Backcountry Camp at Assateague Island

Assateague Island National Seashore has a first come first served backcountry camping option. Cars are $20, and after that it is $10 per person. Start at the Maryland ranger station (your very first righthand turn after the Verazzano Bridge) where you fill out basic paperwork for a permit. You have the option of kayaking to your location (best if staying bayside) or walking (best if staying beachside).

If you kayak in, the parking is slightly further south, making your trek slightly shorter. Walking in, you must walk on the beach. This is surprisingly hard as the sand is very soft/deep, so pack light. There are 5 different camping locations. Tingles Island (bayside; 2 miles), Little Levels (beachside, 4 miles), Pine Tree (bayside, 5 miles), Green Run (bayside, 9.5 miles), Pope Bay (bayside 12 miles) and State Line (beachside, 13 miles). Permits are issued for as many as 7 nights. Each campsite is marked by two colored stakes to either side of the trail leading to the camping-permitted area. The stakes state which campsite you're passing.

They are very strict about how long you have until sunset (not to mention the sites are first come first served) so arrive very early! Bugs are exceptionally intense, in particular in the warmer seasons and on the bayside, so bring your highest concentration of DEET bug spray as well as long sleeves and pants.