Pine Tree

Pine Tree Backcountry Site offers one of the most immersive wilderness experiences available within the Maryland district of Assateague Island National Seashore. Unlike the more developed drive-in campgrounds found near the park entrance, Pine Tree is a designated backcountry area tailored specifically for those who wish to leave the modern world behind. Nestled within a serene grove of loblolly pines on the bayside of the island, the campsite provides a unique microclimate where a thick carpet of pine needles replaces the shifting sands of the Atlantic coastline. This specialized location offers a rare reprieve from the constant ocean winds, creating a quiet, sheltered atmosphere that is highly prized by experienced Maryland outdoorsmen and women.

The allure of Pine Tree lies in its primitive nature and the surrounding biodiversity. As one of four bayside backcountry sites, it serves as a critical vantage point for observing the island's famous wild horses in their natural, undisturbed habitat. The site is positioned perfectly for those who enjoy the transition of ecosystems, with the dense forest quickly giving way to salt marshes and coastal dunes. For local residents of the Delmarva Peninsula and the wider Maryland region, Pine Tree represents a "true" camping trip—one that requires preparation, physical effort to reach, and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles. It is a place where the sounds of civilization are replaced by the calls of waterfowl and the gentle rustle of the wind through the treetops.

Location and accessibility are the primary factors that define the Pine Tree experience. The site is located approximately 6 miles south of the Maryland Ranger Station, situated along the shores of Chincoteague Bay. To reach this secluded destination, campers must either hike in via the beach and internal trail systems or paddle in by kayak or canoe from launch points like Old Ferry Landing. Because motorized vehicles and even bicycles are strictly prohibited from transporting gear to backcountry sites, accessibility is limited to those capable of carrying their own supplies over several miles of sandy terrain. This barrier to entry ensures that the campground remains uncrowded and peaceful, even during the busy summer months when the main park reaches peak capacity.

• Backcountry camping permits are required and must be obtained in person at the Maryland District Ranger Station on the day of departure.
• Dedicated bayside campsites that accommodate individual groups or small backpacking parties.
• Paddler access via Chincoteague Bay, with the site being a popular stop for multi-day kayaking expeditions.
• Hike-in access through a combination of beach walking and the Pine Tree trail, offering varied terrain.
• Seasonal availability year-round, though the experience changes drastically between the bug-heavy summer and the crisp, clear winters.
• Ranger-led safety briefings provided at the time of permit issuance to ensure all campers are aware of tides and wildlife regulations.
• Official parking for backcountry hikers is provided at the North Beach parking area within the National Seashore.

Features and highlights of the Pine Tree site focus on the primitive "off-grid" lifestyle. While you won't find electricity or running water here, the amenities provided are designed to facilitate a safe stay while protecting the environment. Each site within the Pine Tree area features a heavy-duty picnic table and a dedicated fire ring, which are luxuries in a backcountry setting. One of the most significant highlights is the "hike west across the dunes" mentioned by frequent visitors, which leads to stunning sunset views over the marshlands and exceptional waterfowl sightings, including herons, egrets, and migratory geese.

• Large, communal chemical toilet (vault toilet) maintained by the National Park Service to manage waste in the sensitive ecosystem.
• Stable, flat camping surfaces on a natural bed of pine needles, which provide excellent drainage and a softer ground for tents.
• Designated fire rings for small evening campfires (only dead and downed wood may be collected).
• Direct access to the bayside shoreline, perfect for launching or landing small hand-paddled watercraft.
• Frequent visits from the Assateague wild horses, which are often seen grazing in the nearby marshes or seeking shade in the pines.
• A sheltered environment that remains cooler than the open beach during high-heat Maryland afternoons.
• Pristine stargazing opportunities due to the total lack of light pollution in the island's interior.

Address: 7206 National Seashore Ln, Berlin, MD 21811, USA (Permit Office Address)

Phone: (410) 641-1441 (Assateague Island Ranger Station)

What is worth choosing about Pine Tree over other backcountry sites is the specific protection offered by the forest canopy. While oceanside sites like Little Levels offer the roar of the surf, they also expose campers to relentless sun and salt spray. Pine Tree provides a much more temperate and "homestyle" forest feel while still being only a short walk from the water. It is the ideal choice for those who want to experience the backcountry but prefer the psychological comfort of a wooded environment. However, any local will tell you that the most important factor in choosing Pine Tree is the timing; it is best visited in the early spring or late autumn to avoid the intense biting insects common to the bayside during the summer.

Ultimately, Pine Tree Backcountry Site is worth choosing for the sense of accomplishment and solitude it provides. In a state as densely populated as Maryland, finding a place where you can be miles away from the nearest road is a rare treasure. It is a destination that rewards the prepared—those who bring plenty of water, high-quality bug spray, and a camera ready for wildlife. By choosing Pine Tree, you are opting for a night of true silence, broken only by the natural rhythms of Assateague Island, making it a bucket-list destination for any Maryland outdoor enthusiast.