Oceanside Drive-In Campground

For Marylanders craving a truly unique and unforgettable camping experience, **Oceanside Drive-In Campground** on Assateague Island National Seashore in Berlin, MD, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature right by the Atlantic Ocean. This isn't just another campground; it's a chance to immerse yourself in a wild coastal environment, fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, and share your space with the island's legendary wild horses.

Oceanside Drive-In Campground provides a rustic yet incredibly rewarding outdoor adventure. Imagine waking up to the warmth of the morning sun, stepping out of your tent or RV, and being just a short walk over the dunes to the vast expanse of the beach. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the daily grind and embrace the raw beauty of Maryland's coastline. While it offers a more primitive camping experience without the full hookups found at some commercial campgrounds, it makes up for it with its unparalleled natural setting and the constant presence of the famous wild ponies roaming freely.

As visitors enthusiastically share, "Listening to the ocean while in the tent at night was perfect," and seeing "wild horses were fun to watch." This unique combination of beachfront proximity, wildlife encounters, and the peaceful ambiance of the waves makes Oceanside Drive-In Campground a highly sought-after destination for those who cherish authentic outdoor adventures. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a memorable family getaway, this campground promises an experience unlike any other in Maryland.

Oceanside Drive-In Campground is located within **Assateague Island National Seashore, near Berlin, MD 21811, USA**. This address places it on the Maryland side of Assateague Island, a barrier island renowned for its pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and, of course, its wild horses.

For Maryland residents, accessing Assateague Island and the Oceanside Drive-In Campground is relatively straightforward. From major population centers like Baltimore or Washington D.C., the drive typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, leading you directly to the island via Route 611 from Berlin. You'll cross the Verrazano Bridge to reach the island itself.

Upon arrival at 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 designed for "drive-in" access, meaning you can park your vehicle directly at your campsite. This makes setup convenient for both tent campers and RVs (though note there are no hookups). While you'll feel miles away from civilization, the nearby town of Berlin offers quick access to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and additional supplies, ensuring you have everything you need for your stay. The journey to the island is part of the charm, transitioning from bustling highways to scenic coastal roads before you enter the wild beauty of Assateague.

Services Offered:

• **Drive-In Campsites:** Sites are available for tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles (RVs). Campers can park their vehicle directly at their site.
• **No Hookups:** It's important to note that these are primitive sites, and no electric, water, or sewer hookups are provided. Campers must be self-sufficient regarding power and water.
• **Picnic Tables:** Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for comfortable outdoor dining.
• **Fire Rings:** Designated fire rings are available at each site for campfires and cooking (always check for fire bans).
• **Chemical Toilets/Vault Toilets:** Restroom facilities are primarily chemical or vault toilets, offering a basic but functional option.
• **Seasonal Cold Water Showers:** Outdoor, unheated showers are available seasonally (typically mid-March through mid-November) for rinsing off sand after a day at the beach. As noted in reviews, these are cold.
• **Drinking Water:** Potable drinking water is available at central locations within the campground (check for seasonal availability, especially in colder months).
• **Food Storage Lockers:** Provided at sites to securely store food away from the wild horses.
• **Dump Station:** A year-round dump station is available for RVs.
• **Trash/Recycling Collection:** Available year-round.

Features / Highlights:

• **Wild Horse Encounters:** The most iconic feature is the chance to see the famous wild horses roaming freely through the campground loops and along the beach. Remember to keep a safe distance (at least a school bus length) and never feed them.
• **Ocean Proximity:** Campsites are just a short walk (over the dunes) to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing for easy access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing.
• **Sound of the Ocean:** Enjoy falling asleep and waking up to the soothing sound of ocean waves.
• **Stargazing:** Away from significant light pollution, the night sky over Assateague Island offers incredible opportunities for stargazing.
• **Unique Coastal Ecosystem:** Immerse yourself in a barrier island environment, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife beyond the horses, including sika deer, various bird species, and ghost crabs.
• **Beach Activities:** Excellent opportunities for surf fishing, swimming, shell collecting, and simply relaxing on the expansive beach.
• **Nearby Hiking & Biking Trails:** Assateague Island offers several miles of paved and unpaved trails for hiking and biking, allowing for further exploration of the island's unique habitats.
• **Rustic Charm:** While amenities are basic, the rustic nature of the campground enhances the feeling of being truly immersed in a wild, natural setting.

Oceanside Drive-In Campground operates within Assateague Island National Seashore, a unit of the National Park Service. Therefore, "promotions" are not typically offered in the commercial sense. However, there are a few important considerations regarding fees and booking:

• **Camping Fees:** Sites are generally $40 per night.
• **Park Entrance Fee:** An additional entrance fee of $25 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or an America the Beautiful Pass is required to enter the National Seashore, beyond the camping fee.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended and often required, especially from **March 15 through November 15**. Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance via **Recreation.gov**. Weekends, in particular, tend to book up almost immediately when they become available.
• **First-Come, First-Served:** From **November 16 through March 14**, Oceanside Drive-In campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• **Pass Discounts:** A 50% discount on camping fees is available for campers with a Golden Age, Interagency Senior, Golden Access, or Interagency Access passport.

For Marylanders planning a trip, the key "promotion" is the access to this incredible natural treasure at a reasonable National Park Service rate. Booking well in advance through Recreation.gov is crucial to secure your desired dates, especially during peak seasons.

Contact Information:

Address: Berlin, MD 21811, USA (This refers to the general area of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland)

Phone: (410) 641-3030 (This is the phone number for Assateague Island National Seashore)

Mobile Phone: +1 410-641-3030

For Maryland locals, Oceanside Drive-In Campground offers an unparalleled coastal camping experience right in our backyard. Its unique blend of direct beach access, the enchanting presence of wild horses, and the raw beauty of a National Seashore make it a truly special destination. While reviews highlight some rustic elements like cold showers and the prevalence of sand (which is, after all, part of beach camping!), these aspects contribute to the authentic, wild feel that many campers seek.

It’s an ideal spot for those who are ready to embrace a more primitive camping style, prioritizing natural beauty and wildlife encounters over extensive modern amenities. The convenience of being able to drive directly to your site, combined with the easy access to the ocean, makes it perfect for families, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts. For a unique getaway that truly allows you to disconnect from city life and immerse yourself in one of Maryland's most iconic natural landscapes, Oceanside Drive-In Campground on Assateague Island National Seashore is an absolute must-visit. It’s a place where unforgettable memories are made under the vast coastal sky, with the whispers of the ocean and the silent presence of wild horses for company.

Oceanside Drive-In Campground

Berlin, MD 21811, USA