Bayside Drive-in Campground

For Marylanders seeking a truly distinctive and tranquil camping experience by the water, **Bayside Drive-in Campground** on Assateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, MD, offers a captivating escape. This campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a barrier island, with the added charm of sharing your space with the island's iconic wild horses. Unlike the more exposed ocean-side campsites, Bayside offers a serene atmosphere with views of the calmer Sinepuxent Bay, providing a different, yet equally enchanting, coastal adventure.

Bayside Drive-in Campground is designed for campers who appreciate a rustic yet accessible outdoor experience. As visitors consistently note, it offers a "beautiful location" that is "so peaceful," blending the best of both worlds with the "Ocean one side, Bayside on the other." You can wake up to stunning bay sunrises, spend your days exploring the diverse ecosystems, and fall asleep under a vast, star-filled sky, far from the light pollution of urban areas. While the amenities are designed to be respectful of the natural environment, they provide everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The true allure of Bayside is its unparalleled natural setting. The constant, yet sporadic, presence of the wild horses roaming freely through the loops adds an element of wonder to every moment. Beyond the horses, the campground provides access to a rich environment teeming with horseshoe crabs, a myriad of bird species, and other coastal wildlife. Whether you're an avid cyclist, a keen birdwatcher, or simply looking to unwind by the water, Bayside Drive-in Campground promises a memorable and rejuvenating escape right here on Maryland’s beloved Assateague Island.

Bayside Drive-in Campground is located within **Assateague Island National Seashore, specifically on Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA**. This address places it on the bay side of Assateague Island, a renowned barrier island famous for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and, most notably, its wild horses.

For Maryland residents, accessing Assateague Island and the Bayside Drive-in Campground is a straightforward journey. From major population centers like Baltimore or Washington D.C., the drive typically takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. You'll take Route 50 East towards Ocean City, then turn onto Route 611 South (Stephen Decatur Highway), which leads directly to the island via the Verrazano Bridge. The scenic drive sets the stage for your coastal getaway, transitioning from inland landscapes to the unique beauty of the shore.

Upon entering Assateague Island National Seashore, you'll need to pay an entrance fee (or present an annual pass) in addition to your camping fees. The campground is aptly named "Drive-in," meaning you can park your vehicle, trailer, or RV directly at your assigned campsite. This convenience makes setting up camp much easier. Bayside is noted for its "more spacious sites" compared to some other loops, offering a bit more room between campers. While you'll feel pleasantly secluded, the campground's proximity to Berlin, MD, and Ocean City, MD, means essential services, restaurants, and additional attractions are just a short drive away. This balance of wild tranquility and practical accessibility makes Bayside Drive-in Campground an excellent choice for Marylanders seeking a genuine outdoor experience.

Services Offered:

• **Drive-In Campsites:** Sites are available for tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles (RVs) up to 60 feet in length. Campers can park their vehicle directly on the paved driveway at their site.
• **No Hookups:** These are primitive sites; no electric, water, or sewer hookups are provided. Campers must be self-sufficient.
• **Generator-Friendly and Generator-Free Loops:** Bayside offers different loops; Loop B is specifically designated as a "Generator-Free Zone," catering to those who prefer absolute quiet, while other loops allow generators during specific hours (6 AM to 10 PM).
• **Picnic Tables:** Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for convenient outdoor dining.
• **Fire Rings with Grills:** Designated fire rings with grills are available at each site for campfires and cooking (always check for fire bans and use locally purchased firewood).
• **Vault Toilets:** Restroom facilities are provided in the form of clean and well-maintained vault toilets, available year-round.
• **Seasonal Cold Water Showers:** Outdoor, unheated showers are available seasonally (typically mid-March through mid-November) for rinsing off sand and salt after beach activities. As noted in reviews, these are cold.
• **Potable Drinking Water:** Centralized spigots for potable drinking water are available within the campground (check for seasonal availability, especially in colder months).
• **Food Storage Lockers:** Provided at sites to securely store food away from the inquisitive wild horses and other wildlife.
• **Dump Station:** A year-round dump station is available for RVs.
• **Trash/Recycling Collection:** Available year-round for proper waste disposal.
• **Camp Store (Seasonal):** A camp store may be available seasonally for basic supplies, ice, and firewood.

