Discover the Best Campgrounds Near Assateague Island

Are there other campground options near Assateague Island? YES! If you want to visit Assateague Island, but want to stay in a more luxurious and amenity-rich campground, read on for some of our favorite local campground picks!

Why not camp on Assateague Island?

Camping on Assateague Island is an amazing experience, but there can be some drawbacks. We’ve explored some tips for camping on the island, but let’s break down some of the cons you can experience while camping on Assateague and explore some alternative options around the area.

• It’s next to impossible to book a campsite in the Summer. This is the number one reason that visitors look elsewhere to camp or stay in a hotel near Assateague Island. While there are some drawbacks to camping here, we still believe the pros of camping on the sand surrounded by the ocean and wild horses outweigh the cons. The problem is, so does everyone else. Campsites in June, July and August book up months in advance and even though spots to open up due to cancellations, they are booked almost immediately.
• The winds and the weather. The winds on Assateague can be intense, and many tents have perished in the middle of the night due to unexpected gusts. Even if you are secure in a camper or RV, on a stormy weekend, it can be difficult just to sit outside in the high winds. Not to mention the heavy storms that can roll up unexpectedly from the ocean. Summer thunderstorms that bring high winds and washout rains to the island can also be a reason to camp inland.
• You’re isolated. While this may be a pro to many on vacation, it’s not for everyone. The Maryland State Campground is just over the bridge to the island, however, the National Seashore is about a 4-5 mile drive back to the bridge, depending on where you are camping. The closest towns to the Verrazano Bridge are Berlin, which is about a 9-mile drive and West Ocean City, which is an 8-mile drive. There are some conveniences such as Assateague Outfitters and Assateague Market close by on route 611, however, the closest grocery store is about 8 miles away.
• The bathrooms may not be optimal. This depends on where you are camping. The State Park bathrooms are comparable to any standard campground bathhouse with hot running water, showers, changing rooms and regular toilet facilities. The National Seashore, however, has only latrine-style toilets and cold-water outdoor showers. This can be a major deterrent if you’re camping with a family.
• There’s mosquitoes and flies. A lot of them. If you are coming any time from late June through late September, come prepared for harsh weather conditions and bugs. Since Assateague is a barrier island and has marshlands to the west, there is an abundance of mosquitoes and biting green flies in the Summer, especially if there is a warm breeze blowing from the West. If you are camping on the island, the evenings can be brutal in the campsites, so you’ll need to come prepared with screened-in shelters and plenty of bug spray.

What other campgrounds are available near Assateague?

Frontier Town Amenities

• Waterpark – Included in your camping reservation fee is access to the large waterpark at the front of the campground. This includes several large waterslides, a splash pad, a wading pool and a lazy river. There’s also a restaurant and saloon conveniently located next to the water park.

• Free Western shows daily – One of our favorite activities as locals is to go to Frontier Town during the Summer months to check out these shows. These are actually open to the public and free whether you are staying at Frontier Town or not!

**Schedule is subject to change**

• The Western experience. Take a step back in time as you walk down the streets of an old western town that’s straight out of a Wild West movie. Enjoy the shops, western photos and of course the Golden Nugget Saloon.
• Transportation to Ocean City – The bus stop is conveniently located in the center of the campground and runs frequently during the Summer months and in the Fall and Spring when there are large events happening in Ocean City. This is free to registered guests. There is also a boat taxi that will take you from the campground to several Ocean City bay-front restaurants where you can dine and watch the sunset while enjoying your favorite beverage then schedule a pickup time back to the campground.
• A full marina, fishing pier, jet ski rentals and charter fishing trips.
• A large arcade, ice cream shop and miniature golf course.

Camping at Frontiertown is a 5-star camping alternative if you are unable to book a site on Assateague, or if you simply want to upgrade your camping experience. As locals with young kids, this is hands down our favorite campground. However, the prices are much steeper than sites on the island so you will need to keep that in mind when booking your trip.

I absolutely love camping on the island, but it’s not for everyone. Opting to camp at one of these campgrounds near Assateague will offer visitors more amenities and the opportunity to be closer to civilization. Do your research on location and decide what you want to do while you visit. If you plan on spending some time in neighboring Ocean City or Berlin, Frontiertown and Sun Outdoors Ocean City put you closer to that option.

Have you camped on the Eastern Shore of Maryland before? Where is your favorite campground?