Bayside Drive-in Campground

For Maryland residents seeking an unparalleled outdoor adventure, the Bayside Drive-in Campground on Assateague Island National Seashore offers a truly unique and accessible camping experience. This cherished gem allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of one of Maryland's most iconic coastal destinations, providing the convenience of drive-in access coupled with the wild allure of Assateague. Here, you can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the bay, wake up to breathtaking sunrises, and embark on daily explorations where wild horses roam freely. It’s a perfect blend of convenience and wilderness, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, and individuals looking to connect with nature without venturing too far from home.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about Bayside Drive-in Campground, from its specific location and how to get there, to the amenities available and the unique features that set it apart. We'll also include valuable insights from fellow campers to help you prepare for a memorable and enjoyable stay in this remarkable Maryland setting. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are a returning enthusiast, our goal is to ensure you have all the facts to make your Assateague camping trip unforgettable.

The Bayside Drive-in Campground is strategically located within the Assateague Island National Seashore, specifically at Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA. This places it directly on Assateague Island, a captivating barrier island off the coast of Maryland. For residents across our state, accessing Assateague is straightforward, typically involving a drive along US-50 and then Route 611, leading directly to the island's entrance.

As a "drive-in" campground, Bayside offers the significant convenience of allowing you to park your vehicle directly at or very near your campsite. This makes setting up camp considerably easier, especially for those with more gear, pop-up campers, or RVs. The campground is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calm waters of the Bayside on the other, offering diverse environmental experiences just a short walk or bike ride away. It's also noted for being "not far from Ocean City," providing easy access to additional amenities, dining, and attractions while maintaining the peaceful ambiance of the island. The campground itself is generally well-maintained, contributing to its accessibility for a wide range of camping preferences.

Bayside Drive-in Campground, managed by the National Park Service, provides a range of essential services designed to enhance your camping experience while respecting the natural environment of Assateague Island.

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers clearly marked individual campsites, including both Loop B (where generators are allowed during specific hours) and Loop C (designated as a no-generator loop for a quieter experience), catering to different camper preferences.

• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and organizing your camping gear.

• Fire Rings with Grills: Designated fire rings with grills are provided at each site, allowing for safe campfires and cooking over an open flame. Campers are encouraged to bring locally sourced firewood to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water spigots are available at central locations within the campground loops, easily accessible from all campsites, which is crucial for health and convenience.

• Restroom Facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are available throughout the campground. It's important to note that these facilities do not have electricity, aligning with the natural setting, but are regularly cleaned. They typically feature flush toilets.

• Cold Water Showers: Unheated, cold water showers are available within the campground loops, offering a refreshing way to rinse off after a day at the beach or exploring the island. These are generally available seasonally.

• Trash and Recycling: Designated bins and areas for trash disposal and recycling are provided, promoting responsible waste management and helping to keep the beautiful island environment clean for all.

• Visitor Center and Ranger Support: While not directly within the campground, the Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Center is nearby, offering interpretive exhibits, information, and ranger assistance. Park staff are frequently present within the campground, contributing to safety and providing helpful information.

Bayside Drive-in Campground boasts a remarkable array of features and highlights that make it a truly special destination for Maryland residents looking to experience the best of Assateague Island.

• Wild Horses Everywhere: This is arguably the main attraction! Campers consistently report seeing the famous wild horses roaming throughout the campground, grazing near sites, and even wandering along the roads. While sporadic, these encounters are a magical highlight, offering unique photo opportunities and a genuine sense of being in a wild habitat. Remember to always maintain a respectful distance.

• Proximity to Both Ocean and Bay: The campground's location provides easy access to both the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean (via short trails or bike rides) and the calmer, serene waters of the Bayside. This dual access allows for a variety of water activities, from swimming and surfing on the ocean side to kayaking, crabbing, and fishing in the bay.

• Excellent Biking Opportunities: With well-maintained roads and short trails, the campground and surrounding park areas are fantastic for biking. This is a popular way to explore the island, observe wildlife, and access different sections of the beach or bay.

• Diverse Wildlife Viewing: Beyond the horses, Assateague is a haven for wildlife. Campers frequently spot numerous bird species (making it a birdwatcher's paradise), horseshoe crabs, deer, and other creatures, offering rich opportunities for nature observation.

• Stunning Sunsets: Being on the Bayside, the campground offers breathtaking sunset views over the calm waters, creating a peaceful and picturesque end to your day. This is often cited as a significant highlight by visitors.

• Temperamental Weather & Insect Preparedness: While the weather can be temperamental, experiencing all facets of coastal nature is part of the charm. Campers should be prepared for mosquitoes, which "can be very awful," especially during certain times of the year. Essential items like bug spray are highly recommended.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite the lack of electricity in bathrooms and cold showers, reviewers consistently praise the park staff for keeping the facilities "very well maintained and clean," ensuring a comfortable stay even with basic amenities.

• Scenic Short Trails: The campground is surrounded by short trails that are "worth seeing," offering easy opportunities for walks and further exploration of the island's unique flora and fauna.

The Bayside Drive-in Campground, as part of Assateague Island National Seashore, operates under the National Park Service fee structure. While it does not offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers," there are important considerations for reservations and passes that can be beneficial for Maryland residents planning their visit.

Campsite reservations are highly recommended and often essential, especially during peak season (spring through fall) and on weekends. Reservations can typically be made up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Given the popularity of Assateague, sites can fill up very quickly, so booking well in advance is crucial to secure your spot.

Regarding fees, while there is a nightly camping fee for Bayside Drive-in Campground, the park entrance fee (which is separate) can be covered by various National Park Service passes. For frequent visitors to national parks and federal recreational lands, an America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass can provide significant value by waiving entrance fees for a full year. Other specialized passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass for qualifying individuals, also offer entrance fee exemptions and sometimes discounts on camping fees (though typically not for every specific campground).

For the most current information on camping fees, availability, and specific regulations, including generator hours for Loop B, it is always best to consult the official National Park Service website for Assateague Island National Seashore (nps.gov/asis) or Recreation.gov.

For reservations, general inquiries, or further information about Bayside Drive-in Campground and Assateague Island National Seashore, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA

• Phone: (410) 641-3030

• Mobile Phone: +1 410-641-3030

• National Park Service Campground Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST)

• Online Reservations: www.recreation.gov

• Official Park Website: Search for "Assateague Island National Seashore NPS" to find their detailed website for current conditions, regulations, and additional contact information.

The Bayside Drive-in Campground on Assateague Island is an absolutely ideal camping destination for Maryland residents. Its unique blend of convenient drive-in access and profound natural immersion makes it stand out among local camping options. For those living across our state, the relatively short drive means more time enjoying the island and less time on the road. The ability to choose between generator-friendly Loop B and the quieter, generator-free Loop C caters to diverse preferences, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

What truly sets Bayside apart for locals is the unparalleled opportunity to interact with the wild horses, a hallmark of Assateague, which are often seen meandering right through the campground. This, coupled with the incredible biodiversity—from horseshoe crabs to numerous bird species—makes every moment an educational and awe-inspiring experience. While there are natural considerations like stickers, horse poop, and mosquitoes, these are inherent to the wild environment and are a small price to pay for such a unique connection to nature. The beautiful sunsets over the bay, the close proximity to both the ocean and the bay for various water activities, and the excellent biking trails all contribute to an enriching outdoor adventure. Even with basic facilities like cold showers and non-electric bathrooms, their consistent cleanliness, as noted by campers, speaks to the dedication of the park staff. This truly is a local treasure, offering Marylanders a peaceful yet adventurous escape to one of the most beautiful and wild places on the East Coast.