Assateague National Seashore Campground - Spot Bayside B33

For Maryland residents looking to escape the bustle of the Baltimore-Washington corridor, the Assateague Island National Seashore Campground offers a landscape that feels worlds away. Specifically, Spot Bayside B33 serves as a premier gateway to one of the most unique ecosystems in the Mid-Atlantic. Located in Berlin, Maryland, this campground is famous for its wild horses, pristine salt marshes, and the rhythmic beauty of the Atlantic coast. Unlike many inland campgrounds, a stay at Assateague is defined by the constant presence of nature, where the boundaries between the campsite and the wild are refreshingly thin. From the salt-spray air to the legendary "ponies" that wander freely through the loops, this destination provides an authentic outdoor experience that has become a rite of passage for local families and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Bayside B Loop, where Spot B33 is situated, is particularly prized for its scenic tranquility and proximity to the Sinepuxent Bay. While the oceanside loops offer the roar of the surf, the bayside provides a calmer, more reflective atmosphere. This area is a haven for those who enjoy water-based activities or simply want to watch the sun set over the marshes. The environment here is a delicate balance of maritime forest and coastal bay, providing a habitat for diverse bird species, sika deer, and, of course, the feral horses. For Marylanders, this is not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it is a chance to live "on the edge of the continent" in a place that wind and waves recreate every single day. The sense of peace found here, especially during the shoulder seasons, is a testament to why many locals return to this specific spot year after year.

Location and Accessibility

Assateague National Seashore Campground Spot B33 is located within the Maryland district of the national seashore in Berlin, MD 21811. For local travelers, the island is easily accessible via Route 611 (Stephen Decatur Highway), which leads directly over the Verrazano Bridge and into the park. Once inside the park, the Bayside drive-in area is clearly marked, and Spot B33 is part of the B-Loop, which is known for its "generator-free" status, ensuring a quieter environment for all guests. The campground is approximately eight miles south of Ocean City, making it a perfect secluded retreat that remains close enough to modern conveniences and regional attractions for those who need them.

Accessibility has been integrated into the design of the park to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the beauty of the island. The facility features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a designated wheelchair-accessible parking lot near the main visitor hubs. While the terrain of the island is sandy and dynamic, the drive-in sites like B33 feature paved pads that assist with level parking for RVs and trailers. Public restrooms and shower facilities within the campground are designed to be accessible, and the nearby nature trails often include boardwalk sections to accommodate mobility devices. Whether you are driving a 60-foot RV or a standard passenger vehicle, the well-maintained roads and clear signage make navigating to your specific spot a straightforward process.

Services Offered

• RV and trailer camping with sites accommodating units up to 66 feet in length.
• Dedicated tent sites with level areas for pitching and securing gear against coastal winds.
• Onsite services provided by the National Park Service, including a ranger station for check-ins and information.
• Public restrooms with vault toilets distributed conveniently throughout the loops.
• Cold water public showers available seasonally for rinsing off sand and salt after a day at the beach.
• Drinking water stations providing potable water for campers (available when temperatures are above freezing).
• Sanitary dump stations located near the campground entrance for RV waste management.
• Acceptance of credit cards for camping fees and park entrance passes at the gate.
• Picnic tables and heavy-duty fire rings with integrated grills provided at every individual campsite.
• In-table storage lockers designed to keep food secure from the local wildlife and wild horses.

Features and Highlights

• Frequent sightings of the famous Assateague wild horses as they roam through the campsites.
• Direct access to the Sinepuxent Bay, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• A "Generator-Free Zone" in Bayside Loop B, ensuring a natural soundscape for a peaceful night’s sleep.
• Multiple hiking trails, including the Life of the Marsh and Life of the Forest loops, which offer kid-friendly educational walks.
• Paved cycling lanes that allow for safe travel between the beach, the bay, and the visitor center.
• Dedicated picnic areas that provide the perfect setting for a seaside meal with the family.
• Stellar stargazing opportunities due to the lack of significant light pollution on the island.
• Dog-friendly policies that allow pets to join the camping trip (must be on a 6-foot leash).
• Proximity to world-class birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
• Close access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing just a short walk or bike ride away.

Contact Information

For those ready to book their coastal adventure or seeking further details about the Maryland district of the seashore, the following contact information is essential:

• Address: Assateague National Seashore Campgrounds Spot B33, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
• Phone: (410) 641-1441 (Park Headquarters)
• Reservations: 1-877-444-6777 or via Recreation.gov

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Spot Bayside B33 is particularly worth it for the camper who values silence and the subtler beauty of the bay. Because this spot is located within a generator-prohibited loop, the experience is significantly more immersive; you are more likely to hear the call of a heron or the sound of horses grazing nearby than the hum of machinery. This makes it a top choice for tent campers and RVers who are self-contained and looking for a true "back-to-nature" vibe. For families, the bayside is often a better choice for younger children, as the bay waters are shallow and calm compared to the Atlantic’s surf, providing a safer environment for wading and exploring the shoreline for crabs and small fish.

Furthermore, this specific location is worth choosing because of the balance it strikes between recreation and relaxation. You are steps away from hiking trails that explain the island's unique geology and biology, yet you are also a very short distance from the primary beach access points. The presence of the "horse-proof" lockers under the picnic tables at these sites is a small but vital feature that makes camping here much less stressful, allowing you to enjoy the wildlife without worrying about your supplies. For a local Marylander, Spot B33 represents the best of the Eastern Shore: a rustic, affordable, and breathtakingly beautiful place where the wild horses really do come right to your door, creating memories that last a lifetime.