Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground sits on a 37-mile barrier island where wild ponies roam freely through campsites. Located near the Delaware-Maryland border, this area experiences strong coastal winds and seasonal insect activity that varies dramatically depending on wind direction. Most campgrounds near Ocean View maintain active schedules from April through October, with limited year-round options available.
What to do
Beach exploration at sunrise: At Assateague State Park Campground, the shoreline offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Warm fall temperatures, only a handful of other campers made our stay enjoyable... Beautiful sunsets, Assateague ponies with their new foals and a beautiful full moon rounded out our stay," notes Ed P.
Kayaking through cypress trees: Trap Pond offers distinctive paddling routes among bald cypress trees. "We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," shares Lucia B., highlighting the family-friendly water activities.
Biking on dedicated trails: Many parks offer bike-friendly paths suitable for various skill levels. "There are plenty of trails for biking. Nice size campsites," explains Debbie D. about Trap Pond, while Cape Henlopen provides "miles upon miles of walking and biking trails" according to visitors.
What campers like
Free amenities at certain parks: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway offers unexpected complimentary activities. "You can enjoy free mini golf, free pool and waterside, free canoeing, and free billiards. It is about 20 min to ocean city but they have a free bus to take you," explains Christy W.
Nighttime entertainment: Evenings offer special experiences at Treasure Beach RV Park. "Every weekend there's a band or DJ at the beach at night and every visit we have made friends. There are usually food trucks and things for the kiddos like bounce houses during the day," reports Kristan E.
Pet-friendly beaches: Specific beach areas welcome dogs when others don't. "The campground's north side allows dogs on the unguarded beach section, a rare amenity in coastal Delaware," making Delaware Seashore particularly valuable for pet-friendly camping near Ocean View.
What you should know
Wind conditions matter: Assateague Island National Seashore experiences significant coastal winds that affect camping comfort. "Prepare for lots of wind. Check the weather a lot because the storms roll in quickly," advises Tori V., while another camper notes, "Beware if the wind is out of the west the bugs are vicious."
Wildlife precautions: Wild ponies require special attention at certain parks. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," warns Tony P.
Seasonal considerations: Timing significantly impacts the camping experience. "We always go during the winter or early spring months to avoid the bugs as they are awful during the spring and summer," shares Torie M. about managing insect challenges at Assateague.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose locations with easy access to amenities. "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)," recommends Lee D. about Trap Pond State Park Campground.
Water activities for various ages: Multiple parks offer water features suitable for children. At Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, "The pool was a big hit with our kids, who spent hours each day swimming and making new friends. Additionally, the early morning kayaking allowed the kiddos to explore the safe, surrounding waters," shares Jason G.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates learning moments. "There is a nature center nearby that also lets you borrow a bike for free if you didn't bring your own," explains Amanda R., making Cape Henlopen State Park Campground a good option for families.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some parks require extra preparation. "Sites are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers," reports Jim G. about Trap Pond, providing important setup information.
Off-season advantages: Timing can significantly improve camping experiences in popular areas. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early," advises Chris G.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "If you're going to camp at one of the RV sites, you'd better have an RV. They are neither RTT nor tent friendly. The sites are packed in so closely that if you don't have the privacy of a camper, everyone will see your business," cautions Justin C. about Cape Henlopen, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites for your camping style when seeking pet-friendly camping options near Ocean View.