Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground

For Maryland locals who truly crave an escape into the wild, far from the crowds and conveniences of modern life, Back Country Camping at Tingles Island Campground offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the breathtaking Assateague Island National Seashore, this isn't your typical drive-up campsite. Instead, it promises an immersive, primitive adventure, perfect for those ready to unplug and reconnect with nature on Maryland’s iconic barrier island.

Many Marylanders cherish our state's diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast. Assateague Island stands out as a unique natural treasure, and its backcountry camping opportunities, like Tingles Island, provide a rare chance to experience its raw beauty firsthand. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the bay, observing wild horses roaming freely, and enjoying sunsets over the marshlands, all from a secluded spot accessible only by foot or paddle.

This article is designed for adventurous Marylanders considering a backcountry trip to Tingles Island Campground. We'll delve into its specific location and how to access this remote paradise, outline the essential services provided (and importantly, what is not), highlight the unique features that make it so special, and provide crucial contact information for planning your unforgettable journey. Prepare to discover why Tingles Island Campground is the ultimate destination for a truly authentic Maryland wilderness camping experience.

Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground is located within the Maryland section of Assateague Island National Seashore, with its general address listed as Maryland 21811, USA. Assateague Island is a barrier island extending from Maryland into Virginia, famous for its wild horses and pristine, undeveloped beaches. Tingles Island is specifically one of the four bayside backcountry camping areas on the Maryland side of the island, alongside Pine Tree, Green Run, and Pope Bay. There are also two oceanside backcountry sites (Little Levels and State Line).

The accessibility of Tingles Island Campground is a defining feature of its primitive nature. This is not a drive-in site. It is exclusively open to "backpackers and those in hand-paddled watercraft." This means:

• Paddle-In Access: Tingles Island is located on the Chincoteague Bay side of Assateague Island. As described by a reviewer, the paddle to Tingles Island can be around 2.5 miles from the canoe rental area or Old Ferry Landing/Bayside Picnic Area parking. Navigation is generally straightforward, with signs guiding to the landing site.
• Hike-In Access: While primarily a paddle-in site, all backcountry sites are open to hikers as well. Backpackers' vehicles park at North Beach on the Maryland side. This means carrying all your gear, including drinking water, across sandy terrain to your campsite. Expect a walk of varying distance depending on your departure point.
• No Motorized Transport: It is strictly prohibited to transport campers or any equipment by motorized boat or vehicle (including vehicles with Over-Sand Vehicle permits) to backcountry sites. This policy reinforces the primitive nature and preserves the tranquility of these areas.
• Permit Required for Entry: Access to Tingles Island, like all Assateague backcountry sites, requires a permit. These permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of departure at the Ranger Station in Maryland. Permits are valid for seven days, and all members of your party must be present when obtaining the permit. This policy means advance reservations are not accepted due to unpredictable weather conditions, adding an element of spontaneity to your trip planning.
• Departure Time Restrictions: There are specific check-in times based on sunset; for Tingles Island from Maryland, permits must be obtained 2 hours before sunset.

This challenging yet rewarding accessibility ensures that Tingles Island remains a serene and truly wild destination, offering a unique opportunity to experience Assateague Island's untouched beauty.

Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground provides a minimalist set of services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and immersion in the natural environment. As a primitive backcountry site, campers should arrive fully prepared for an experience without modern conveniences.

• Designated Campsites: Tingles Island offers a specific, designated camping area. While it's a "backcountry" site, there are clear boundaries for camping. It is a bayside site, typically located in forested areas, and can accommodate up to 25 people or multiple groups, meaning you might share the area with other campers.
• Picnic Table: Each backcountry campsite, including Tingles Island, is equipped with a picnic table. This provides a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining, a welcome amenity after a hike or paddle.
• Fire Ring: A fire ring is provided at bayside sites like Tingles Island. This allows for contained campfires, essential for cooking and warmth. Campers are reminded that only dead wood on the ground may be collected for firewood, and driftwood can be scarce. Burning trash is strictly prohibited.
• Chemical Toilet: To minimize environmental impact, a chemical toilet is provided at each backcountry site. While basic, this offers a designated sanitation facility.
• No Fresh Water: A crucial detail for all backcountry sites, including Tingles Island, is that "No fresh water is available at any backcountry site." Campers must carry in all their drinking water, with one gallon per person per day being the recommended minimum. Non-potable water for washing might be available at the Ranger Station.
• No Electricity: There are no electrical hookups at Tingles Island. Campers must rely on their own power sources (e.g., solar chargers, power banks) for any electronic devices.
• Permit Issuance: The National Park Service facilitates access by issuing required permits at the Ranger Station. This service manages visitor impact and ensures a regulated, sustainable primitive camping experience.
• Emergency 9-1-1 Only Phone: Cell phone service may be unavailable in the backcountry. An emergency 9-1-1 Only phone is located on the east side of the Ranger Station adjacent to Bayberry Drive, providing a critical safety measure.

Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground offers unique features and highlights that set it apart, appealing specifically to those who seek an authentic, minimalist, and deeply immersive wilderness experience on the Maryland coast.

• Secluded Wilderness Setting: The primary highlight is its untouched, backcountry nature. Accessible only by paddling or backpacking, Tingles Island provides a profound sense of solitude and remoteness, a stark contrast to more developed campgrounds. It allows campers to truly "leave the riff raff behind."
• Wild Horse Sightings: Assateague Island is world-renowned for its wild horses. While they roam freely across the island, backcountry campers often have unique opportunities to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, adding an unparalleled element of wonder to the experience. Remember, "It's the horses island not ours," so maintain distance.
• Bayside Beauty and Views: Tingles Island is a bayside site, located in a "marshy, sand barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean." It offers stunning views of the Chincoteague Bay, particularly at sunset. The forested areas surrounding bayside sites provide some shade, unlike the more open oceanside sites.
• Immersive Natural Sounds: Away from artificial light and noise, campers at Tingles Island are treated to the authentic symphony of nature. This includes "lots of great bird and wildlife sounds at night," providing a truly peaceful and captivating backdrop to your stay.
• Unique Access by Paddle or Foot: The requirement to backpack or paddle in is a highlight for adventure seekers. It ensures a more challenging and rewarding journey, limiting crowds and preserving the pristine nature of the site. The paddle across Chincoteague Bay can be an adventure in itself, offering views of ponies Browse on small islands.
• Authentic Primitive Camping: For those who prefer a "back to basics" approach, the lack of modern amenities (no electricity, no potable water at site) is a feature, not a drawback. It encourages self-reliance, resourcefulness, and a deeper connection with the outdoor environment.
• Rich Birdwatching Opportunities: Assateague Island is a significant bird habitat. Bayside areas like Tingles Island are particularly rich for birdwatching, with many species frequenting the marshes and forested areas. Birders can spot diverse avian life right from their campsite.
• Proximity to Ocean Beach: While a bayside site, the island's narrowness means campers can often access the ocean side via short trails, allowing for enjoyment of both bay and ocean environments, including "swimming, sunning and frolicking across the sandy hills."
• Environmental Preservation: The strict regulations and permit system ensure the preservation of this delicate ecosystem. By adhering to "Pack It In, Pack It Out" principles (no burning, burying, or throwing trash into toilets) and respecting wildlife, campers contribute to maintaining the island's unspoiled beauty for future generations.

For a unique, primitive backcountry camping experience like Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground, "promotions or special offers" are not typically in the form of commercial discounts or seasonal sales. Instead, the "value" and "offers" are inherent in the pricing structure set by the National Park Service, designed to provide accessible outdoor recreation while supporting the preservation of Assateague Island National Seashore.

Here's a breakdown of what constitutes the "promotions" or advantages when considering a trip to Tingles Island:

• Affordable Backcountry Permit Fee: There is a modest fee for a backcountry permit. While some sources indicate a fee of "$10 per person" for a 7-day permit (for ages 16 and older), it is important to verify the most current pricing with the National Park Service. This low fee represents an exceptional value for accessing such a unique and protected wilderness area for an extended period.
• Park Entrance Fee: In addition to the backcountry permit, an entrance fee per vehicle is required to enter Assateague Island National Seashore. This is a standard fee for national parks and goes towards the maintenance and operation of the park. For frequent visitors, purchasing an annual park pass (e.g., America the Beautiful Pass) can offer significant savings by waiving the entrance fee for a full year.
• Senior and Access Pass Discounts: Campers with a Golden Age, Interagency Senior, Golden Access, or Interagency Access passport are eligible for a 50% discount on certain camping fees. While the specific application to backcountry permits should be confirmed, these passes generally provide excellent value for eligible individuals, making access to national park lands even more affordable.
• Unparalleled Wilderness Experience at a Low Cost: The true "promotion" is the opportunity to experience an untouched coastal wilderness, complete with wild horses and immense solitude, at a fraction of the cost of private glamping resorts or commercial campgrounds. This primitive camping option prioritizes access to nature over amenities, offering an invaluable experience for a minimal financial outlay.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: While not a traditional "promotion," the first-come, first-served policy for backcountry permits on the day of departure can be seen as an advantage for spontaneous adventurers. It means that while you can't book months ahead, if you're flexible and arrive early on your desired departure day, you have a direct shot at securing a permit, regardless of how far in advance others may have planned their trips. This provides a fair opportunity for all visitors.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, permits, and any relevant pass programs, it is always recommended to consult the official National Park Service website for Assateague Island National Seashore or contact the Ranger Station directly.

