Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Assateague Island National Seashore
Bayside Assateague Campground accommodates both tents and RVs with pets allowed throughout its sites, situated within Assateague Island National Seashore where wild horses roam freely through campsites. Assateague State Park Campground and Oceanside Campground also welcome pets, offering fire rings, picnic tables, and bathroom facilities for campers traveling with dogs. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times, with special caution advised around the island's wild horses, which may approach campsites unexpectedly. Most campers report horses wandering through sites daily, sometimes even creating holes in tents while searching for food. Cold water showers are available at the oceanside locations, while the state park provides more developed amenities including hot showers and electric hookups for RVers with pets.
Camping with pets requires careful preparation when visiting this unique barrier island. Many visitors recommend avoiding the bayside camping area during summer months due to aggressive mosquitoes and biting flies that can be particularly troublesome for dogs, even with repellent. Oceanside sites experience stronger breezes that minimize insect problems but require sturdy tent stakes and sand bags to secure equipment in the persistent winds. Dog owners should pack extra water, pet-safe insect repellent, and secure food storage containers to prevent wildlife encounters. The campgrounds operate seasonally, with Bayside and Oceanside typically open from April/May through October. Several nearby alternatives including Sun Outdoors Ocean City and Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island offer year-round pet-friendly accommodations with more developed amenities when the national seashore campgrounds are closed.
