New Beginnings, One Tent Peg at a Time: My Assateague Camping Adventure as a Single Mom

The ink had barely dried on the divorce papers when I decided we needed an adventure. A real adventure. Something to shake off the dust, reconnect with my kids, and remind myself that I was still… me. That's how I ended up packing my trusty REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent, throwing a couple of Kelty Galactic 30 Kid's sleeping bags in the car, and heading towards Assateague Island National Seashore (38.2048° N, 75.1426° W) with my 10-year-old son, Liam, and 7-year-old daughter, Maya, for our first-ever camping trip. I was terrified. But also, secretly, thrilled. Could a single mom survive camping alone with her kids? Could this trip help us all heal? The answer, I discovered, was a resounding yes. This is my review of Assateague camping, single mom style!

Finding Our Way: Ease of Navigation

Getting to the Assateague Island National Seashore campground was surprisingly straightforward. The signage was clear and easy to follow from the main highway. Even for someone as directionally challenged as myself, there were no major navigational hiccups. We used Google Maps for the initial route, and after entering the park, interior signs pointed us directly to the campground. One tip: cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps beforehand, just in case.

Tent-Pitching Trials: A Solo Mom's Struggle (and Triumph!)

Let's be honest: the thought of setting up an REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent alone was daunting. My ex was always the "tent guy." But YouTube tutorials and a healthy dose of determination got me through. The hardest part was definitely wrestling with the poles initially. My advice? Lay everything out beforehand, watch the video a few times, and don't be afraid to ask for help! Thankfully, a friendly couple nearby offered an extra pair of hands when I nearly lost a pole to the wind. After about 45 minutes of huffing, puffing, and a few minor curse words whispered under my breath, the tent was up! The feeling of accomplishment? HUGE.

The proud result of my solo tent-pitching adventure: the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus, ready for our first night at Assateague.

Campground Rules: Safety First!

Assateague National Seashore has clear rules to protect both campers and the island's unique ecosystem. Noise levels are strictly enforced after 10 PM, which was a relief, as I was craving some peace and quiet after the kids finally settled. Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings, and you absolutely must store food properly. Bear canisters are highly recommended due to the presence of wild horses and other wildlife. We kept all our food in the car, which felt like a safe alternative.

Bathroom Bliss (or Not): Cleanliness and Accessibility

The bathrooms were… functional. They weren't sparkling clean, but they weren't horrifying either. Let's just say they served their purpose. I was pleasantly surprised to find both hand sanitizer and soap readily available, which is a major win in my book. I appreciated the accessibility features; the ramps were helpful for navigating with all our gear and for anyone with mobility concerns.

Showering Situation: DIY Clean

Unfortunately, there are no showers at the Assateague National Seashore campground. This presented a challenge, especially after a day of sandy beach fun. My solution? Baby wipes and a solar shower bag. I heated water using my Jetboil (more on that later) and gave the kids a quick "shower" in the tent. It wasn't perfect, but it did the trick.

Beach Fun: Sandcastles, Shells, and Holes

Assateague's beach is a treasure trove of fun. Liam, my 10-year-old, was content building sandcastles and splashing in the waves. Maya, my 7-year-old, however, was on a mission. Her mission? To dig the deepest hole the world has ever seen. I swear, she could have excavated the entire island if I'd let her! We found some beautiful whelks, clams, and scallop shells, which now hold pride of place on our mantle.

Wild Horses: A Magical Encounter

The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly seeing the wild horses. On our second morning, a foal was grazing just a few feet from our campsite! The kids were absolutely mesmerized. It was truly magical. It's crucial to remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed the horses. They're wild animals, and we need to respect their space.

Ranger Program: Learning About the Island

We attended a ranger-led program about the island's ecosystem. It was fascinating! The ranger talked about the delicate balance of the environment and the impact of rising sea levels, which was a bit sobering but also incredibly important. Liam, who's very interested in science, was particularly engaged. It's a great way to learn more about Assateague and appreciate its natural beauty.

Mealtime Made Easy: Keep It Simple

When camping with kids, simplicity is key. We packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, trail mix, fruit, and pre-made salads. Cleanup was a breeze! My secret weapon? My Jetboil. It heated water in seconds for my much-needed instant coffee in the morning. A caffeine-fueled mom is a happy mom!

Solo Parenting in the Wilderness: Anxieties and Triumphs

Being alone in the wilderness with my kids brought its share of anxieties. I worried about their safety near the water, especially with the strong currents. Setting up camp solo was physically exhausting. But the biggest challenge came at night. Maya woke up terrified by the sounds of the wind and the horses. I held her close, told her stories, and pointed out the constellations. Eventually, she calmed down and fell back asleep. In that moment, I felt like Super Mom.

Emotional Journey: Rediscovering Myself

This camping trip was more than just a vacation; it was a journey of healing and rediscovery. Setting up camp alone, navigating challenges, and creating lasting memories with my kids gave me a newfound sense of independence and strength. I realized I could handle anything life throws my way. We could handle anything. And the connection I forged with my children, away from screens and the distractions of everyday life, was priceless.

The pure joy of connecting with my kids on the beach, far away from the everyday stresses of life.

Finding Support: The Single Parent Camping Community

Before the trip, I stumbled upon a Facebook camping group for single parents. It was a lifesaver! I received invaluable tips, encouragement, and a sense of community. Knowing that other single parents were out there, tackling similar challenges, made me feel less alone. Highly recommend searching "Single Parent Camping" on Facebook for anyone in a similar situation. The support and tips are invaluable!

Gear Recommendations: What Worked (and What Didn't)

Here's a quick rundown of our essential gear:

• Tent: REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus: Spacious enough for the three of us and relatively easy to set up (eventually!).
• Sleeping Bags: Kelty Galactic 30 Kid's: Warm and cozy, but zipping two together proved to be a challenge. Note for next time, bring clips for the zippers.
• Headlamps: Black Diamond Spot 350: Essential for navigating the campground at night and for calming nighttime fears.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

Our first camping trip at Assateague Island National Seashore was an unforgettable experience. It was challenging, yes, but also incredibly rewarding. I rediscovered my independence, connected with my children on a deeper level, and created memories that will last a lifetime. If you're a single parent looking for an adventure, I highly recommend giving it a try. Just remember to pack your patience, your sense of humor, and a whole lot of baby wipes. And if you see a 7-year-old digging a giant hole on the beach, say hello!

Ready to start your own camping adventure? Book your campsite at Assateague National Seashore today! Recreation.gov