Back Country Camping-Pope Bay Campground

For those seeking an authentic escape from the modern world, Back Country Camping at Pope Bay Campground offers one of the most secluded and raw experiences in the Maryland region. Located within the Maryland district of the Assateague Island National Seashore, Pope Bay is not your typical drive-in camping destination. It is a primitive, backcountry site designed specifically for adventurers who wish to leave the noise of civilization behind and immerse themselves in a coastal wilderness. Here, the landscape is dominated by salt marshes, sandy flats, and the famous wild horses that roam the barrier island. For local Marylanders, this site represents a rare opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty in its most unfiltered form.

The atmosphere at Pope Bay is one of profound quiet, broken only by the sound of the wind, the cry of shorebirds, and the distant roar of the Atlantic surf. Because it is one of the more remote bayside sites, it offers a level of solitude that is hard to find at the more developed campgrounds near Ocean City. It is a place where self-reliance is the rule, and the rewards are breathtaking sunsets over the Sinepuxent Bay and a night sky so clear that the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or an avid kayaker, Pope Bay provides a challenging yet deeply fulfilling retreat that forces a slower, more intentional pace of life.

Location and accessibility are the primary factors that set Pope Bay apart from other regional campgrounds. Situated on the bayside of Assateague Island, the campground is accessible only by foot or by hand-paddled watercraft, such as a canoe or kayak. Motorized transportation, including ATVs and traditional vehicles, is strictly prohibited beyond the designated trailheads. To reach the site from the Maryland side, campers typically park their vehicles at North Beach for hiking or Old Ferry Landing for paddling. The journey involves a multi-mile trek through sandy terrain or a paddle across the bay waters, requiring careful planning around tides and weather conditions. All campers must stop at the Maryland District Ranger Station at 6633 Bayberry Drive in Berlin, MD, to obtain a mandatory backcountry permit before beginning their journey.

The services offered at Pope Bay Campground are minimal by design, emphasizing the primitive nature of the "backcountry" experience. There is no running water, no electricity, and no camp store available at the site. This means that every guest must be prepared to carry in all of their own supplies, including a minimum of one gallon of drinking water per person per day. However, the National Park Service does provide basic infrastructure to ensure the site remains sustainable and sanitary for visitors. These services are focused on maintaining the "Leave No Trace" ethics that protect the delicate barrier island ecosystem.

• Mandatory backcountry permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the Maryland District Ranger Station.
• Designated bayside camping area with limited sites to ensure a quiet, low-density experience.
• On-site vault or chemical toilet facilities available year-round for campers.
• Permission to use small campfires within the provided fire rings (using only dead and down wood collected on the island).
• Waste management guidelines requiring all campers to "pack in and pack out" all trash and belongings.
• Ranger support and emergency guidance provided during the permit briefing.
• Year-round access for those prepared for seasonal weather shifts, from humid summers to cold coastal winters.

The features and highlights of Pope Bay are what make the difficult journey worth the effort. Unlike the forested bayside sites like Pine Tree, Pope Bay offers a more open, coastal marsh environment. This provides expansive views and a front-row seat to the island’s unique wildlife. The site is a haven for birdwatchers, who can spot snowy egrets, great blue herons, and various migratory waterfowl. Perhaps the most iconic highlight is the frequent visits from the Assateague wild horses. While campers are strictly forbidden from feeding or approaching the horses, watching them graze in the salt marshes near your tent is a bucket-list experience for many Maryland residents.

• Primitive picnic tables at the campsite, offering a sturdy surface for meal prep in the wilderness.
• A designated fire ring at the site, providing a central gathering point for cool coastal evenings.
• Direct access to the Sinepuxent Bay for fishing, crabbing, or exploring by kayak.
• Unique opportunities for stargazing due to the total absence of light pollution in the backcountry.
• Close proximity to diverse habitats, including maritime forests, dunes, and salt marshes.
• Kid-friendly environment for families with older children who enjoy hiking and outdoor challenges.
• Seasonal opportunities for sika deer sightings and ghost crab hunting along the shoreline at night.

Because Pope Bay is part of the National Park Service’s backcountry system, there is no direct street address or phone line for the site itself. All administrative and check-in tasks are handled through the main park office. Visitors should ensure they have the following contact information saved before heading into the remote areas where cell service can be spotty.

Address: Maryland District Ranger Station, 6633 Bayberry Dr, Berlin, MD 21811, USA

Phone: (410) 641-1441

What is worth choosing about Pope Bay Campground is the sheer sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching it. It is worth choosing for the Marylander who finds no joy in crowded RV parks and instead craves the sound of silence. The site offers a "true" wilderness experience where you are responsible for your own comfort and safety, which creates a deep bond with the natural world. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of a backcountry permit—typically around $10 per person for up to a week—makes it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a multi-day stay on the beautiful Maryland coast.

Choosing Pope Bay also means choosing to see the "real" Assateague. While day-trippers see the crowded beaches, you will see the island as it has existed for centuries. You will see the tides move in and out of the marshes and the horses move in their natural family bands without the interference of traffic. For those willing to pack their water, brave the mosquitoes, and trek through the sand, Pope Bay offers a spiritual and physical reset that is simply unmatched by any other campground in the state. It is a place for the hardy, the curious, and the lovers of the wild—a hidden gem on Maryland's Eastern Shore that rewards preparation with peace.