Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
Great experience
Right 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
Camping options in the Hollywood, Maryland area feature a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within driving distance to coastal areas. Nearby facilities include Pocomoke River State Park offering both Shad Landing and Milburn Landing campgrounds with tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations. Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore provide oceanfront and bayside camping experiences with direct beach access. The region includes several developed campgrounds with water and electric hookups as well as more primitive island tent sites for those seeking seclusion.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Several locations like Sun Outdoors Ocean City and Fort Whaley RV Resort maintain specific operating seasons (typically March/April through October/December), while others like Trap Pond State Park remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites and during summer weekends when occupancy reaches capacity quickly. Campground layouts vary significantly, with some offering spacious, tree-lined sites and others featuring more open arrangements. Cell service may be limited in some areas, especially in the more remote sections of Assateague Island. A visitor commented, "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 so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level."
Campers report high satisfaction with water-oriented camping options throughout the region. Pond and riverside locations provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Many campgrounds offer boat rentals and launch facilities during peak season. Trails for hiking and biking connect camping areas to natural attractions, with several parks providing free bicycle rentals. Bathhouse quality and amenities vary widely between locations, with state parks typically offering clean facilities but sometimes limited shower options. The proximity to ocean beaches makes this region particularly appealing for extended stays. Families appreciate the playground facilities and scheduled activities available at larger campgrounds. One camper shared, "We stayed in a yurt waterfront. It may be the most beautiful campsite I've had the pleasure of staying at. The Yurt had electric and AC! Big cozy inside with a small table and two beds."
$22 - $56 / 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."
$23 - $29 / night
"The best campground I've ever found in Maryland. Close proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island."
"It’s just 45 minutes away from the beach at Assateague Island and an hour or so to Ocean City or Chincoteague."
$28 - $39 / night
"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"There is an outdoor shower and sink as well as several paths to the beach. The beach is beautiful and clean."
$19 - $71 / night
"I thought our site was tucked more in the forest based on the maps, but it was pretty close to the other sites. Good birdwatching from the site! Definitely some insect pressure at the site."
"Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel"
"It is close to Ocean City, Maryland, as well as Berlin and Assateague national park where you can watch the ponies roam."
"It’s a close distance to Salisbury (20 mins), ocean city (20 mins) and assateague (20 mins). Also close to Delaware for someone looking to explore there."
$40 / night
"Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."
"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."
$40 - $80 / night
"We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."
"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."
"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!"
$19 - $25 / night
"The two areas are right across the river from each other, but it’s about a 20-minute drive, since you have to drive up and around the river.** **The site was very large, level, and heavily shaded by loblolly"
"The bath house was centrally located. Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great."
$65 - $350 / night
"The location is amazing. You are a stones throw away from the boardwalk at Ocean City Maryland. The resort is very nice."
"An awesome campground located on the east coast near Ocean City, MD and the Atlantic Ocean. This was our first visit to Castaways. Lots to do and loads of fun. We love it!"









Right 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
Nice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
If you want to be close to the water, this is a great place to camp. There are lots of amenities and various ways to “camp” at this resort. In addition to full hook-up RV sites, there are cottages and glamping tents. Some cottages have a cool rooftop deck with furniture which would be a great place to watch the sunset.Â
This campground is in a nice location for exploring the area, but a bit pricey. It might be worth it if you use the amenities, but we did as we spent more time offsite. Since this campground is new, some sites look pretty rustic and it would be nice if there was more grass. Overall, we found the sites to be pretty close together. If you want to pay more, you can get a waterfront site or one with a paved patio and table and chairs, otherwise, you get a picnic table on a gravel pad. All utilities worked well and we were glad we had 50 amp since there was an unseasonable hot spell. The park is big-rig friendly and getting in and out was easy and not low hanging branches to avoid.Â
Some of the amenities include a food truck(not open when we were there), playground, pickleball courts, camp store, and more. There is a nice pool with a large deck but since we were early in the season it was not open. Along the water is a nice boardwalk and there is a long pier for fishing or to tie up your boat. (We took advantage of the free fishing. Saltwater anglers in VA can fish for free if you register for the Fisherman Identification Program, no license required.) If you have a large group gathering there is a large pavilion with charcoal grills and picnic tables open to campers for free.Â
The reason we came to the area was to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see the wild ponies. The refuge is fifteen minutes away and definitely worth it. Stop in at the visitor center to browse the exhibits before setting out to see the ponies. There is a nice viewing deck off the Woodland Trail that is a great place to see the ponies. Also stop at the Assateague Lighthouse to see the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. One more stop to make is at the Island Creamery (voted one of the 50 best places to eat in Virginia).
