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Best Equestrian Camping near Berlin, MD

281 Reviews

Horse Camping at Assateague Island National Seashore provides rare opportunities for equestrians to camp directly on or near the beach. The specialized Horse Camping area at Assateague offers basic amenities for campers with horses, including toilets, drinking water, and sanitary dump facilities. While there are no dedicated horse corrals on site, the camping area accommodates both tents and RVs, allowing riders to bring their own containment systems. The camping area maintains a policy that permits horses with appropriate documentation and health certificates. Trails accessible from the camp connect riders directly to beach areas where horses are allowed during specific seasons. Bug spray is essential during summer months when insects can be particularly aggressive in the coastal environment.

Located approximately 8 miles from Berlin, Maryland, Assateague's bridle trails provide access to both bayside and oceanside riding experiences. The national seashore allows horses on designated areas of the beach during regulated hours and seasons, creating unique opportunities for shoreline riding not commonly available elsewhere. Riders should note that permits are required for overnight stays, and campsites can fill quickly during peak seasons. When camping with horses, visitors must bring their own feed and water containers, as natural forage is protected. The absence of electrical hookups makes this a more primitive equestrian camping experience, appealing to those seeking a natural setting. Trail connections provide access to observation areas where wild ponies can often be viewed from a safe distance, though visitors must maintain appropriate separation from the wild herds.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Berlin, Maryland (11)

    1. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    39 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-1441

    $40 / night

    "As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look!"

    "Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."

    2. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town

    28 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    4 miles
    Website

    "Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."

    "Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"

    3. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    55 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-3030

    $40 - $80 / night

    "Oceanside walk in requires a good amount of work. You’re carrying your gear in to your site, setting up in howling wind (potentially), no water at site. Cold showers. Pit toilets. But man oh man."

    "If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."

    4. Trap Pond State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Laurel, DE
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 875-5153

    $17 - $53 / night

    "The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24."

    "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."

    5. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Bethany Beach, DE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 227-6981

    $20 - $132 / night

    "The location (in between Dewey/Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach/Ocean City, Maryland) is PERFECT. You have close access to miles and miles of touristy beaches and uninhabited beaches."

    "We stayed in a full hook up site, and we found the campground to be clean, well maintained and so close to the beach."

    6. Tom's Cove Park

    20 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 336-6498

    $4200 / night

    "People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."

    "Close to the Marina, Downtown, The Blvd and the Beach. Staff are helpful but also gives you space to live."

    7. EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Girdletree, MD
    20 miles
    +1 (410) 376-3236

    "Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season. Roosters here"

    8. Horse Camping — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Be the first to review!
    Berlin, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-1441

    9. Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday

    12 Reviews
    Bloxom, VA
    37 miles
    Website

    $35 - $159 / night

    "The seasonal weekenders had gone home, and we preferred the larger, more private area behind the site to walk our dogs."

    "We'd reserved 406, but Sun Outdoors turned into KOA, so we got a different site lucky us, 'cause the middle ones were swampy with almost no space outside with sitting water on sites."

    10. Chincoteague Bay Trails End Campground Resort

    3 Reviews
    Chincoteague, VA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 824-3428

    "Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Berlin, MD

102 Photos of 11 Berlin Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Berlin, MD

281 Reviews of 11 Berlin Campgrounds

  • Maddi P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Must see!

    I spent 5 days 4 nights on the shore of Assateague. As an equestrian this was a once in a lifetime adventure. Feral chincoteague ponies everywhere you look! Both towns of chincoteague and assatesgue lean into the horse craze, they have equestrian stores, riding barns, and horse museums just about everywhere you look. During the summer there is an annual “pony swim” where the wild ponies are rounded up and swam from one island to another so they can be sold. I cannot speak from experience but from what I learned from locals this event brings in over 50,000 people. You will need to plan around this if you wish to avoid crowds, although this location seems to be heavily populated all year round, don’t let that discourage you.

    Side note- the crabbing is amazing among the local marshes!

  • B
    Apr. 1, 2017

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Best Beach Camping in Maryland

    Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland. Pros:

    • the beach is wide with plenty of room to stretch out and is much cleaner than that of OC and surrounding beach areas
    • the wild horses walk right up to your site!
    • almost glamping- water pumps, outhouses, showers on each loop- much appreciated after days of sand, sun, and sweat
    • pet friendly
    • fire rings at each site, bonfires on the beach

    Cons:

    • it's expensive! Sites average $30 per night AND each car is $20 to enter the park
    • reservations are practically mandatory- they book fast with little vacancy
    • this is a barrier island- mosquitos are legit. Bring bug spray with DEET. You should also expect little protection from the sun, so a canopy shelter may be helpful
    • lack of privacy- each site is only several feet from the next. Take a look at the map and book large group sites or several in a loop together for friends
  • M J.
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Amazing location

    First time camping in a long time. Oceanside walk in requires a good amount of work. You’re carrying your gear in to your site, setting up in howling wind (potentially), no water at site. Cold showers. Pit toilets. But man oh man. The rewards are high. Wild horses every day. Beach was right over the dune. Campsite is set behind one dune so there’s a little wind protection. We had one wild thunderstorm night. Survived with our good tent and screen house (do not come without some kind of screen house). But the next morning the mosquitoes were wild. Everyone had bites from our morning packing up. It was hot (camped at end of July/beginning of August), but water was a good escape. We escaped into the town of Berlin on some of the hotter hours of the day for ice cream to beat the heat (and charge our electronics in the car). Great spot. I’d come back, but maybe later in the year when it’s not so hot!

  • A
    May. 1, 2021

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Wild, Windy & Sandy- As Expected!

    We camped in the walk-in sites toward the end (south side) of the ocean side sites. You park along side the road and walk on a boardwalk to your site. Depending on site, you will have to walk on sand to get there as well. Bring a beach wagon!

    Toilets are vault and showers are cold water beach showers (not full closure- open on the bottom) which would be fine in the summer but were a bit chilly when we went on a cool few days in April.

    No dish washing station- to be expected- but we witnessed a few pple washing dishes under the water source and dumping there - making for a large puddle of gross water- not cool.

    Some sites are on the beach, and you can position your tent to be on the dune looking at the water- some are inland a bit more but still a very short walk to the beach. Some you camp on sand (obviously) some of the inland sites have intermittent grass. I’ve heard bugs are bad in warmer months (naturally)- no mosquitos when we were there in April.

    We drove through the bay side camp sites and these looked great too- the calm-watered bay side looked nice for wading & playing for small kids. There is some shade here vs none in ocean side. It’s a short walk or drive to the ocean.

    BRING STAKES FOR SAND AND GUY YOUR TENT. I witnessed many collapsed tents while I was there. One sun shade that flew away.

    Wild horses = piles of horse poop everywhere. Wasn’t a problem, just walk around them. Keep snacks in a locked cooler. The horses came for my 3 yo who was eating snacks while loading up the car. They aren’t messing around!

    We saw many horses on ocean side & bay side. Watch out for a brown pony named Chip. The rangers & volunteers were very friendly & great at keeping tabs on the horses.

    The beach shack store across from the ranger station near the entrance offered a surprisingly large selection of items.

  • Melissa C.
    Feb. 12, 2017

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Come for the wild horses, stay for the rest of the wildlife

    Many people do not realize there is a wide array of wildlife on Assateague because everyone is so obsessed with the horses. Specifically the birding on Assateague is phenomenal. Oceanside camping is very neat, but it fills up fast. The sites are close to bathrooms (I believe the national side has pit latrines). There are also showers, albeit cold. The sites are a decent size but be advised, they are completely sandy. You WILL get sand everywhere and it is unavoidable. Expect it so it does not put a dent in how wonderful the trip will be. The Oceanside sites are a dune away from the beach. Use the walkways to gain access to the beach as the dunes are protected and you will get fined for taking a shortcut. As many of the reviews advise, there are mosquitos. A lot of them. There are also biting horse flies. However catch the island on a breezy day and the breeze takes care of them. One of the best parts about Assateague is all of the activities you can do. There are bike paths, kayak rentals on the bayside, bay fishing, ocean fishing, crabbing, etc. The worst part about Assateague are all of the tourists who stop in the middle of the road to view the horses, blocking traffic and causing back ups.

  • Wendy W.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Bugs, Wind, and Horses Overshadowed EVERYTHING

    I was really looking forward to this trip. We stayed on the Bayside of the campground. Our site was close to the bathhouse, which was modest with cold water and vault toilets. Fresh water pump was nearby, as well.

