rules, primarily focused on coexisting peacefully with the wild horses. The most important rule is food storage. You must either store your food in a bear-resistant container or hang it from a tree, well out of reach of the horses. We opted for the bear-resistant container after seeing a horse try to nudge a cooler at a nearby campsite! The park rangers are very strict about this, and for good reason.
Campfires are permitted on the beach but only in designated areas and with a permit. We obtained a permit at the ranger station and enjoyed a lovely evening bonfire, roasting marshmallows and watching the stars. It's important to note that you need to completely extinguish the fire and remove all traces before leaving the beach.
Bathroom Break: The Facilities Situation
The bathrooms were generally clean and well-maintained, considering the high volume of campers. They are basic but functional. The distance from our campsite to the nearest bathroom was a manageable five-minute walk, which wasn't too bad, even in the middle of the night.
Shower Power: The Outdoor Shower Experience
The outdoor showers were a refreshing treat after a day at the beach. They are simple, with cold water only. However, on a hot summer day, the cold water felt amazing! Pro tip: bring a mesh bag to hold your shampoo and soap, wear flip-flops, and invest in a quick-drying towel to make the experience more pleasant.
Activities Galore: Kayaking, Clamming, and Stargazing
Assateague offers a ton of activities for families. We spent a fantastic afternoon kayaking in Sinepuxent Bay. We launched from the Assateague Island Visitors Center kayak launch, which provided easy access to the calm waters of the bay. We paddled through the marsh, spotting herons, egrets, and even a few playful dolphins in the distance.
Clamming at low tide was another highlight. We headed to the bayside mudflats with our clam rakes and buckets. It took some practice, but we eventually got the hang of it, digging up a decent haul of clams. We made sure to check the regulations regarding size and quantity limits before we started.
At night, the beach transformed into a stargazer's paradise. The darkness of the sky was incredible, allowing us to see countless stars and constellations. We downloaded a stargazing app on our phones, which helped us identify constellations like the Big Dipper and Orion. It was a magical experience.
To accommodate Liam's asthma, we modified our activity plans. We avoided areas with high pollen counts, especially during the early morning hours. We always made sure he had easy access to his inhaler and that we were never too far from the car in case of an emergency.
Wild Horse Encounters: Up Close and Personal
The wild horses are undoubtedly the stars of Assateague. We had several encounters with them throughout our stay. One morning, we woke up to a horse grazing right outside our tent! The kids were thrilled, but we quickly reminded them to keep a safe distance and not to approach or feed the animals.
Another time, a horse wandered through our campsite while we were cooking dinner. It was a stark reminder of the importance of keeping food secure. The kids were initially scared but quickly became fascinated, watching the horse from a safe distance as it moved on. It is important to maintain a safe distance (at least 25 feet) from the horses.
Final Thoughts: Was Assateague Worth It?
Absolutely! Camping at Assateague Island National Seashore was an unforgettable experience. The unique opportunity to camp among wild horses, coupled with the stunning natural beauty of the island, makes it a must-visit destination for any adventurous family. While there were challenges, like the sandy soil and the need for extra precautions due to Liam's asthma, the rewards far outweighed the difficulties. We left Assateague with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for the wild beauty of this incredible place.
Ready to book your own Assateague adventure? Make your reservations now at Recreation.gov and experience the magic for yourself!