Back Country Camping-Tingles Island Campground

For those of us in Maryland, there is no place quite like Assateague Island National Seashore. While many are familiar with the drive-in campgrounds where you can see the famous wild horses from your car window, the "true" Maryland backcountry experience lies further down the trail. Back Country Camping at Tingles Island Campground offers a rare opportunity for local adventurers to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the raw, coastal beauty of the Atlantic barrier island system. Located on the bayside of the island, Tingles Island provides a secluded sanctuary where the only sounds are the rustle of loblolly pines and the gentle lapping of the Chincoteague Bay.

Tingles Island is one of the few designated backcountry sites in the Maryland district of the National Seashore. It caters to those who are willing to put in the work—whether that means hiking miles of sandy beach or paddling through the coastal salt marshes. This isn't your typical suburban Maryland camping trip; it is a primitive, leave-no-trace experience that rewards your effort with breathtaking sunsets over the bay and a level of solitude that is becoming increasingly hard to find in the Mid-Atlantic region. For local residents from Berlin, Salisbury, or even weekenders from Baltimore and D.C., Tingles Island serves as the ultimate "off-the-grid" destination right in our own backyard.

The appeal of Tingles Island lies in its unique geography. Unlike the oceanside sites that are exposed to the full force of the Atlantic winds and salt spray, the bayside sites are tucked into forested areas. This provides a different ecological perspective of the island, where you can observe sika deer, various migratory birds, and the occasional band of wild horses in a more sheltered environment. However, veteran Maryland campers know that this beauty comes with a challenge: the environment is dynamic and demanding. Preparation is the key to enjoying this rugged slice of the Eastern Shore.

The location of Tingles Island is situated within the Maryland district of Assateague Island National Seashore, south of the more developed North Beach area. Accessibility is limited by design to preserve the wilderness character of the site. To reach Tingles Island, campers must either hike approximately 4.8 miles from the North Beach parking area or paddle in via the bay. For hikers, the "trail" is often the beach itself, which can be physically demanding as you navigate soft sand and changing tides. Paddlers typically launch from Old Ferry Landing or the Bayside Picnic Area, navigating the shallow and sometimes choppy waters of the Chincoteague Bay.

It is important to note that motorized transport of any kind is strictly prohibited in the backcountry. This means no ATVs, no motorized boats, and no vehicle access. For our local Maryland community, this ensures that the area remains a quiet refuge. Accessibility for those with physical disabilities is limited due to the sandy and rugged nature of the terrain; however, the National Park Service offers ADA-accessible sites in the developed drive-in loops of the Maryland district for those who require them. On-site parking for backcountry users is provided at designated lots near the Ranger Station, where you must check in before beginning your trek.

• Primitive tent sites located in a shaded, forested bayside environment.
• Onsite chemical toilets (privies) are provided to ensure sanitary conditions in the wilderness.
• Shared picnic tables and communal fire rings available at the site.
• Backcountry permit registration and safety briefings provided by the Maryland District Ranger Station.
• Emergency 9-1-1 phone access located near the Ranger Station (though cell service is unreliable on the trail).
• Access to the Maryland Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone for those hiking along the shoreline.
• Educational resources and maps available at the Assateague Island Visitor Center before you head out.

The features and highlights of Tingles Island center on the "Bayside" experience. One of the most significant highlights is the shade provided by the pine forest, a luxury not found at the oceanside backcountry sites. This makes it a popular choice during the shoulder seasons. The view across the Chincoteague Bay at dusk is often cited by locals as one of the best in Maryland, with the sun dipping below the horizon in a spectacular display of orange and purple hues.

• Wildlife viewing opportunities, including the iconic Assateague wild horses and sika deer.
• Excellent birdwatching, especially during peak migration periods for herons, egrets, and waterfowl.
• A designated "Silent Zone" experience, far removed from the generators and traffic of the main campgrounds.
• Access to calm bay waters for kayaking, paddleboarding, and coastal fishing.
• A "Good for Kids" rating for older children and teens who are ready for an introductory backpacking challenge.
• The historic significance of camping on a barrier island that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
• On-site parking at the trailhead included with the cost of your National Park entrance and camping fees.

Planning your trip to Tingles Island requires a bit more coordination than a standard park visit. Permits are mandatory and must be obtained in person at the Maryland District Ranger Station. Since this is a National Park Service site, specific regulations regarding food storage (to protect against horses) and waste management are strictly enforced.

Address: Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland District), Berlin, MD 21811, USA

Phone: (410) 656-9453

Mobile Phone: +1 410-656-9453

What is worth choosing when it comes to Tingles Island? For Marylanders, it is the opportunity to test your skills in a true wilderness setting without leaving the state. It is worth choosing if you value solitude over convenience. While the developed campgrounds at Assateague can feel like a busy small town during the summer, the backcountry feels like a different world entirely. If you are looking for a place where you can truly "unplug"—no Wi-Fi, no electricity, just the stars and the sea—this is the spot for you.

Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of backcountry camping in Maryland is hard to beat. For a small per-person fee, you gain access to some of the most pristine real estate on the East Coast. It is also worth choosing for the educational value; there is no better way to learn about coastal resilience, barrier island migration, and local wildlife than by living amongst it for a few days. Just remember the local "pro tip": the mosquitoes and biting flies on the bayside can be legendary from late spring through early fall, so choosing the right time of year (early spring or late autumn) is essential for a "siqqq" experience.

Would you like me to find the current weather forecast for Assateague Island or a list of required gear for Maryland backcountry camping?