    Based on the reviews, I was expecting a beach camp out with the ambience of wild horses running along the shore. Sand between our toes. Fire cooked meals. Idyllic... Sadly, that’s not at all what we got.

    We arrived late to meet some friends before setting up camp. We were supposed to have dinner with the them. But dinner was delayed — VERY delayed — because of horses. A small herd of them (around 8) decided to hangout in our campsite waiting for their meal. This meant we couldn’t get ours. As soon as any food would come into ‘nose-shot,’ they would start advancing on us. We waited over an hour for them to lose interest and move on to the next site. We went through this for every meal. It became a real hassle.

    It’s obvious other campers have not been so responsible with their food in this area. The standard is to hide all food as soon as you see the horses. This mean storing anything with a scent in your closed vehicle or in the “horse box” under the picnic table. With the way they would wait for us to pull food out, it was very apparent other campers allowed them to have a free-for-all previously. And no amount of noise shooed them off. If anything, it made them more aggressive and we had to watch them closely.

    A little while later, we finally settled in and set up camp after having our “dinner” in the confines of our car. Dinner was snacks since we couldn’t cook anything. Placing anything on the fire or stove was like a beacon to the horses.

    The next problem we encountered was the mosquitoes — they were everywhere and in hoards. No matter how hard you tried, there’s no keeping them out of the tent. We left a day later covered in bumps, most from throughout the night.

    One good thing was the cooler temps meant no horseflies. On a previous beach trip, we were swarmed and covered in bites within minutes of exiting our car. Be prepared because bug spray does very little.

    Let’s also not forget the “stickers” — little burr-like plant pods that are all on the ground and stuck to anything and everything, especially skin. These stung bad.

    Once settled in for the night, we dealt with the wind flapping the tent pretty wildly at times, horses neighing almost constantly and coming awfully close, and two raccoons fighting on the edge of our tent. A restful night was not in the cards there.

    The only good thing was the location. We were a short walk away from the beach. The kids and I at least enjoyed that part.

    I was beyond disappointed and cancelled my upcoming trip for the following month as soon as I got home. I don’t know if the experience was different Oceanside, but i will never be staying Bayside again.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2023

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Wild Horses by the Seashore

    Assateague National Seashore on the Maryland side offers an incredible experience. 

    Along with soft sand, balmy breezes and coastal views, wild horses wander the park at will.

    We chose a campsite that did not require hiking onto the sand to reach. This made setting up camp much easier as no carrying was involved. We were early enough in the seasons that the mosquitoes hadn't kicked in yet, so it was an enjoyable stay. 

    The restroom facilities are primitive. with a dump toilet, and exterior showers with warmish water. To turn on the shower water, one has to hold down a line to get it to run.

    There was a good mix of tents and a variation of camper trailers on both the oceanside and bayside camp areas. The camper trailers are boondocking as no hookups are offered at this campground.

    I find the restrooms on the bayside to be better, but in the warmer months, be prepared for lots of mosquitoes in that area.

    The horses do their rounds in the morning for breakfast and in the evenings for dinner. DO NOT FEED THE HORSES  ! They are rather aggressive and persistent. KEEP ALL FOOD LOCKED UP IN YOUR CAR! They are Houdini's and have no trouble opening up any types of coolers with either their mouths or their hooves. There is a storage cubby below the picnic table - use it. 

    The best way to shoo them away from your campsite is to bring a metal water bottle with small rocks in it. Shake it at them and they know to move along. It's what the rangers use to get them to move.

    To reserve use recreation.gov

  • R
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Up close and personal!

    This campsite is like no other I’ve ever been to. If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery. If a crowded beach is not your thing, it gets less crowded as you walk away from the boardwalk. Please be kind to the horses and if you see an injured one, let the Park Rangers know immediately.

  • Tom C.
    May. 4, 2017

    Tom's Cove Park

    Toms Cove Campground

    Could not get camping spot on assateague island so we decided to try this campsite a try. If you looking for rustic, quite camping this is not the spot. They have several trailer homes living there all year round. The camping spots are all very open with close neighbors. On the positive the campsite does have many amenities, showers, game room fishing piers. The best part of this camping spot is if you have canoe/kayak/SUPB it is a great point to launch off to explore the nature reserve next to camp Cove. Lots of wild horses to see. Remember to bring bug spray!!!

Guide to Berlin

Equestrian camping near Berlin, Maryland offers distinct seasonal camping experiences with specialized facilities for horseback riders. The coastal region experiences temperature variations from 30-40°F in winter to 80-90°F during summer months, with high humidity from May to September. Bug activity increases dramatically during warm months, particularly in marshy areas where horse trails traverse both inland and coastal terrain.

What to Do

Beach riding access points: At Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground, riders can access dedicated beach riding zones during regulated seasons. "Great spot for a secluded and quiet experience. I have seen horses everytime I have camped here. We always go during the winter or early spring months to avoid the bugs as they are awful during the spring and summer," notes Torie M.

Kayak with your horses: Horse campers at Bayside Assateague Campground can paddle alongside their horses in designated areas. "It's hidden away yet close to the water. Having animals around is such a great feeling. A deer hung out by the campfire at night, and in the morning there were horse tracks all over the sight," shares Jodi J.

Trail riding: EA Vaughn Wildlife Management Area provides extensive trail networks through diverse terrain for equestrian campers. "Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season," reports Wayne L., suggesting that equestrians should be aware of hunting seasons when planning rides.

What Campers Like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Horse campers at Assateague appreciate the combination of equestrian facilities and wildlife viewing. "Gorgeous, wild and windy! Right on the beach, but big dunes between sites and the ocean. Wild horses meandering through daily," explains Danielle, highlighting the natural atmosphere that attracts equestrian campers.

Shoulder season comfort: Experienced equestrian campers recommend visiting during non-peak times. "The tent sites are large and very easily accessed, some primitive, some with utilities, water and electric. Many activities within the park and many more just a few miles away," Kelly N. reports, noting that spring and fall offer more comfortable conditions for both horses and riders.

Waterfront sites: At Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to both horse-friendly areas and water access. "The campsite is great, and very close to the beach. The amenities are pretty solid overall, which is nice too," Sam D. mentions, highlighting the dual access points.

What You Should Know

Bug preparation is essential: The coastal environment requires serious bug protection for both horses and humans. "Love this place but be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter," advises Michael W., emphasizing that insect activity remains a concern year-round but intensifies during warm months.

Horse containment requirements: Equestrian campers must bring appropriate containment systems as permanent corrals aren't available. "This is a very family friendly camp. I have been going here since I was 4 years old (I'm now 18) and have enjoyed every minute," Georgia E. shares about Frontier Town RV Resort, which offers alternatives when horse-specific sites are unavailable.

Weather considerations: Coastal weather patterns affect horse camping conditions significantly. "Prepare for wind. It is really neat to be able to camp right on the sand dunes and by the beach but prepare for lots of wind. Check the weather a lot because the storms roll in quickly," Tori V. cautions, noting how quickly conditions can change.

Tips for Camping with Families

Horse-friendly activities: Trap Pond State Park Campground offers complementary activities when taking breaks from riding. "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)," reports Lee D.

Safety protocols: Establish clear guidelines for children around both domesticated and wild horses. "The wild ponies and deer are beautiful!! We've been going here as a family for over 6 years. Its a great place to relax with less people on the public and private beaches," Ashley M. recommends.

Educational opportunities: Use equestrian camping trips as learning experiences about horse behavior and conservation. "Be sure not to miss the wild ponies, who gather frequently along the beach and all throughout the park," suggests Kelly N., highlighting natural observation opportunities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing horses, choose sites with adequate space for both RV and horse trailer parking. "First Class Operation. Our site was back by the cabins, which were all in excellent shape. Tall Pines hosts activities for the northern part of the Eastern Shore," notes MickandKarla W. at Tall Pines Harbor.

Hookup considerations: For extended equestrian camping stays, seek sites with full hookups. "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. They are not level and have a sandy base," Jim G. observes, pointing out that leveling can be challenging in coastal areas.

Access road quality: Access roads to horse camping areas vary significantly in quality. "Roads were OK but a little narrow. US-13 to Saxis Rd/695 is a much easier and direct route to the CG," MickandKarla W. advises, suggesting riders scout routes suitable for horse trailers before arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Berlin, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Berlin, MD is Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Berlin, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Berlin, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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