Maryland Travel Answers

assateagueisland.com/assatea... > So basically, where do I physically go to pay for the campsite? If you look at the dates on those web sites, they open on reservations (as in, reservations are required) on April 15, so it depends on your specific dates. It would probably be best, honestly, to wait until the reservation period opens and do it then, because "first come, first serve" that late will likely mean that you'll have slim pickings on the sites. > Are there assigned campsites? Yes, that's all you'll find. What you're looking for is called "dispersed camping" and that only exists on certain government lands (national forest and BLM) under certain conditions. Americans are weird about land use. > Are fires allowed and is April going to be way too cold? The site will have a prebuilt firepit, and that's where your fire goes. You can't build your own firepit just anywhere. It should be okay. It'll be chilly, but not too bad. > Any must haves besides a tent and sleepingbags? Bug repellent. > And what are the chances of actually seeing the ponies? I've been once, to Chincoteague (pretty much the same thing), and saw them almost immediately after arriving. I think your chances are good.

There are also some backcountry camping sites (same website as above), which are first come first served but are also in designated areas. You'll have to hike at least a couple of miles, and carry everything in (including water) and out. You would pay for these at the main gate. You might be going a little too early for camping, though - not sure when things open up. Bug repellent, absolutely! Anywhere but the beach, the mosquitoes were the worst I've ever experienced (this was in late summer). I loved staying there (except for the mosquitoes). The back country site I stayed at was tucked into the dunes, and ponies wandered through on their way to the beach. There were a lot of people around the regular sites, but the site where I was had just a few, and the night was perfectly quiet.

It has been a long time since I have been to Assateague camping. But one of my most enduring memories was of retreating to a station wagon to sleep and waking to a windshield that was black with mosquitoes. I'm also sure that you will see the ponies. But there are several sections to Assateague. In Maryland, there is the State park which provides over 300 campsites, but this is only open from April 30 to November 1 The National Seashore provides bayside and oceanside campsite year round Rates: Oct 16 - April 1416 per night April 15 - Oct 1520 per night Reservation System: April 15 - October 15: Campsites are available by reservation. Call 1-877-444-6777 or access online www.recreation.gov October 16 - April 14: First-come first-served - Campers can have 2 tents and a maximum of 6 people or immediate family per site. - Sites have a grill, picnic table, drinking water, cold water showers & chemical toilet. - For more information and a request for a brochure, call (410) 641-3030. There are also commercial campgrounds on the Virginia side.

I don't believe you will have a mosquito problem there in April!

Wow, thanks so much for all the info. We are somewhat flexible date wise, so we'll probably try to go on a weekday with nice weather. Cannnot wait to have a fire by the beach. D