Assateague State Park Bayside Campground

Bayside Campground sits on the Maryland section of Assateague Island, where 350 sites spread across dunes and maritime forest. The real draw here isn’t just the Atlantic beachfront — it’s the wild ponies that roam freely through camp, descendants of colonial livestock that’ve adapted to island life. Sites vary from exposed oceanfront spots to sheltered areas behind dunes, with bathhouses, cold-water showers, and potable water throughout. Summer fills fast with families, but shoulder seasons offer solitude with migrating birds and clearer night skies.

Access requires crossing the Route 50 bridge to the island, then following the park road to the campground. Mosquitoes can be brutal June through August, and nor’easters occasionally flood lower sites. No hookups available, but dump station on-site. Reserve well ahead for summer weekends — this place books solid from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Wild ponies and Atlantic surf on barrier island