This is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼‍♀️
We allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
We had a nice visit. Sun is in the process of fixing the place up. The swim up bar was being restored. My only negative was the site two places up played there stereo live music loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM. They did get called out for it by management.
From 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.
Trap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
Camping options near Hollywood, Maryland include sites that range from bayside locations to more forested settings within 30-60 miles of the area. The region's elevation rarely exceeds 100 feet above sea level, creating primarily flat camping terrain with limited hill climbing required for hiking. Winter camping remains viable at several year-round facilities, though reduced services and colder temperatures near the water require appropriate cold-weather gear.
Kayaking on cypress-lined waterways: Trap Pond State Park offers distinctive paddling through North America's northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees. "We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," notes a camper who appreciated the park's water-based activities.
Free bicycle rentals: Trap Pond State Park provides complimentary bikes for exploring the trails. "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)," according to a reviewer who enjoyed the variety of activities.
Beach clamming and crabbing: The bay side of Assateague provides opportunities for shellfish gathering. "There were so many fun places to see on the island, crabfishing and clamdigging can be done on the bay side, but it's a little far to walk with small children," explains a Fort Whaley visitor who explored nearby Assateague Island.
Pontoon boat tours: Seasonal guided water excursions operate at certain parks. "45-minute Pontoon boat tours are available on weekends Memorial Day–Labor Day," mentions a Trap Pond visitor who cataloged the many recreational options.
Island camping sites: Pocomoke River State Park offers secluded water-surrounded camping spots. "We stayed in a group of 5 people to camp and hike in Pocomoke River State Park. I am a local of the eastern shore and wanted a little getaway that was not too far from home," shares a camper who found the cabins comfortable for their group.
Modern bathhouses: The facilities at many campgrounds have been recently upgraded. "Truly the best bathhouse we've ever seen at a campground! Not only clean - but modern and new. The bathhouse area also has a great dishwashing station (with garbage disposal!)," notes a Milburn Landing visitor impressed by the amenities.
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open during colder months with reduced crowds. "We stayed in the off season with less people and less bugs. Hiking and boys nearby to kayak or canoe at. Beautiful place to stay," says an Assateague camper who preferred the quieter winter experience.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple species can be observed throughout the camping areas. "We are kayakers in the warm weather and hikers when its cooler. We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite," explains a Pocomoke River visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Mosquito and insect preparation: Assateague Island National Seashore and other coastal sites require serious bug protection. "It's beautiful here, horses are cool, beach is great, but the bugs stink! Bring some deet it's the only thing that works!" warns a camper who experienced the persistent insects.
Horse safety protocols: Wild horses require specific camping practices. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," advises an Assateague visitor familiar with the horses' behavior.
Site leveling challenges: Some camping pads require adjustment for comfortable setup. "They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers," explains a Trap Pond camper who encountered setup difficulties.
Seasonal facility closures: Off-peak visitors should verify which amenities remain operational. "When camp store is open it is very minimalistic. Walmart is about 10 minutes, maybe less away," notes a Shad Landing camper who visited during a quieter period.
Educational playgrounds: Milburn Landing Campground features unique play areas. "Nice dock and boat launch area. Clean Bathrooms in each loop with nice showers and plenty of hot water. Handicap accessible in showers, bathrooms, cabins, walkways, parking," writes a visitor who appreciated the accessible design.
Nature centers with scheduled programs: Several parks offer structured educational activities. "The park has programs and we painted a picture of Chuck the Owl (he was our model) which was fun," shares a Pocomoke River State Park visitor who participated in the organized events.
Gaga ball courts: This increasingly popular playground game is available at select campgrounds. "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)," mentions a Trap Pond visitor who discovered this unique amenity.
Playground proximity consideration: Some campsites offer direct views of play areas. "Highly recommend our site to anyone with littles as you can literally relax at your site while your child plays at the playground!" advises a Sun Outdoors Ocean City visitor about strategic site selection.
RV site dimensions: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway (formerly Fort Whaley) offers diverse site options. "Fairly easy to back in but they do have pull throughs available as well. Site was fairly spacious and campground is SUPER pet friendly!" notes a visitor who found the site configurations accommodating.
Loop road navigation: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The loop road is nicely flat and paved, but very tight and winding, with lots of trees right next to it. Be prepared for a multi-point turn to back into your site!" warns a Milburn Landing camper who experienced the tight turns.
RV size restrictions: Certain parks have limitations on larger rigs. "RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," cautions a Shad Landing visitor familiar with the space constraints.
Electric hookup variability: Amperage differs between campgrounds and specific loops. "30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run. No water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot," explains a Shad Landing camper who noted the available utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Hollywood, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hollywood, MD is Trap Pond State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
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