3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Assateague Island National Seashore offers specialized horse camping facilities on both the oceanside and bayside campgrounds. The Horse Camping area permits campers to bring their personal horses to stay overnight from October through mid-April. Horses are not allowed in the regular campground loops, but instead use a designated equestrian camping area with appropriate space for trailers. Wild horses roam freely throughout the island, frequently visiting campsites in search of food. Campers must secure all food items in vehicles or designated storage boxes to prevent the wild horses from raiding campsites. The campground provides vault toilets and cold water facilities, with no hookups available for RVs.
Trail access connects riders to miles of beach riding opportunities along the Atlantic shoreline. Equestrians can obtain an Over Sand Vehicle permit to access more remote beach areas for riding. The wild Chincoteague ponies are visible throughout the island, creating a unique riding experience alongside feral herds. Horse owners must bring their own feed and water, as natural grazing is prohibited to protect the island ecosystem. Mosquitoes and biting flies can be problematic during summer months, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for equestrian camping. The campground fills quickly during peak seasons, requiring advance reservations through recreation.gov. Proper sand anchors are essential for securing tents and equipment due to frequent strong winds coming off the ocean.
"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."
"Sites were not too close to one another. We had site 13 on ocean loop 1. Just a few steps, and you’re on the beach. Nice picnic table and fire pit."
Available this weekend
from $40 - $80 / 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."
from $40 / 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."
from $4200 / night
"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!"
"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."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $65 / night
"The seasonal weekenders had gone home, and we preferred the larger, more private area behind the site to walk our dogs."
"We stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see."
from $35 - $159 / night
"Lots of trails. Pretty busy with Hunters during the season. Roosters here"
"Trails end has gate with campground I.d. or sticker access."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $35 - $352 / night
GuidePretty easy camping trip, plenty of room to set up camp. Level spots. We stayed on south inlet campground. They have small camp store multiple laundry and bath houses. Great stay if you enjoy fishing, as. You can fish the inlet at the campground. They have a very nice playground for kids as well! Only negative is no camp fires allowed, they do have a community area you can have a camp fires allowed. Also no wifi
GuideEnjoyed the stay here June 19-21, 2026, in the tents-only section at a campground just 10 minutes from home. I've lived near this campground for 45 of my 66 years but never camped there.
The cramped campsites always turned me off but my wife and I decided to try it as a test run when we bought all new camping gear after not camping for 15 years(well, except for the 40-year-old Coleman stove that still works).
The campsites are tight and strictly BYOS(Bring Your Own Shade). The weather cooperated with temps in the low 80s and cool westerly winds. Because this campground sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet and Indian River Bay, it fills up on weekends for camping, beach-going, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. I'd suggest going weekdays if you can.
Even with all the people, though, it was mostly quiet. The traffic from the Indian River Inlet bridge didn't bother me much but it did keep my wife up the first night. The bridge lights up at night and looks most spectacular at sunrise.
We ate dinner at camp the first night and then went to the inlet walkway to watch the sun set. The sunsets over the Indian River Bay, serenaded by the U.S. Coast Guard station's bugle calls with the lowering of the colors at its station at the north side campground, are a must. We also got to see a green heron foraging on the rockpiles and a dolphin swimming through the inlet. Fishermen lined the walkway to add to the atmosphere.
The next morning we drove over to the north side of the inlet to the Burton's Island trail-- another first for me. The trail was probably a mile or so and took about an hour, though it looked like we could have gone further into the brush had we not been wearing shorts and t-shirts. We came across a horseshoe crab traveling along a dirt path and a turtle trying to hide itself under downed tree branches. Blue water surrounded us in the marshes.
An excellent dinner at Matt's Fish House capped off our anniversary and we returned to the campground to watch the sunset again.
The bathrooms were well-placed. They were mostly clean but the five-second" Navy shower" intervals in the showers were annoying. There's no water or electric at the tent sites but a high-powered community water tap works for cleaning dishes.
The ban on open fires at the campground did disappoint. There is a community fire pit but no one used it our two nights there.
Oh, I can't forget the Diamondback turtles. Be careful driving so you don't hit them as they wander through the campground. We saw several lay eggs on the sand volleyball court and one scurried through our campsite and under our picnic table on its way to points unknown. The picnic table at each site is heavy but movable.
The people were friendly even in such crowded conditions. Lots of kids on bikes, skateboards and scooters and at the playground. Basically, you don't come here as much for the camping as you do for the water sports and activities.
As a tent camper, I'd opt for the tent-only loops versus the Standard sites that accommodate tents and small RVs and popups. Our tent-only loops looked less congested than the Standard sites.
I'd give this campground 4.5 stars. It would be an easy 5 if not for the crowded conditions.
ScoutWe have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
LegendWe stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see. This is a really beautiful area of the Delmarva Peninsula and just minutes away from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuges and Assateague Island NS.
This campground is huge with a great selection of standard and premium RV sites that provide full hookups and spacious gravel or paved pads. Some have water views and some are back-in sites with the water directly behind them. Our site was a buddy site which worked great for our stay with our friends. It was long enough so we didn’t have to unhitch our tow car but still had enough room to maneuver into and out of the site and could reach our hook-ups. The site was perfectly level (in fact, all sites in the park are level as this is a very flat area) and the area where we parked the RV was paved and the rest of the driveway was gravel. The patio had pavers and our fire pit was raised with bricks around it. The utilities were well-placed and the 50-amp was strong and the water pressure good. Our site was in the open which we loved because it was cool when we visited so we relished the sunshine. There are plenty of other sites located under tall pines (which we really don’t like because of all the sap that gets on our coach and car). Many of the sites are rented as seasonal sites but there are plenty left for transient campers. The list of amenities is a mile long and covers the typical ones you would find at a “resort.” Some of the best ones are the zero-entry pool (which was closed while we were there) and splash park and the private beach. The sandy beach would be a nice place to bring a chair and hang out admiring the view of the bay. Most of the amenities (like the pool, recreation hall, café, and bounce pillow) are centrally located so keep that in mind when you are booking your campsite as you may, or may not, want to be in that area. The restrooms were clean and newer (keep in mind we were there very early in the season when the campground was practically empty). The laundry facilities were clean and there were plenty of machines (all but one didn’t work) and were reasonably priced. We really liked the access to water that this park provides Pocomoke Sound and the tidal pond. It’s a great place to relax in a chair, swim, or put in a kayak.
GuideParked with my class B van! Amazing you can hear the ocean at night. No electricity so be prepared. Horses will walk through your campsite. Clean and quiet. No cell service. Lots to do with hiking and beaching! Be prepared for cold outdoor showers!
GuideWasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
GuideRight off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
Equestrian camping near Girdletree, Maryland offers access to a unique coastal environment where the mainland meets barrier islands. Girdletree sits in Worcester County with elevations under 50 feet above sea level, providing a flat terrain ideal for beginning riders. The region experiences distinct seasonal shifts with summer high temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall maintain moderate temperatures that attract horse owners seeking comfortable riding conditions.
Beach riding at sunrise: Access the ocean shorelines at Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground where riders can experience early morning solitude. "Amazing stars, beach and bay. We will be back!" according to Danielle, who enjoyed the quieter morning hours before day visitors arrive.
Pond trail riding: The trails at Trap Pond State Park Campground offer wooded paths suitable for novice horses. "Nice quiet, everything you need, kayaking, fishing," notes Coleen H., mentioning the calmer environment that nervous horses might prefer compared to ocean beaches.
Wildlife photography on horseback: Riders frequently encounter native wildlife while traversing the natural areas. "The wild ponies are visible throughout the island," creating opportunities for unique photographs from horseback as riders maintain proper distance from the feral herds.
Varied terrain for different skill levels: The region offers both open beach stretches and wooded trails. "There are a short to moderate hiking trails and the pond is popular for kayaks," says Jim G. at Trap Pond, highlighting terrain that's gentle enough for green horses.
Multiple water features: Bayside Assateague Campground provides both ocean and bay access points. "The beach was beautiful, and you can camp roughly 100 yards from it," describes Daniel P., noting the proximity to water that allows horses cooling options after rides.
Designated horse camping areas: Specialized facilities make equestrian camping more convenient. "We were able to set up both of our tents, including the 17 foot long one," explains Rita M., who appreciated the spacious sites that accommodate horse trailers and camping gear at Tom's Cove Park.
Weather challenges: Wind conditions can affect camping comfort for both horses and humans. "Prepare for wind," warns Tori V., explaining that "the storms roll in quickly" at Oceanside Assateague, making proper shelter and secure containment for horses essential.
Insect preparation: Biting insects present challenges during warmer months. "Love this place but be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter," says Michael W., suggesting off-season visits for more comfortable equestrian camping experiences.
Horse behavior management: The wild horses require special precautions. "The horses will roam right into campsite," cautions Karen W., emphasizing the importance of securing feed and keeping domestic horses separate from the wild herds.
Water access considerations: Delaware Seashore State Park Campground offers multiple water crossing options. "It's right next to a bridge - which is beautiful at night," notes Gayle B., mentioning how riders must plan routes around water features and bridges.
Junior ranger programs: Educational activities keep children engaged between rides. "Check out the awesome views on the bayside trails. There is an app you can use to identify the ponies," suggests Tony P., referring to educational resources that enhance children's experience.
Scheduling around crowds: Sun Outdoors Frontier Town offers alternative activities when beaches become crowded. "Located about 15 min from ocean city and assateague with a shuttle to take you when you don't want to drive," explains Liz Y., highlighting transportation options that help families manage logistics.
Safety education: Teaching children proper behavior around horses is essential. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches," warns Tony P., emphasizing the importance of teaching children not to approach or feed the wild horses.
Supervised wading areas: Select locations with calmer waters for younger family members. "We like the bay side for the kids no waves," reports Rich E., pointing out gentler water areas appropriate for families with small children and horses new to water exposure.
Trailer parking requirements: Plan for adequate space when bringing horse trailers. "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required," notes Jim G. about Trap Pond, which offers easier access for larger rigs.
Power availability: Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday provides needed utilities for extended stays. "We had requested site 50, back-in with FHUs but were told since the park was fairly empty, we could take a golf cart and go choose a site," explains MickandKarla W., describing the flexibility larger parks offer for rig placement.
Surface conditions: Be prepared for varying ground conditions that affect both vehicles and horses. "Their pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced," states Greg S., noting that proper site selection helps prevent horses from standing in wet areas during rainy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Girdletree, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Girdletree, MD is Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Girdletree, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Girdletree, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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