To plan your backcountry adventure to Tingles Island Campground within Assateague Island National Seashore, all inquiries regarding permits, regulations, and access should be directed to the National Park Service, which manages the Maryland portion of the island.

Address: Maryland 21811, USA (This general address refers to the location of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland. For permit acquisition, you will need to go to the Ranger Station just inside the park entrance on the Maryland side.)

Phone: (410) 656-9453

Mobile Phone: +1 410-656-9453

These phone numbers connect you to the Assateague Island National Seashore information line. When calling, be specific about your interest in "Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground." Park rangers and staff can provide essential details on:

• Current Permit Availability: While permits are first-come, first-served on the day of departure, calling ahead might offer insights into typical demand or best times to arrive.
• Operating Hours for Permit Issuance: Confirm the hours the Ranger Station is open for obtaining backcountry permits, especially regarding the requirement to obtain permits several hours before sunset for some sites.
• Latest Regulations: Stay informed about any changes to backcountry camping regulations, fire restrictions, pet policies (pets are generally prohibited in backcountry sites), and wildlife interaction guidelines (especially regarding the wild horses).
• Weather Conditions and Advisories: Assateague's weather can be unpredictable. Calling before your trip can provide crucial updates on conditions, insect prevalence, and any closures or warnings.
• Water Sources and Emergency Information: Get clarification on non-potable water access points (usually at the Ranger Station) and locations of emergency phones or other safety resources.
• Directions: While the address is general, the staff can provide precise directions to the Ranger Station and parking areas for backcountry access (North Beach for backpackers, Old Ferry Landing or Bayside Picnic Area for paddlers).

It is highly recommended to speak directly with park staff to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for a safe and enjoyable backcountry camping experience at Tingles Island.

For adventurous Marylanders seeking a truly unique and unfiltered outdoor experience, Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground within Assateague Island National Seashore is an exceptionally suitable and rewarding destination. It caters to a specific desire for solitude, self-reliance, and a profound connection with one of our state's most iconic natural wonders.

Firstly, its primitive nature is a major draw for locals who have "been there, camped that" at more developed sites. The requirement to backpack or paddle in ensures that only the most dedicated and prepared outdoor enthusiasts reach Tingles Island. This accessibility barrier creates a natural filter, resulting in a tranquil environment where you are truly immersed in the sounds and sights of nature, far removed from the noise and light pollution of urban or even standard campground settings. For Marylanders who cherish quiet contemplation and raw natural beauty, this seclusion is invaluable.

Secondly, the unparalleled wildlife experience, particularly the wild horses, makes Tingles Island an iconic Maryland destination. Being able to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, often roaming close to your campsite, is a truly magical and memorable experience that few other places offer. The abundance of birdlife and other coastal creatures further enhances the sense of being in a wild, thriving ecosystem. This direct interaction with nature fosters a deeper appreciation for Maryland's unique environmental treasures.

Finally, the challenge and self-sufficiency required for backcountry camping appeal to the adventurous spirit prevalent among many Maryland outdoor enthusiasts. From carrying in all your own water to managing without electricity, Tingles Island encourages resourcefulness and fosters a deeper appreciation for the simple necessities of life. It’s an opportunity to test your outdoor skills, build resilience, and gain confidence in a truly wild setting, all within a reasonable distance from Maryland's population centers. For those looking to genuinely disconnect, embrace the wild, and create unforgettable memories, Tingles Island Campground is not just a campsite; it’s an authentic Maryland wilderness adventure waiting to be explored.