Best Tent Camping near Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland

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Best Tent Sites Near Assateague Island National Seashore (8)

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Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Assateague Island National Seashore

623 Reviews of 8 Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds


  • Jennifer S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Peaceful, historicd

    The tent site was big with lots of choice locations for your tent. There is a lot of privacy between the tent sites because of the trees.

    The bathrooms were clean and modern. The camp store had lots of little items that I needed. And there was a Little Library.

    The hikes in the campground are beautiful. The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there.

    The ocean is beautiful but a bit of a walk from the tent campsites.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
    Aug. 11, 2018

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Life changing, beautiful, and serene.

    Whether you love camping in your RV or a tent, Assateague Island National Seashore is an incredible place to visit. From the docile wild ponies on the beach, to the gorgeous sunrise every morning, to being able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye, there is no shortage of sights to see here. The showers and bathrooms on campsite are clean and comfortable, and the rangers are amazing and helpful. At night, there are hundreds of ghost crabs to see scurrying about. You can also spend a day in Ocean City, Maryland or head down to Chincoteague for the best ice cream you'll ever have! Arguably the best camping trip I've ever been on.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Great Camping Close to Beaches

    We stayed in the G loop which is the group loop off the side of all the main loops. We were tent camping. If staying in the main loops, the center rows barely had room for tents and looked aimed for RVs. It would have been very tight if we tent camped at some of the inner loop sites. The tent sites were along the sides on the T sites and the even numbered A sites. The bathrooms were clean enough and there were ample showers that were free. There is a coin operated laundry facilities, a dish washing station and a playground in the middle of the loops. The wood was a bit wet and sappy. It was about a mile walk to the beach. There are multiple parking lots if you want to drive a bit closer to a beach entrance. We have two young kids and it was a bit too long a walk for them from the camp site. Bikes are prevalent and a great way to get around. We were there in July and it was very hot which is obviously to be expected. Friendly staff.

  • Randi J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway

    Plenty of perks with little crowd!

    This is our favorite campground! It is close enough to ocean city we can enjoy the beach daily but far enough to relax in the woods! This campground is the small sister campground to frontier town. They have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to assateaque island, frontier town, and ocean city. Campers here are eligible for discounts at frontier town as well! We tent camp but there are RV sites and cabins as well. There is an arcade, camp store, heated pool, playground, dog park, and mini golfing! The main pavilion has rentals for recreational equipment at no extra cost (hula hoops, balls, etc.) There are also themed weekends and scheduled activities throughout the week! The bathhouses are cleaned many times a day and the showers are spacious enough. The staff here is friendly and welcoming. Each tent site is far enough away from the other that you feel spread out and private. This is definitely a place I recommend to friends and family.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Trap Pond State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2019

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    First time

    My first time visiting TPSP. The site is gorgeous throughout. The camp store is small but has everything that you need. Personnel were warm and friendly, very helpful for a first timer... spent some time chatting with them. I stayed at a tent site. The tent sites are walk in only but parking is not very far. The site provided hand trucks and wheelbarrows for you to car your items into your site. I had brought my own wagon which was helpful in keeping some of my gear off the ground during a rain storm. The site I stayed at was clean, level and well appointed; a t bar for hanging trash or a shower pack. Fire pit with grill. The tent sites are far enough from each other that you are not disturbed by neighbors, lots of trees between sites. There are water pumps every few yards, some are a Bit tricky to get working but I did not have an issue. The campground has trash and recycling bins so you do not have to carry out. I checked out some of the drive in and RV sites. They are large and well maintained, good for camper or tent camping, although fewer trees separate you from adjacent spots, so if you’re interested in more privacy opt for a tent site. The weekend I stayed we had torrential rain for about six hours but my site did not flood. Be sure to bring a large enough footprint to account for rain however, as I needed to really clean my tent and fly when I got home due to splash back of mud and leaves. Thee bathhouse was clean and the playground looked pretty good as well. Hoping that for my return trip the new bathhouse bear the tent sites is completed. If you’re not keen on using port a Johns or hiking to the bathhouse near the camper sites I suggest bringing a travel composting toilet. I hiked the full Bob Trail which is breathtaking. Easy level hike that winds all around the park and connects to the campground. I also rented a kayak for about three hours and was able to travel the full pond and connecting Terrapin Trail and back. The recreation area(where you rent boats and kayaks) has a nice picnic area and playground. I have camped at Henlopen State Park in the past and can say that TPSP is my new favorite in delaware. I enjoyed my time so much that I am already booked to return in late September and again in early November.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trap Pond State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    Quiet, natural simplicity

