Assateague State Park | Ocean City

Assateague State Park, located on the northern end of Assateague Island in Worcester County, Maryland, is the only State Park on the island and sits adjacent to the Assateague Island National Seashore. Renowned for its wide sandy beaches, wild horses, and camping by the sea, the park offers a more structured and accessible entry point to the barrier island experience while preserving its wild character.

Geographical Setting

Situated on a narrow barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Sinepuxent Bay to the west, the park encompasses approximately 855 acres. It offers two miles of undeveloped beachfront, backed by dunes and maritime forests, creating a natural playground for visitors while also serving as habitat for diverse coastal species.

Key Features and Amenities

1. Oceanfront Beach Area

The beach is the park’s main attraction: wide, open, and unspoiled, with soft sand and rolling surf.

Designated swimming areas are patrolled by lifeguards during summer months.

The beach is also open to surf fishing, beachcombing, kite flying, and picnicking.

Facilities include restrooms, changing areas, rinse-off showers, and shaded pavilions.

2. Bayside Activities

The calmer Sinepuxent Bay side is ideal for paddling, crabbing, and kayaking.

A public boat launch and pier support small non-motorized craft like canoes and SUP boards.

Marsh trails and observation points allow visitors to watch osprey, herons, and waterfowl.

Wildlife – Including the Famous Horses

Assateague State Park shares its territory with the island’s feral wild horses. Though they often roam freely across dunes, marshes, and even the campgrounds, they are completely wild and should not be approached, fed, or touched.

Other notable wildlife species include:

Sika deer (an introduced Asian species adapted to the marsh)

Red foxes

Ghost crabs

Migratory birds and shorebirds, especially during spring and fall migration

Camping at Assateague State Park

The park is one of the most popular beach camping destinations in the mid-Atlantic. It features:

350 campsites, many of which are oceanside or just behind the dunes.

Options for both tent and RV camping, with loops designated for generator use and non-generator zones for quiet campers.

Electric hookups are available on a limited number of sites.

Modern bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets are located throughout the campground.

Accessible campsites are available and designed for those with mobility challenges.

Campers often enjoy stunning sunrises over the ocean, star-filled skies at night, and encounters with wildlife right at their tent doors. Summer reservations are highly sought after and should be made months in advance.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

While the park is mostly beach and open dunes, several short nature trails are accessible either from the park or adjacent National Seashore lands:

Life of the Marsh Trail (short drive into the National Seashore): Offers an interpretive boardwalk through the salt marsh habitat.

Bay paddling trails: Informal routes along the Sinepuxent Bay for kayakers to explore tidal inlets and observe aquatic vegetation and birdlife.

Biking is also allowed on park roads and the paved bike path that extends into the National Seashore.

Interpretive Programs and Visitor Services

The park offers seasonal ranger programs during summer, including:

Evening campfire talks

Junior Ranger activities

Guided nature walks

Crabbing and seining demonstrations in the bay

A small park store and snack bar is located near the beach and offers firewood, drinks, light groceries, and beach supplies.

Seasons and Visitor Tips

Summer is the most popular time, ideal for swimming and camping, but also the busiest. Bugs, especially mosquitoes and biting flies, can be intense-bug spray and proper netting are essential.

Spring and fall offer milder weather, better wildlife watching, and fewer crowds.

Winter is quiet and peaceful, with beachcombing and solitude, but many facilities are closed.

Regulations and Conservation Efforts

Feeding or touching the wild horses is illegal and dangerous.

All garbage must be stored securely-horses will rifle through coolers and trash.

Fires are permitted only in designated rings.

Stay on marked paths and roads to protect the fragile dune system and nesting bird habitats.

The park cooperates closely with the National Park Service and local conservation groups to monitor and protect the island's sensitive ecosystems.

Access and Fees

Entrance Fee: Per vehicle (daily) or covered by annual Maryland Park Pass.

Camping Fee: Varies by site type and amenities; reservations can be made via the Maryland Park Service reservation system.

Open Year-Round, though services are limited from late fall through early spring.

Conclusion

Assateague State Park offers a raw and authentic barrier island experience with the convenience of modern facilities. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy natural beaches, observe wildlife in its element, and camp beside the sea, all while supporting a state-managed preserve that maintains the balance between recreation and ecological stewardship. Whether you come for the wild horses, the Atlantic surf, or a starry night by a seaside campfire, Assateague State Park delivers a memorable and meaningful coastal adventure.