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Maryland
15

Maryland State Parks

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USA Parks
Maryland
Lower Eastern Shore Region
Assateague State Park
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Assateague State Park © Richard Kyle
Assateague State Park © Richard Kyle
Assateague State Park © Lisa Rosad
Assateague State Park © Lisa Rosad
Assateague State Park © Lisa Rosad
Assateague State Park Bay © Michelle Dillon
Horses eating in the bay.
Assateague State Park © Lisa Rosad
Assateague State Park Deer © Michelle Dillon
Small sitka deer that live on the island.
Assateague State Park Sand Fun © Michelle Dillon
Turtle made in the sand.
Assateague State Park © Lisa Rosad
Assateague State Park Ocean View © Michelle Dillon
View of the ocean.
Assateague State Park Assateague Island © Michelle Dillon
This picture shows the bay, the island and the ocean.
Assateague State Park Sunset © Michelle Dillon
Sunset at the campsite.
Assateague State Park Ocean View © Michelle Dillon
First view of the ocean at sunset.
Assateague State Park Serenity © Michelle Dillon
Horses relaxing on the beach after a hot day.
Assateague State Park Beauty © Michelle Dillon
Horses on the beach with people fishing.
Assateague State Park Sunset © Michelle Dillon
Another beautiful sunset.
Assateague State Park Playing © Michelle Dillon
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ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK
ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, Maryland   21811

Phone: 410-641-2918
Reservations: 410-641-2120
Maryland's only ocean park is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The island's bayside offers canoeing to secluded coves. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer and feral horses. Assateague was selected by National Geographic Travel magazine in 1994 as one of the 10 best state parks in the United States. This is a Maryland State Park. For full information go to the official webpage. (Link on the right side)
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Picnickingyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
Swimming
1. Assateague State Park offers two miles of ocean beaches for swimming.
2. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring safety while you swim.
3. The park's Sinepuxent Bay side also provides calm waters suitable for a relaxing dip or float.
4. Swimming is free with the purchase of your park admission pass and open during daylight hours only.
5. There are no indoor pools; all swimming options involve natural bodies of water in this state park.
6. The beach area includes showers and restrooms facilities nearby for convenience after swimming activities.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with rentals available on-site. There is also an area designated specifically for boat launching near the bay side camping areas. Additionally, motorized watercrafts can be used in certain sections of the waters surrounding the park but restrictions apply to protect wildlife habitats.
Fishing
Enjoy surf fishing from the beach, targeting species like striped bass, flounder and bluefish. Try bay-side for spot or croaker.

Inshore anglers can catch weakfish and kingfish while offshore waters hold tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi.

Fishing is permitted year-round with a license; crabbing season runs April to December.

A variety of bait types are effective including bloodworms for spot fish or minnows for flounder.

Boat rentals are available on-site if you prefer deep water angling over shore casting.



Picnicking
Assateague State Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. Picnic pavilions can be rented in advance as well.
Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity, with several trails available. Be aware that some paths can be sandy and difficult.

The 4-mile long bike path offers scenic views of the surrounding area but requires caution due to wildlife crossings.

For those seeking more adventure, there are off-road biking options too. However, these require careful navigation as they're not well-marked.

Remember: always wear your helmet for safety while cycling in this park's diverse terrain!

It's important to note bikes aren't allowed on footpaths or beaches - stick strictly to designated bicycle routes only!

Ensure you bring plenty of water when planning longer rides; facilities may not always be readily accessible along all routes.

Rental services are unavailable within the park boundaries so plan accordingly by bringing your own equipment.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting over 320 species, including herons and plovers. Guided bird walks are also available.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 30 Wonderful Experience
park review stars; one to five Just returned from our camping trip to Assateague, had such a wonderful time. The horses and the beaches are beautiful, such an amazing experience to see wild ponies roaming through your campsite in the mornings. The beach is clean and secluded, amazing, one of my new favorite places! Already planning our return for next year.
June 30 Relaxing and fun! by In-love with this park
park review stars; one to five I went with children and grandchildren and we absolutely LOVE IT!!!
August 22 My Favorite Vacationing Spot
park review stars; one to five My husband, friends, and I go to the island and camp on the beach at least once a year. This is a great place to go to spend quality time with friends and family. I would recommend it to anyone looking for car camping with fishing, biking, and boating/kayaking near by!
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Area Campgrounds
Island Resort
9537 Cropper Island Road
Newark, MD
Castaways RV Resort
12550 Eagles Nest Road
Ocean City, MD
410-213-0097
Frontier Town
8428 Stephen Decatur Highway
Ocean City, MD
Fort Whaley Campground
11224 Dale Road
Whaleyville, MD
410-641-9785
Sun Outdoors Ocean City
12550 Eagles Nest Road
Berlin, MD
410-213-0097
Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
8428 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, MD
410-641-0880
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is in the eastern portion of the state in Worcester County, 8 miles south of Ocean City, and may be reached via MD RT 50 to MD RT 611.

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Maryland
15

Maryland State Parks

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