Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Along the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the border of Virginia and Maryland, lies Assateague Island, famous not just for its resort-town appeal but also for its one-of-a-kind wild horses. The world-renowned wild ponies of Assateague are the descendants of domestic horses brought by European explorers and settlers centuries ago, and today, they roam the island freely just like the countless visitors who come for all the hiking, biking, boating, and fishing they can handle.
At the center of it all is Assateague Island National Seashore, which technically covers the entire island. The park’s campgrounds near Assateague Island, beaches, and trails are a testament to America’s dedication to preserving unique environments like this ever-evolving barrier island and the life it houses. Whether you’re interested in kicking back with a tropical drink and a bucket of crabs or getting out to explore the natural splendor of Assateague Island, there’s no better way to go than by rented RV. Here’s why.
what makes Assateague Island unique is also among the top reason to visit the National Seashore: the wild horses! Throughout the park, horses run free on the beaches, but they’re not alone. Deer also roam the islands, as do all manner of waterfowl. Seasonally, you might even catch a glimpse of a seal, though it’s best to keep your distance. For tips on spotting and photographing the wildlife of Assateague, visit the National Park Service website.
Of course, the wild horses aren’t the only horses you might see on Assateague Island. If you’re an equestrian at heart and have your own horses (or know where you can borrow one), you can embrace your inner cowboy and go horseback riding on certain designated areas of the beach at the National Seashore.
Have you ever dreamed of cutting loose and taking a drive where there are no roads or stoplights? On a 12-mile stretch of untouched beach at the National Seashore dubbed the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone, that’s exactly what you’ll be able to do. All you’ll need is your own vehicle that can handle driving on the loose sands (so your RV rental probably isn’t ideal for this excursion) and a visible OSV permit.
Permits last for a year and can be applied for online here; they range from $90 to $150 depending on the level you choose—the Standard Day Use permit only allows you to drive in the OSV from 5:00 AM to midnight, while an Overnight pass will let you park on the beach and do some excellent night fishing. For more information on OSV driving, including what NPS staff will and will not help you with in the event of a stuck vehicle, visit this webpage.
There are many designated boat launches on Assateague Island, making canoeing and kayaking one of the most popular pastimes at the National Seashore. Assateague Outfitters offers rentals on single kayaks, tandem kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes. You can take a boat out for just a few hours, a whole day, or even grab a long-term rental for a whole weekend.
In addition to rentals, Assateague Outfitters also does guided boating tours that are not to be missed. Check out the Wildlife Discovery Tour for an up-close-and-personal look at the island’s wild horses or a Sustainable Shellfishing Tour to snag your own seafood dinner. If you’d rather relax on your boat tour, Assateague Explorer takes you from Chincoteage to Assateague on its Sunset Wildlife Cruise, which often includes visits from the area’s local dolphin population.
There is plenty of fishing to be had on Assateague Island. Most campgrounds and resorts in the area have fishing piers, and there’s no shortage of spots to cast a line if you’re planning to bring a pole. But what Assateague Island National Seashore is most famous for is the wide variety of shellfishing locals and visitors alike enjoy. Visitors love to go clamming in the sands of the island’s beaches, but the true star of the Assateague fishing scene is the Maryland Blue Crab.
The National Park Service has a great page dedicated to preparing visitors to go crabbing when they arrive on the island. With a hand line, crab pot or trap, some bait, and a net, you’ll be well on your way to catching some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted. Be sure to check with the rangers at the park for current size limits and counts, and don’t forget the ruler so you can be sure you’re only keeping what’s allowed.
One thing there’s no shortage of on Assateague Island is good trails for hikers and bikers alike. In addition to the 37 miles of beach available to explore, there are both paved and unpaved trails crisscrossing the island perfect for hikers of any experience level to enjoy. Check out this handy trail map of the Maryland District of Assateague Island for walkways within the park.
On the paved trails, biking is also a great way to see the island. You can rent a bike from Assateague Outfitters just like any of their available boats for just a few hours at a time or for your entire stay in the area. There are connected paths and bridges that can take you anywhere on Assateague, back over the shore to mainland Maryland, and even to Chincoteague just over the Virginia border. Visit the NPS’s biking page for more information.
Within Assateague Island National Seashore, there are several campgrounds, but only two are accessible by vehicle. The first of these is Oceanside Drive-In, and the second is Bayside Drive-In. Reservations are required for a site in these campgrounds from March 15 through November 15 and can be made up to six months in advance, so you’ll have plenty of time to snag a spot early and plan your vacation with confidence. All campsites at Assateague Island National Seashore are $30 per night. For more information, visit the National Park Service’s webpage on camping at the Maryland side of Assateague Island.
If you’re looking for a true island getaway, Castaways RV Resort & Campground is the place for you. Enjoy the on-site tiki bar, excellent swimming pools, basketball court, and waterfront access all from the comfort of your own RV rental. You’ll feel like you’re equal parts on the island of the famed wild horses and also in your very own Caribbean resort with the park’s pastel beach house theming.
There are RV parks and then there are can’t-miss RV resorts. Frontier Town RV Resort & Campground is definitely one of the latter. Not only is it close to Assateague Island, not only does it have its own marina, fishing pier, swimming pool, and on-site bar and restaurant, but it also is home to the Frontier Town Water Park, Mini Golf, Western Theme Park, and High Ropes Adventure Park—all included in your stay.
Fifteen miles away from Assateague Island and neighboring Ocean City, Fort Whaley RV Resort & Campground is another spot located near the popular Frontier Town family destination. Here, you’ll get a little farther away from all the noise and activity, while still enjoying the luxury and unique Western themes of the Frontier Town area.