Assateague Island National Seashore Campground
To begin with -- it is important to note that the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground and the Assateague National Park are two separate places with different camping rules and site rentals. Nightly rates are between $30 and $50.Â
The Assateague Island National Seashore Campground is located on Assateague Island in Berlin, Maryland, part of 37 miles of barrier island along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. Camping is allowed only in the Maryland portion of the island. Â
Despite having 37 miles of glorious beaches, the main attraction of Assateague Island is the hundreds of wild horses that call the island home. Made famous by Marguerite Henry’s book, Misty of Chincoteague, the horses have resided on the island since the 17th century.
The Assateague Island National Campground is made up of 3 campgrounds. The Oceanside Drive-in allows tent camping and RVs and has picnic tables and fire rings.  The Oceanside Walk-in campground is for tent camping only. The Bayside Drive-in allows tent camping, trailers, and RVs. None of the RV sites have hookups.
The amenities at the campground are very primitive. There are showers, but the water isn’t heated. The toilets are port-a-potties.
There are, of course, miles of beaches for swimming and beach-centric activities. A permit is required for the usage of over-the-sand vehicles.
Both the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground and the National Park allow pets, but they must be on leashes. Hopefully Fido likes horses and long walks on the beach!
Dogs are allowed to swim off-leash at the beaches, but make sure to protect their paws from the hot boardwalk and sand. There are nature trails, but dogs aren’t allowed on them. If you aren’t comfortable letting your dog run off-leash near the water, the Assateague Point Dog Run is a short twenty-minute drive from the campground.
If you and Fido like sun, beaches, and horses, the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground is a must-visit for your summer road trip!
