Wild Horses and Sandy Shores: A Family Photography Adventure on Assateague Island

Assateague Island National Seashore, stretching across Maryland and Virginia, promised us a weekend of wild beauty and family fun. As a wildlife photographer, I, Sarah, was eager to capture stunning images of the famed wild horses. Mark, my husband and an elementary school teacher, was excited to share the wonders of nature with our kids, Emily (8) and Ben (6). We knew Assateague Island National Seashore camping would create lasting memories. Join us as we navigate the challenges and capture the magic of Assateague.

Navigating the Tides: Finding Our Campsite

Our adventure began with a slight detour. Relying solely on our GPS, we initially found ourselves on the wrong side of the island. The friendly ranger at the visitor center pointed us towards the crucial tide charts, warning us about the access road's vulnerability to high tide. These charts are a MUST for anyone camping on Assateague! We learned to read the displayed times – 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM were our high tide marks for the weekend. The shifting sands and fluctuating tide levels demanded careful navigation. We planned our crossings accordingly, making sure to travel well outside the high tide windows.

Setting Up Camp: A Lesson in Coastal Camping

Mark quickly discovered that standard tent stakes were no match for the soft, yielding sand. The tent kept threatening to collapse with every gust of wind. Luckily, I had foreseen this issue and packed sand stakes. These wider, flatter stakes provided a much more secure anchor. But the wind was relentless. Scouring the high tide line, I found several pieces of driftwood, perfect for creating a makeshift windbreak. Piling them strategically around the tent offered surprisingly effective protection. To keep my camera gear charged, we relied on our portable solar panel, a Goal Zero Yeti 200X. It was a lifesaver! The mosquitoes, however, were another challenge. We liberally applied DEET-based insect repellent to fend off their relentless attacks. Don't forget this essential item for Assateague Island family camping!

Camping Gear Checklist Assateague Island

Here's a quick packing list that worked well for us:

• Sand Stakes
• DEET-based Insect Repellent
• Portable Solar Panel
• Windbreak Material (if you don't want to rely on driftwood)
• Tide Chart

Respecting the Wild: Horse Etiquette

Assateague's wild horses are its main draw, but it's crucial to respect their space and follow park regulations. Signage is clear: "Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet" and "Feeding the horses is prohibited," with a hefty $100 fine for violations. Unfortunately, we witnessed other campers openly feeding the horses carrots. We explained to Emily and Ben why this was harmful and against the rules. Concerned for the horses' well-being, we reported the incident to a park ranger.

Roughing It: Campground Amenities

Emily wasn't thrilled about the lack of hot water in the campground showers. A quick "bucket bath" was in order! I heated water on our camp stove, a Coleman Cascade, and used a collapsible bucket for a makeshift shower. It wasn't luxurious, but it did the trick. The sandy floors of the camper required constant sweeping. It's simply part of the experience, reminding us that we were sharing the island with nature.

Adventures on Assateague: Photography, Nature Walks, and Beachcombing

Photographing Wild Horses Assateague Tips

My photographic goals were ambitious: capturing the horses at sunrise, silhouettes against the rising sun; photographing foals playing in the surf during high tide; and a close-up of a horse's eye reflecting the landscape. My Canon EOS R5 and 100-500mm lens were put to the test. The reality, of course, was more challenging. Unpredictable horse behavior often resulted in blurry shots. Rapidly changing light conditions demanded constant adjustment of my camera settings – ISO, aperture, shutter speed. It was a constant learning experience, and the thrill of capturing a perfect shot made it all worthwhile. The best lens for photographing wild horses Assateague is a long telephoto lens, allowing you to maintain a safe distance while getting close-up shots.

Exploring Assateague's Wildlife

Mark turned our nature walks into educational adventures. Using the Merlin Bird ID app, he taught Emily and Ben to identify different bird species. We spotted Piping Plovers scurrying along the shoreline, Willets foraging in the mudflats, and Great Blue Herons patiently stalking prey. It was fascinating to see the kids engage with the natural world around them.

Discovering Treasures of the Shore

Beachcombing became a daily ritual. We collected various seashells and identified them using our "National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Seashore Creatures." The highlight was discovering a horseshoe crab shell. Mark explained its life cycle, emphasizing that it's a "living fossil," a creature virtually unchanged for millions of years.

Foil Packets and Leave No Trace: Simple Camping Cuisine

For meals, we opted for easy-to-prepare camping fare: foil packet dinners with pre-cut vegetables and sausage, and pre-made sandwiches. The most important rule was packing out all our trash. We adhered to the "Leave No Trace" principles, ensuring we left Assateague as pristine as we found it.

Assateague Adventures: Photographing Wild Horses with Kids (Viral Video Concept)

Here's a glimpse of the viral video we envisioned capturing our experience:

• HOOK (0-3 seconds): Suddenly, a wild horse's head POKES DIRECTLY INTO THE CAMERA LENS, nostrils flaring.
• SCENE (4-10 seconds): SLOW-MOTION shots of Emily and Ben building a detailed sandcastle near their tent, with LONG SHADOWS from the setting sun. SARAH uses a LONG-LENS (100-500mm) to capture photos of wild horses GALLOPING in the surf from a safe distance. GoPro POV of Mark rapidly packing food away in bear canister as the sun sets rapidly.
• TWIST (11-15 seconds): The video ends with a close-up shot of SARAH'S CAMERA LYING IN THE SAND. Suddenly, a wild horse foal begins to sniff and then carefully NUDGE the camera with its NOSE.

A Wild Conclusion

Our weekend on Assateague Island was a mix of challenges and triumphs. From navigating the tides to capturing fleeting moments of wild beauty, it was an experience that brought us closer to nature and to each other. Remember to respect the horses, pack accordingly, and embrace the unpredictable beauty of Assateague. We left with sandy shoes, sun-kissed skin, and memories that will last a lifetime. Ready for your own Assateague adventure? Book your campsite here!