    We had a great experience at Trap Pond. Price was reasonable. D Loop sites were a good size. Comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Site wasn't super level, so just bring enough leveling blocks if you're in a camper. D14 specifically is the last site on the row with an unobstructed view of the pond- we loved it. All sites in D loop had great tree coverage. It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend. There was a dock within walking distance of our site. Canoes were available for rent & I highly recommend canoeing water trails through the beautiful Cypress trees. No sewer connects, but there are 2 dump stations and we didn't wait long at the dump station heading out on a Sunday in July. Camp store has all the necessities, yet still simple. Free concerts at the nature center every Saturday in the summer. Nice walking/hiking trails around the grounds also. Dog friendly was a plus!! Lots of dogs were on leads at campsites including ours.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trap Pond State Park Campground
    Feb. 16, 2025

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    So much to do!

    General: 129 sites with water and electricity, eight tent sites, one island site, two yurts, and eight cabins. 

    Site Quality: All are level and sand/grass. There are many trees and reasonable separation between sites (although you can easily see your neighbors). A large picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Our site had a water view and was peaceful. 

    Bath/Shower house: Bathhouses are located in the A and C loops plus additional ones by the tent camping area. All seemed to be reasonably clean and were cleaned on a rolling basis, starting at 10 am for the A loop. The shower had immediate hot water, but you only get about 30 seconds of water before you have to push the button again. A little clunky but a good way to save water. 

    Activities/Amenities: So much to do! Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season). 45-minute Pontoon boat tours are available on weekends Memorial Day– Labor Day. There are several boat docks if you bring your own boat. There is a small camper store/office that closed shortly after our arrival. There is a single washer/dryer in Loop C. I was mystified that you could only use liquid detergent (I use laundry sheets). Because there is only one for the entire campground, I wouldn’t count on doing laundry. 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). There is an additional playground in the day-use area, plus a volleyball net. There is also a nature center. Recycling and dumpsters between Loops A and B and another between Loops C and D. 

    We camped here several years ago but in the off-season, and wanted to kayak among the bald cypress trees (I highly recommend this). Glad we came back!

  • Travyl Couple !.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island

    Location trumps privacy

    We don’t always pick campgrounds for their spacious sites and scenic views. BUT we do pick them based on the outdoor activities we can do from the campground itself via bike riding or walking. Since we don’t bring a car location is very important to us.

    This private campground is in a fantastic location. Waking distance to stores, water slide park, kayaking, fishing/crabbing from bridges and Biking distance to Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge & Assateague Island National Seashore . There is even a complimentary trolley that will take you to the beach during the “in season”.

    You can rent kayaks and bikes from this resort. There is a pool, jumping pillow, and playground. The water park adjacent cost an additional fee. They have 3 day passes and after 3pm packages. (You May also get a discount from KOA front desk)

    The campground- tight and efficient with a lot of options for staying here from little cabins safari style tent cabins, rental Rv’s, grassy tent area to full hook up rv sites. We had a premium RV site and since we were here off season in late April- the campground was not super busy. Just expect that you will be in very close proximity of your neighbors and it will be loud and boisterous in the evening. Our solution?? Hike and Bike all day so you are exhausted. That way after dinner and a couple of glasses of wine... you really don’t care.

