Camping October 7, 2025

Wild Horses and Family Camping: Our Adventure at Assateague Island's Bayside Drive-in Campsites

Imagine pulling into your campsite and being greeted by a herd of wild horses grazing just feet away! That's exactly what happened when we arrived at Assateague Island's Bayside Drive-in Campsites. As a family of avid nature enthusiasts, but camping newbies, my husband, our two kids (ages 6 and 8), and I were beyond excited for this adventure. The promise of wild horses, incredible birdwatching, and beachfront relaxation made Assateague the perfect destination for our first family camping trip.

Finding Our Slice of Paradise: Ease of Campsite Location and Setup

Navigating to our campsite was surprisingly straightforward. We simply plugged the coordinates into our GPS, and it led us directly to the Bayside Drive-in area. The campsite itself was a flat, sandy patch of ground equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring – everything we needed for our basecamp.

The tent setup was relatively painless, though the sandy ground did present a slight challenge. We quickly learned that extra-long tent stakes were essential! Once we had those secured, the rest of the setup was a breeze. The kids loved helping unpack and organize our gear, and soon enough, we had a cozy little home away from home.

Know Before You Go: Rules and Regulations

Assateague Island is a unique ecosystem, so it's essential to respect the rules and regulations. The most important rule to remember is regarding food storage. Be sure to keep all food locked up tight! These wild horses are beautiful and fascinating to observe, but they are incredibly curious and opportunistic. They will absolutely try to get into your snacks if given the chance.

Also, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance from the horses. Admire them from afar and never attempt to feed or interact with them directly. This protects both you and the horses.

Creature Comforts: Bathrooms and Showers

The comfort stations at the Bayside Drive-in Campsites were clean and well-maintained, especially considering the high volume of campers. While basic, they provided everything we needed. The availability of hot showers was a welcome treat after a long day of exploring the island!

Immersed in Nature: A Day of Birdwatching, Kayaking, and Sandcastles

Assateague Island offers a plethora of activities for nature lovers. Our days were packed with adventure, exploration, and quality family time.

Birdwatching Bliss

Our favorite activity, by far, was birdwatching. Assateague is a birding paradise, and we were amazed by the variety of species we encountered. Armed with our Celestron Nature DX 8x42 binoculars and the Merlin Bird ID app on my phone, we were able to identify many different birds.

We spotted Piping Plovers scurrying along the shoreline, their tiny legs a blur as they searched for food. American Oystercatchers, with their striking red beaks, were busy probing for clams and other shellfish. And majestic Great Blue Herons stood patiently in the shallows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Scenic shot of a Piping Plover on the beach, captured with a telephoto lens to highlight its delicate features and natural habitat. Early morning light.

Kayaking Adventure in Sinepuxent Bay

Kayaking in Sinepuxent Bay was another highlight of our trip. The calm waters made it perfect for beginners like us, and the opportunity to observe wildlife from a different perspective was magical. We paddled along the shoreline, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and keeping an eye out for marine life. We were thrilled when we spotted a dolphin playing in the distance! We also saw an osprey soaring overhead, clutching a fish in its talons.

Action shot of the family kayaking in Sinepuxent Bay, with the sun reflecting off the water. Focus on the kayakers and the surrounding wildlife.

Sandcastle Creations Inspired by Nature

When we weren't birdwatching or kayaking, the kids kept busy building sandcastles. They decided to get creative and build a giant sandcastle shaped like a horseshoe crab! It was a fun and educational activity that allowed them to learn about the local wildlife while expressing their creativity.

Close-up shot of the children building a sandcastle horseshoe crab. Focus on the details of the sandcastle and the children's creativity.

Battling the Bugs and Securing Our Snacks: Challenges and Solutions

No camping trip is without its challenges, and Assateague Island was no exception. The bugs were definitely a force to be reckoned with. Mosquitoes, flies, and biting gnats seemed to appear out of nowhere, especially at dusk. We used a DEET-free insect repellent, which helped to some extent, but long sleeves and pants were essential for staying comfortable.

Keeping our food safe from the wild horses also required some ingenuity. We opted to bring bear-resistant canisters for our perishable items. We also brought a long rope to hang our cooler from a tree branch, making it inaccessible to curious equine visitors.

Campfire Cuisine: Cooking Up Memories Under the Stars

Cooking over the campfire was a highlight of each evening. We brought our trusty Coleman portable grill and prepared delicious foil packet meals. Our favorite recipe was chicken sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Simply chop up the ingredients, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, wrap them in foil, and cook them over the embers until tender.

The kids loved helping to assemble their own foil packets, choosing their favorite veggies and adding their own special touches. It was a fun and interactive way to get them involved in the cooking process.

Campfire scene at dusk, with the family cooking foil packet meals. Focus on the warmth of the fire and the family's togetherness.

Leave No Trace: Respecting the Environment

We are committed to leaving no trace of our visit to Assateague Island. We used reusable containers for all of our food and drinks, minimizing waste. We also participated in a beach clean-up, collecting any litter we found along the shoreline. And, of course, we carefully disposed of all of our waste in the designated receptacles.

Final Thoughts: A Family Camping Trip to Remember

Overall, our camping trip to Assateague Island's Bayside Drive-in Campsites was an unforgettable experience! From the thrill of seeing the wild horses to the joy of exploring the island's natural beauty, we created memories that will last a lifetime. We highly recommend it to other families looking for a unique and adventurous outdoor getaway. Just remember to pack your bug spray, keep your food secure, and be prepared to be amazed by the wonders of Assateague Island.

Pro Tip: Don't forget bug spray (DEET-free recommended), sunscreen, hats, long sleeves, a bear-resistant food canister or rope for hanging food, binoculars, and a bird identification app. Maintain a safe distance from the wild horses and never feed them. Be aware of ticks and take precautions to prevent tick bites. Store food properly to avoid attracting animals to your campsite.

Relevant Resources:

Assateague Island National Seashore: https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
Merlin Bird ID App: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/
Celestron Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars: https://www.celestron.com/products/nature-dx-8x42-binoculars
Coleman Portable Grill: https://www.coleman.com/grills/
REI Camping Checklist: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html

Social Media Post (for Family Travel Accounts):

🐴🌊 Just back from an amazing family camping trip to Assateague Island! 🐴🌊 Wild horses roaming free, incredible birdwatching, and endless beach fun! Check out our blog post for tips on camping with kids in this unique coastal paradise! #AssateagueIsland #WildHorses #FamilyCamping #Birdwatching #TravelWithKids #NationalParks #Vistalocation