Assateague Island National Seashore. Just the name conjures images of windswept dunes, crashing waves, and, of course, the iconic wild horses. My husband, David, our rescue dog, Scout, and I recently spent a late-September weekend at the Oceanside Drive-In Campground, and let me tell you, it was an experience. As avid kayakers and amateur wildlife photographers, we were drawn to Assateague's unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. We're sharing our honest review, from setting up camp to kayaking Sinepuxent Bay and capturing those breathtaking horse photos, with all the sandy details in between! If you are looking for Assateague Island camping look no further than this Oceanside Campground Review.

Finding Our Slice of Oceanside Paradise

Getting to the Oceanside Drive-In campsites is relatively straightforward. From Route 50, you'll turn south onto Route 611 (Stephen Decatur Highway). Just follow the signs directing you to the Assateague Island Visitor Center, located at 8586 Ocean Parkway, Berlin, MD 21811. The Visitor Center is a great first stop for information and to grab your entrance pass or show your "America the Beautiful" pass. From there, it’s a short drive to the campground entrance.

Setting Up Camp: Exposed but Exhilarating

Let's be real: the Oceanside Drive-In campsites are exposed. You're essentially camping in a large, grassy field right next to the beach. This means you’re at the mercy of the elements. The wind can be relentless, and shade is practically nonexistent. We were there in late September, and the sun was still strong!

One of the first things we did after setting up our tent was inflate our Sea Eagle 370 inflatable tandem kayak. This kayak is a game-changer for us because it's portable and durable, perfect for exploring shallow bays like Sinepuxent Bay. It took us about 15 minutes to inflate it right there at our campsite using a pump we brought along. Having the kayak readily available made our kayaking trip so much easier.

Reservations and Fees: Plan Ahead!

Assateague camping reservations are absolutely essential. You must reserve your campsite in advance through recreation.gov. Don't even think about showing up without a reservation, especially during peak season. We paid $30 per night for our campsite, in addition to the entrance fee for the National Seashore, which you can cover with an "America the Beautiful" pass.

Rule Number One: Food Storage is Key

Even though Assateague Island doesn't have bears, the Assateague camping bear canister rule is strictly enforced. Raccoons, foxes, and, of course, the wild horses are all opportunistic feeders. You must store all food and scented items in a bear canister or your vehicle. Trust us, you don't want to wake up to a curious horse rummaging through your tent!

Bathroom Situation: Basic but Functional

The bathhouse at the Oceanside Campground is… well, basic. It has flush toilets, sinks, and cold-water-only showers. The facilities were relatively clean, but don't expect a spa-like experience. After a day of kayaking and hiking, the cold shower was actually quite refreshing, but be prepared!

Kayaking Sinepuxent Bay: A Paddler's Paradise

One of the highlights of our trip was kayaking in Sinepuxent Bay. We launched our Sea Eagle 370 from the access point near the campground. The bay is incredibly shallow, which makes it perfect for exploring in an inflatable kayak.

We paddled through the calm waters, spotting dozens of horseshoe crabs scuttling along the bottom. Shorebirds were everywhere – egrets, herons, and sandpipers probing the mudflats for food. We even caught a glimpse of a pod of dolphins in the distance! Our tandem kayak handled the shallow water beautifully, allowing us to get up close and personal with the wildlife. For any level of kayaker, kayaking Sinepuxent Bay Assateague for beginners and experienced kayakers is a must do.

Photographing the Wild Horses: A Golden Hour Dream

As a wildlife photography enthusiast, my primary goal was to photograph the Assateague horses. I brought my Sony Alpha 7 III camera body and a Sony 200-600mm G OSS lens, which proved to be the perfect combination for capturing these majestic creatures.

I spent hours at sunrise and sunset, patiently waiting for the horses to graze on the salt marshes. The golden light created a magical atmosphere, and I was able to capture some truly stunning images. The Assateague horse photography locations near Oceanside Campground are plentiful, you just have to be patient.

Dog-Friendly Assateague: Scout's Adventure

We were thrilled to discover that Assateague Island is relatively dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in the campground and on certain sections of the beach, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Scout, our mixed-breed rescue dog, was initially hesitant about the ocean waves. He approached them with a mix of fear and curiosity, cautiously sniffing the salty air. However, his favorite activity was barking at the crabs – he found them endlessly fascinating!

Assateague Island National Seashore camping with dogs requires you to pay close attention to what they are getting in to.

Camp Cooking: Foil Packet Feast

Campfires are only allowed in designated rings, and since the ground was so dry, we opted to cook our meals on a propane firepit. One night, we made a delicious shrimp boil in foil packets directly on the campfire coals. We combined shrimp, sausage, corn, potatoes, and Old Bay seasoning in foil packets and cooked them until everything was tender and flavorful. It was the perfect campfire meal!

Sensory Overload: Waves, Salt, and Sunscreen

Camping at Assateague is a sensory experience. The constant sound of crashing waves is both soothing and invigorating. The salty air fills your lungs, and the smell of sunscreen is ever-present. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Advice from the Chens: Bug Spray is Your Best Friend

If we could offer one piece of advice, it would be to bring plenty of bug spray with DEET. The mosquitoes and biting flies, especially at dawn and dusk, can be relentless. We also highly recommend bringing a Kurgo Mud Dog Travel Shower to rinse your dog's paws after beach walks. Scout definitely appreciated that!

Wild Horse Encounter: A Reminder to Respect Wildlife

One evening, while we were cooking dinner, a wild horse wandered right into our campsite! It was a truly awe-inspiring moment, but also a stark reminder of the importance of keeping food properly stored and maintaining a safe distance from the animals. We quickly ushered Scout inside the tent and watched as the horse casually grazed nearby before moving on.

Assateague Island Camping: Embrace the Raw Beauty

Camping at Assateague Island's Oceanside Drive-In Campground is an experience unlike any other. It's raw, it's exposed, and it can be challenging at times. But it's also incredibly beautiful and rewarding. Being surrounded by wildlife, falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves, and witnessing the sunrise over the ocean are memories we'll cherish forever. It is truly the best drive in campsites Assateague Maryland has to offer.

If you're planning a trip to Assateague, be sure to visit the Assateague Island Alliance website to learn more about supporting the island's wild horses. They are an integral part of what makes Assateague so special. So, pack your tent, your kayak, your camera, and your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the wild beauty of Assateague Island!