Bayside Bliss or Bug Bite Blues? A Family's Take on Assateague Island Camping
Assateague Island National Seashore. The name conjures images of wild horses, crashing waves, and unspoiled beaches. For our family, it represented a much-needed escape from the everyday grind. I’m Maria Garcia, and I’m an experienced camper. My husband, David, bless his heart, is… less so. Rounding out our crew are Isabella, my 16-year-old budding photographer, and Mateo, David’s 7-year-old son, who is currently obsessed with all things dinosaur. We recently spent a few days at Bayside Campground, and let me tell you, it was an adventure. Here’s our honest review for vistalocation.com, from the perspective of each member of our slightly dysfunctional, but always loving, family.
Arrival & Setup: A Test of Patience (and Tent Poles)
Finding Bayside Campground was a breeze. The directions were clear, and the signage was excellent. The real challenge began when we attempted to erect my trusty, but slightly geriatric, REI Kingdom 6 tent. This tent has seen better days, and David's lack of camping experience definitely didn't help. Picture this: me trying to decipher faded color codes on tent poles, while David wrestled with the rainfly, convinced he was missing a crucial piece. Isabella, meanwhile, was documenting the entire ordeal for posterity. And Mateo? He was far more concerned with ensuring his dinosaur-themed sleeping bag (complete with a T-Rex zipper pull) was perfectly positioned, despite the fact that it was July and approximately 90 degrees.
Campground Rules: A Quick Overview
The campground rules are pretty standard: quiet hours after 10 pm, keep your campsite clean, and store food properly to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife (more on that later). There were also specific rules about observing a safe distance from the wild horses – crucial information that we took very seriously.
Bathrooms & Showers: A Coin-Operated Comedy
The bathhouses were… functional. Cleanliness was acceptable, but not sparkling. The showers were coin-operated, which added a certain level of urgency to the whole process. Getting the water temperature just right for Mateo was an Olympic sport. One second it was arctic, the next it was scalding. He squirmed and shrieked with each tiny adjustment, much to the amusement (and probably annoyance) of our fellow campers.
Activities: From Bioluminescence to Beach Bliss
This is where Bayside Campground truly shines. The activities are phenomenal.
Kayaking at Sunset:
Our kayaking trip in Sinepuxent Bay at sunset was the highlight of our trip. We rented tandem kayaks, which allowed David and me, and Isabella and Mateo, to paddle together. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, something magical started to happen. The water began to glow. With each stroke of our paddles, the bay came alive with bioluminescence. It was an ethereal experience – the cool water, the soft splash of the paddles, and the otherworldly glow illuminating our path. Isabella, ever the photographer, tried her best to capture the spectacle, but some things are just too beautiful to be translated into pixels.
Beach Days and Wild Horses:
The beach was another major draw. Mateo spent hours building elaborate sandcastles, which were inevitably destroyed by the incoming tide. Isabella found her muse in the wild horses that roam freely on Assateague Island. She spent a significant amount of time trying to capture the perfect shot, always maintaining a safe distance, of course. We were all in awe of these majestic creatures, witnessing them grazing peacefully against the backdrop of the ocean.
Crabbing Fiasco:
Let's just say our attempt at crabbing was less than successful. We bought a cheap crabbing net and some chicken necks, hoping to catch our dinner. Instead, we spent an hour battling the wind and tangled lines, only to come up empty-handed. The crabs, it seemed, were far smarter than us. We ended up laughing hysterically, so at least it was good entertainment.
Food: A Taste of Home, with a Side of Sand
No camping trip is complete without food. I wanted to share a piece of my heritage with everyone, so I decided to make arepas on our portable propane stove. Cooking on the beach, however, proved to be a challenge. The wind whipped around us, constantly threatening to extinguish the flame. We huddled around the stove, shielding it with our bodies, determined to make it work. The arepas, stuffed with cheese and shredded chicken, were delicious, even with a hint of sand. Of course, we also indulged in classic camping fare: hot dogs roasted over the fire (eventually), and s'mores gooey with melted marshmallows.
Wildlife Encounter: Respecting the Locals
Seeing the wild horses up close was an unforgettable experience, especially for the kids. Mateo was particularly enthralled, comparing them to prehistoric creatures (in his mind, they were probably distant relatives of dinosaurs). We made sure to emphasize the importance of keeping a safe distance and respecting their space. These are wild animals, and while they may seem docile, they are unpredictable.
Challenges & Mishaps: It Wouldn't Be Camping Without Them
The Campfire Conundrum:
David's struggle to build a campfire was legendary. He tried everything: newspaper, kindling, even a bit of gasoline (which I quickly confiscated). Smoke billowed, sparks flew, but a sustained flame remained elusive. Eventually, after much frustration and a few choice words, he managed to coax a fire to life. It was a small, pathetic fire, but it was his fire, and he was immensely proud.
Dino Down!:
In a moment of pure childhood tragedy, Mateo accidentally dropped his favorite dinosaur toy – a bright green Tyrannosaurus Rex – into the ocean. A frantic search ensued, involving all four of us scouring the shoreline. Thankfully, after what felt like an eternity, we found it wedged between some rocks, slightly damp, but otherwise unharmed. Crisis averted!
Wi-Fi Woes:
Of course, no family trip is complete without a teenage complaint. Isabella, deprived of Wi-Fi, declared that she was "dying of boredom." We tried to explain the beauty of nature and the importance of disconnecting, but she remained unconvinced. She did, however, manage to capture some stunning photos of the horses, which she promptly uploaded to Instagram the moment we found a decent signal.
The Verdict: Bayside Campground - 8/10
Overall, we had a fantastic time at Bayside Campground. The unique experience of camping near wild horses and kayaking in bioluminescent waters is something we'll never forget. However, it wasn't perfect. The mosquitoes and biting flies were relentless, and the beach could get crowded at times. Hence the 8/10 rating.
Pro Tip: Before you head to Assateague, bring plenty of bug spray, citronella candles, and consider a mosquito net for your tent. Also, be sure to check the tide charts before planning your kayaking adventure to ensure safe and enjoyable paddling.
Despite the challenges, the mishaps, and the teenage angst, our trip to Bayside Campground was a success. We made memories, we laughed, and we reconnected with each other and with nature. And that, after all, is what camping is all about. Check out vistalocation.com for more family-friendly travel destinations!