Features / Highlights:

• **Wild Horse Encounters:** The star attraction! Campers frequently see the famous wild horses wandering through the campground loops, grazing nearby, and even interacting with unattended items (hence the food storage rules).
• **Bay-Side Serenity:** Offers a quieter, more sheltered camping experience compared to the ocean-side, with beautiful views of the Sinepuxent Bay and its marshlands.
• **Proximity to Ocean Beach:** While on the bay side, the ocean beach is just a short walk (over the road and dunes) away, providing easy access to swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
• **Stunning Sunsets:** The bay side location is ideal for witnessing breathtaking sunsets over the water.
• **Diverse Wildlife Viewing:** Beyond the horses, the bay environment is rich with horseshoe crabs, numerous bird species (including waterfowl), and sika deer, offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation.
• **Excellent Biking & Kayaking:** The calm bay waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, and the island offers miles of paved and unpaved trails for cycling. "It is a great place to bike ride as well."
• **Crab Fishing & Clamming:** Opportunities for recreational crabbing and clamming in the bay waters, adding a unique activity to your camping trip.
• **Peaceful Atmosphere:** Many reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the Bayside loops, especially the generator-free zone, making it ideal for relaxation.
• **Clean & Well-Maintained Facilities:** Despite being rustic, the restrooms are noted as "very well maintained and clean."

As part of Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), Bayside Drive-in Campground operates under specific fee structures rather than traditional commercial "promotions."

However, for Marylanders, the "promotion" is the consistent access to this incredible natural resource at standard National Park Service rates.

• **Camping Fee:** Individual sites at Bayside Drive-in Campground are $40 per night.
• **Park Entrance Fee:** An additional entrance fee for Assateague Island National Seashore is required for each vehicle. This fee is typically $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or can be covered by an America the Beautiful Pass.
• **Reservations:** Reservations for Bayside Drive-in Campground are highly recommended and are required year-round. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance via **Recreation.gov**. Due to the campground's popularity, especially on weekends and during peak season (March 15 through November 15), sites often book up immediately upon becoming available. It is advisable to plan your trip and reserve your site precisely when your desired dates open up.
• **Pass Discounts:** Campers holding an America the Beautiful - Senior Pass or Access Pass are eligible for a 50% discount on the camping fee for the site they personally occupy.

While there are no flash sales or coupon codes, the value lies in securing a spot at one of Maryland's most iconic and sought-after camping destinations, offering an unparalleled blend of coastal beauty and wild encounters.

Contact Information:

Address: Assateague Island National Seashore, Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA (This indicates the general location within the National Seashore).

Phone: (410) 641-3030 (This is the main phone number for Assateague Island National Seashore, which manages the campground).

Mobile Phone: +1 410-641-3030

For Maryland locals, Bayside Drive-in Campground on Assateague Island is an exceptionally suitable destination for a truly memorable coastal camping experience. Its unique location on the bay side offers a distinct tranquility and more sheltered environment compared to its ocean-side counterpart, while still providing easy access to the crashing waves of the Atlantic. The primary draw, of course, is the captivating presence of the wild horses, offering an unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunity right from your campsite.

Despite the rustic nature of the amenities (like cold showers and the natural presence of sand and horse droppings, as noted by reviewers), these elements contribute to the authentic wilderness experience that makes Assateague so special. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate a less commercialized camping trip, valuing natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and peaceful bay views. With opportunities for biking, kayaking, crabbing, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, Bayside Drive-in Campground offers Marylanders a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, right at our very own extraordinary coastline. It's a place you'll "absolutely love" and "would 100% come back to."

Bayside Drive-in Campground

Assateague Island National Seashore, Bayside Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA