Pine Tree

For Marylanders who yearn for an authentic wilderness experience, far removed from the bustle of crowded campgrounds, the Pine Tree Backcountry Site on Assateague Island National Seashore offers a unique and highly sought-after opportunity. This isn't your typical drive-up camping spot; it's a destination for those prepared to embrace a more primitive and self-reliant outdoor adventure, rewarded with unparalleled serenity and a deep connection to one of Maryland's most iconic natural landscapes. If the idea of sleeping under a canopy of pines with the sounds of the ocean nearby, and possibly spotting wild ponies, excites you, then Pine Tree is calling.

Introduction / Overview

The Pine Tree Backcountry Site is one of several primitive, designated campsites located within the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore. Unlike the developed campgrounds closer to the entrance, Pine Tree offers a true backcountry experience, accessible primarily by hiking or paddling in. It's nestled within a pine forest, providing a natural buffer from the coastal winds and offering welcome shade – a rare commodity on a barrier island. This site is specifically for tent camping and emphasizes minimal impact, requiring campers to pack in all their necessities and pack out all their waste. It's a haven for experienced campers, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts who prioritize solitude, wildlife viewing (including the famous wild ponies and diverse waterfowl), and a deep immersion in Assateague's unique ecosystem. The reviews highlight its idyllic setting on a bed of pine needles, offering a peaceful reprieve and a genuine backcountry night.

Location and Accessibility

Pine Tree Backcountry Site is located on Assateague Island National Seashore, specifically reachable from the Maryland side, with the general park address being 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA. However, it's crucial to understand that this address is for the Assateague Island National Seashore visitor center and main park entrance, not the campsite itself.

For Marylanders, accessing Assateague Island National Seashore is straightforward. From areas like Baltimore, Annapolis, or Washington D.C., you would typically take US-50 East towards Ocean City, then follow signs for Assateague Island. The park entrance is just south of Ocean City, near Berlin, MD.

Reaching the Pine Tree Backcountry Site, however, requires a different approach. These are hike-in (or paddle-in) sites. According to park information, Pine Tree is one of the oceanside backcountry sites, meaning it requires a significant hike along the beach and dunes. Campers must park at a designated area (often the North Beach Ranger Station) and then carry all their gear for several miles to reach the site. The reviews indicate it's approximately a "6-mile hike-in campsite." Access to these sites is not by vehicle, and reservations or permits must be obtained in-person on the day of your planned camping at the Ranger Station. This deliberate inaccessibility contributes to its secluded and pristine nature, making it a reward for those willing to make the effort.

Services Offered

As a backcountry campsite, Pine Tree offers extremely limited services, aligning with its primitive nature and the "Leave No Trace" principles of Assateague Island National Seashore:

• Designated Tent Site: The site is a marked clearing within the pine forest, providing a relatively flat area for pitching tents. Reviews confirm a "bed of pine needles" and a "pine forest offered welcome reprieve."

• Picnic Table: Each designated backcountry site typically includes a rustic picnic table.

• Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is provided for safe campfires. Campers must bring their own firewood or collect dead and downed wood from the immediate area (always check for fire bans).

• Compost Toilets (Privies): Basic compost toilets (outhouses) are generally available at backcountry sites, but campers should still be prepared with their own hygiene supplies.

• No Potable Water: There is absolutely no fresh or potable water available at backcountry sites. Campers are required to carry in all the water they will need for their entire trip (minimum of one gallon per person per day is recommended).

• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups. This is a primitive tent-only site.

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: All trash and waste must be carried out by the campers. There are no trash receptacles at the backcountry sites.

• Wildlife Food Storage: While not a service, campers are required to properly store all food and scented items to prevent interactions with the wild ponies and other wildlife. Bear-resistant containers or hanging methods are highly recommended, though wild ponies are the primary concern here.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Pine Tree Backcountry Site lie in its raw beauty and the immersive wilderness experience it provides:

• Secluded Wilderness Experience: This is a key draw. Being a hike-in site, it offers a level of solitude and quiet that is rarely found in drive-up campgrounds. It's perfect for truly disconnecting and experiencing nature.

• Pine Forest Environment: Unlike the exposed beach camping, Pine Tree is nestled within a pine forest. This provides natural shade, a softer ground for tents (pine needles!), and a crucial windbreak from the ocean breezes, making for a more comfortable experience.

• Proximity to Wild Ponies: Assateague Island is famous for its wild horses. While not guaranteed, campers at Pine Tree have a higher chance of encountering these majestic animals in their natural habitat, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities (remember to maintain a safe distance and never feed them).

• Ocean and Dune Access: Despite being in the pines, the site is very close to the ocean and dunes, allowing for easy hikes to the beach for sunrise, beachcombing, or simply enjoying the vastness of the Atlantic.

• Birdwatching & Waterfowl Sightings: The island is a haven for migratory birds and waterfowl. The hike across the dunes to the site, and the surrounding environment, provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

• Stargazing: Away from the light pollution of towns, the night sky over Assateague Island is often spectacular, offering incredible opportunities for stargazing.

• "Right Choice for a Backcountry Night": As noted in reviews, this site delivers on its promise of a genuine, memorable backcountry experience, appealing to those seeking authenticity over amenities.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a designated backcountry campsite within Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service (NPS), Pine Tree does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground would.

The "offer" here is the unique and invaluable opportunity to experience a protected wilderness area at a very low cost. Backcountry camping on Assateague Island typically requires a permit, which usually involves a nominal fee per person per night. This fee contributes to the maintenance and management of the park's resources.

Instead of promotions, the NPS focuses on ensuring responsible use and preservation of these fragile environments. Visitors with certain national park passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass or the Interagency Senior/Access Pass, may receive discounts on park entrance fees, but the backcountry camping permit fees are typically separate.

Always check the official Assateague Island National Seashore website or contact the park directly for the most current information on permit fees, availability, and specific regulations before planning your trip.

Contact Information

Since Pine Tree is a backcountry site within Assateague Island National Seashore, there isn't a direct phone number for the specific campsite. All inquiries and permit requests for backcountry camping are handled by the National Park Service.

To obtain information or permits for Pine Tree Backcountry Site, you should contact the Assateague Island National Seashore Ranger Station on the Maryland side:

Primary Contact for Assateague Island National Seashore (MD Side):

Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA (for the Visitor Center/Park Entrance)

Phone: (410) 641-1441 (This is the main park phone number. You may need to navigate an automated system or ask to speak with someone regarding backcountry permits.)

Website: The official National Park Service website for Assateague Island National Seashore (www.nps.gov/asis) is the best resource for detailed information on backcountry camping regulations, safety guidelines, and permit requirements.

Remember, backcountry camping permits are typically obtained in-person on the day you wish to camp, and all members of your party may need to be present. It is crucial to confirm these details directly with the park before your trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Marylanders, the Pine Tree Backcountry Site on Assateague Island National Seashore represents an unparalleled opportunity for a genuine and immersive wilderness experience right in their backyard. While it demands a higher level of preparation and self-sufficiency than traditional campgrounds, the rewards are immense.

Its proximity to major population centers in Maryland, combined with the unique escape it offers, makes it an ideal destination for locals seeking to truly disconnect and recharge. You can easily drive to the island, then embark on a rewarding hike into a secluded natural setting. This isn't just camping; it's an adventure that allows you to witness Maryland's iconic wild ponies, observe diverse birdlife, and enjoy the pristine beauty of a coastal barrier island in its most untouched form. For those who value peace, privacy, and a deep connection with nature, the Pine Tree Backcountry Site provides an accessible yet wild refuge, making it a perfect choice for Marylanders looking for an authentic and memorable outdoor challenge close to home.

Pine Tree

7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA