Best Campgrounds near Ocean Pines, MD
Campgrounds near Ocean Pines, Maryland primarily cluster along the coast, with notable options including Assateague State Park Campground and Sun Outdoors Ocean City. The camping landscape features a mix of beachfront and bayside developed campgrounds providing options for tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals. Several facilities offer direct access to beaches along the Atlantic Ocean or Sinepuxent Bay, with Assateague Island National Seashore providing both oceanside and bayside camping experiences approximately 15 miles south of Ocean Pines.
Most mixed-use campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when occupancy reaches capacity, particularly at waterfront locations. Sun Outdoors Ocean City typically operates from March through October, while Assateague Island National Seashore's Oceanside Campground is available from mid-May to early October. Weather conditions can be unpredictable with coastal storms possible throughout the camping season. Some camping areas have limited shade, particularly in beachfront locations. "This is a nice campground but it is crowded! The sites have more living space than some we've been to but don't come here for privacy," noted one camper about Sun Outdoors Ocean City.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Ocean Pines area, with both oceanfront and bayside options available. Assateague Island National Seashore offers the unique experience of camping near wild horses in a more natural setting. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of shuttle services that run between campgrounds and nearby attractions. "They run a complimentary hourly shuttle van back and forth to the boardwalk which is a great reason to stay here," explained one camper about Sun Outdoors Ocean City. Campers frequently note the variety of amenities at developed campgrounds in the region, with many featuring swimming pools, beaches, entertainment, and convenient access to Ocean City attractions. For those seeking more natural surroundings, the national seashore campgrounds provide fewer amenities but greater immersion in coastal ecosystems.