    We came here specifically to experience the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island VA National Seashore and the parks did not disappoint. We biked and hiked the the parks but you can easily enjoy a lot of the sites via car. Just know that pets are NOT allowed. There are Ubers in this area. Here is a link to the trail and park map.
    https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/Region_5/NWRS/South_Zone/Chincoteague_Complex/Chincoteague/Chincoteague%20Refuge%20Trail%20Map%20(1).pdf

    There is a fee of $10 per car for 7 day pass. Bikers and Pedestrians get in free. (The fee gets you into both parks).

    Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith

  • Etzer D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Delaware Seashore State Park Campground
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    Perfect?....not for tent camping!

    This campground is situated tightly between route 1 and the bay but very low laying ground. This campground is perfect, but only with PERFECT weather. One medium rain/thunder storm will turn the tent camping area into a water covered mess! We were in 'spot 45' avoid this area if there's even the slightest chance of rain!

    The amenities are great however, free hot showers, close to beach and bay and very friendly volunteer staff.

    Will not go tent camping here again and cannot recommend this camp ground for tenters!

  • Misti R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tom's Cove Park
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Tom's Cove Park

    Tom's Cove

    Stayed at Tom's Cove for 2 nights, the rates are perfect for us, they have electric and water on sites. All around lovely experience for tent camping.

  • Catherine S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Assateague State Park Campground
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Assateague State Park Campground

    Beautiful and well maintained!

    Family friendly, clean, spacious, wonderful outdoor showers and sink for washing dishes. A lot of campers, but it was nice for tent camping too. The horses were magestic!!

  • s
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Ugh.

    Not a good place for tent camping. All tent spaces very packed together and without any foliage undergrowth separation whatsoever. More privacy in a subway car than these sites. Dogs allowed and poo everywhere. Wash stations a long walk away. Excellent system of paved bike paths.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Tall Pine Campground
    Oct. 16, 2019

    Tall Pine Campground

    Cute and Quaint place!

    We stayed here for one night and it was awesome! The campground is a little dated... but the tent site we had was perfect. Great hammocking trees :)

  • Wil T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Delaware Seashore State Park Campground
    Jul. 10, 2023

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    Good but no trees

    The amenities are good and nearby nice, but expensive restaurant within walking distance. You can go out on a fishing boat in the ocean on the north side of the inlet. There are virtually no trees here and none in tent camping areas. Bring your own shade.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore
    Sep. 26, 2022

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Wild Horses!

    I had an ocean front tent site. You park and walk in. I may pick a drive up site next time because hauling all of my equipment over the sand took several trips. Was there for the sound of the ocean and beautiful sunrises, which was amazing, and several horses came through. I never used the bathhouses (bring my own camp toilet and camp shower bag) but they have very simple facilities and water pumps at each loop. It was very windy at times (my tent didn’t make the trip home RIP) and you must have deep screw in tent anchors for the sand. Regular tent stakes don’t work. There is a store a few miles outside of the park where they sell basic camping and fishing equipment, food, snacks, firewood etc. I really enjoyed having a campfire in the ring provided at every tent site. There is nothing like having a fire on the beach at sunset. 

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay

    Great place for families

    Me and a friend came in on motorcycles and stayed in the primitive tent sites and had a great time. Stayed a few weeks before Halloween and there were plenty of festive activities going on.

  • Katie B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    I love this place

    I love this place. It’s hard to get a spot here tho you have to book early! Water was cold the bathrooms wasn’t very clean! I stayed ocean side walk in. We park and drag all your items in for tent camping. FYI you can have a fire right on the beach!

  • Nicole S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Delaware Seashore State Park Campground
    Aug. 17, 2018

    Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    Groups

    Beautiful park right across fron the beach. Took a group of 20 tent camping here and it went great! Have done it for multiple years now and every time it is a great experience. However, it does flood in the rain. Also this beach is not to packed and has great sunrises!

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island

    Fantastic views

    Only stayed 1 night and set up when it was dark so I didn't really get a great look at the entire campground, but the tent sites had great views and I think there was a lighthouse nearby. Went to check out the wild ponies the following day

  • Mandy S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Shad Landing Campground
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Shad Landing Campground

    Gem on the river

    I live locally to this park and lucky enough to visit often. Pocomoke state park has 2 locations along the river - Shad Landing and Milbourn Landing. Shad in particular, has a pool, pavillions, play areas, camp store, rv, cabin, and tent sites. There is a boat ramp for access along the river, and also canoe rentals.

  • Barbara W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Sun Outdoors Chesapeake Bay

    lots of amenities

    beautiful campground with all the amenities you can ask for. We stayed the last week of July, there were only a few tent sites and half of them were under water (it did rain all week) Many of the RVers seem to be regulars. the pool was beautiful and there are lots of activities. I recommend this place. Mostly for RV but we tented and had a good time

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
    Sep. 8, 2017

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Nice Newly Renovated Sites

    We came back for another visit this September and the campground has undergone lots of renovations since I was here last so I wanted to provide an updated review.

    As always, the biking and walking trails in the park are top notch! The Gordon's Pond trail offers beautiful salt march views with lots of birds especially first thing in the morning. Beach access is quick and easy from the campground, too!

    We stayed in tent site 114 which was among a cluster of tent sites. Here you have to park in a parking lot and cart your stuff into your actual site. It's not a long haul but could be a pain in the neck if you tend to bring a lot of stuff with you when you camp. From our site there was a small path through the back of the site that provides quick and immediate access to the bike trails in the area.

    The sites have newly built picnic tables (very heavy and sturdy) as well as new concrete pad fire rings with grates. They sit a little high off the ground than a traditional fire pit but are nice and well maintained thus far. As I mentioned, the tent site we were in was among a cluster of sites spaced out relatively evenly. However, if all of the sites had been full it would have been a bit close together for my liking. One thing that is nice about these sites is the amount of shade, super helpful in the late summer heat.

    The bathroom facilities are also nice and well maintained. Be advised that many Delaware state parks require that you pack out all of your trash at most of their day use areas, the campground however DOES have a dumpster available for trash.

    If you can get a reservation here it's totally worth the stay!

  • Gina M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oaks Campground
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Big Oaks Campground

    Crammed

    We did a tent site. Which was mulched? Yes mulched.  Talk about having to keep an eye on your fire before it spread to the mulch.  Very packed! Campsites we’re right on top of each other, thought I was going to hit someone’s car door with my truck door.  We ended up leaving 2 days earlier to go elsewhere.  Guess what no refunds.  Which we left anyways.


Guide to Assateague Island National Seashore

Tent camping near Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. With several options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the great outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a scenic hike to the Pine Tree Backcountry Site, which requires a 6-mile trek and rewards you with a peaceful camping experience surrounded by nature.
  • Experience the tranquility of the Green Run Backcountry Site, where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the sounds of the wilderness.
  • Settle in at the Pope Bay Backcountry Site, perfect for those looking to explore the nearby beaches and wildlife.

Tent campers should check out local wildlife

  • At the Tingles Island Backcountry Site, you can witness the diverse wildlife that inhabits Assateague Island, including the famous wild ponies.
  • The State Line Backcountry Site offers a chance to observe various bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
  • Camping at the Woodlawn Campground provides access to trails where you can spot deer and other local fauna.

Tent camping features to enjoy

  • The Pine Tree Backcountry Site is a first-come, first-served site, allowing for spontaneity in your camping plans.
  • At the Green Run Backcountry Site, you’ll find a primitive camping experience with no modern amenities, perfect for those seeking a true back-to-nature experience.
  • The Vienna Maryland Wooded Campsite offers a private setting where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars, ideal for stargazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Assateague Island National Seashore?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Assateague Island National Seashore is Pine Tree Backcountry Site — Assateague Island National Seashore with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Assateague Island National Seashore?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Assateague Island National Seashore, with real photos and reviews from campers.