TIngles Island Camp, Assateague National Park

For those of us in the Maryland region seeking a true escape from the bustling boardwalks and crowded beaches of Ocean City, Tingles Island Camp offers a raw and rejuvenating connection to the coastal wilderness. Located within the Maryland district of the Assateague Island National Seashore, this backcountry destination is far removed from the drive-in loops and paved paths of the main campgrounds. It is a place where the sound of the Atlantic surf in the distance meets the quiet lapping of the Chincoteague Bay, providing a sanctuary for backpackers and paddlers who value solitude and the unscripted beauty of nature.

Tingles Island is one of the four bayside backcountry sites on the island, specifically known for its shaded maritime forest and flat, pine-needle-covered ground. Unlike the exposed dunes of the oceanside sites, Tingles Island offers a modest canopy of loblolly pines that provides much-needed relief from the relentless Maryland sun. It is a favorite among local residents who understand that the real magic of Assateague lies in its quiet corners, where the famous wild horses graze in the salt marshes and the sunset paints the bay in shades of gold and violet. This is primitive camping at its finest, requiring careful preparation but rewarding visitors with an experience that feels worlds away from modern life.

Location and accessibility are the primary hurdles—and the primary draws—of Tingles Island. Situated roughly 2.5 miles from the Maryland Ranger Station, the camp is accessible only by muscle power. Most local adventurers choose to arrive by kayak or canoe, launching from the Ferry Landing or the Bayside Picnic Area. The paddle is relatively short but can be challenging depending on the wind and tide; the bay is famously shallow, often requiring paddlers to navigate "guts" or small channels through the marsh. For those who prefer to travel on foot, the hike involves a trek down the beach or the Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) road, followed by a quarter-mile spur trail through the interior of the island. While the road to the site is flat and well-marked, the soft sand and coastal winds ensure that every mile is earned.

The services offered at Tingles Island Camp are intentionally minimal to preserve the wilderness character of the National Seashore. There are no hookups, no running water, and no trash collection. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in every drop of drinking water—at least one gallon per person per day is the local recommendation. However, the National Park Service does provide the essential infrastructure needed for a safe and orderly stay. The sites are organized to balance community and privacy, ensuring that multiple groups can enjoy the area without feeling overcrowded. All permits must be obtained in person at the Maryland District Ranger Station on the day of your departure, as reservations are not accepted for backcountry sites due to the unpredictable coastal weather.

• Designated primitive campsites situated on flat, sandy ground cushioned by pine needles.
• Shared chemical vault toilets available year-round, maintained by park staff.
• Large, heavy-duty picnic tables at each site for meal preparation and gear organization.
• Secure food storage areas located under the picnic tables to protect supplies from curious wild horses and raccoons.
• Dedicated fire rings and grills at each site, allowing for evening campfires using locally purchased wood.
• Permit-based entry system ensuring that the number of campers remains within the site's capacity.
• On-site parking is available at the trailheads (North Beach or Ferry Landing) for the duration of your backcountry permit.

The features and highlights of Tingles Island Camp are what keep Maryland campers returning season after season. The proximity to the salt marshes makes it a world-class spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. It is common to see blue herons, snowy egrets, and the iconic wild horses right from your tent door. The site serves as a perfect midpoint for those looking to explore the island's diverse ecosystems. A short hike from the camp leads through the maritime forest, over the dunes, and out to the vast, undeveloped beaches of the Atlantic. This dual access to both the calm bay and the dramatic ocean surf is a rare luxury in the world of backcountry camping.

• Direct access to Chincoteague Bay for easy kayak launching and shallow-water exploration.
• Shaded campsites that offer natural protection from the wind and sun compared to oceanside locations.
• Proximity to "kid-friendly" hikes that are flat and manageable for adventurous families.
• World-class sunset viewing over the bay, widely considered some of the best in Berlin, Maryland.
• Prime opportunities for ghost crab hunting on the nearby beach after the sun goes down.
• Interconnected trail systems that allow for extended multi-day backpacking trips to other backcountry sites like Pine Tree.
• Peaceful, quiet environment with minimal light pollution, perfect for stargazing on clear Maryland nights.

For those planning a trip, it is vital to coordinate with the National Park Service before setting out. The Ranger Station serves as the gatekeeper for the backcountry, providing the mandatory permits and the most current information on insect levels and trail conditions. Because cell service can be spotty once you leave the main roads, it is wise to have your route mapped out and your gear double-checked before arriving in Berlin.

Address: Unnamed Road (Accessible via MD-611), Berlin, MD 21811, USA

Ranger Station Phone: (410) 641-1441

What is worth choosing about Tingles Island Camp is the sense of accomplishment and serenity it provides. In a state with many beautiful parks, few offer the specific combination of maritime forest and bayside tranquility found here. It is an ideal choice for the beginner backcountry camper because the distance from the parking lot is manageable, yet it still requires the discipline of packing in your own water and packing out your trash. The "hidden gem" status of the bayside sites means you are much more likely to find the peace and quiet you are looking for, even when the oceanside drive-in campgrounds are completely booked months in advance.

Furthermore, choosing Tingles Island allows you to experience Assateague as the horses do—on their own terms. By staying in the backcountry, you avoid the day-trip crowds and witness the island's rhythms, from the morning mist over the marsh to the nocturnal sounds of the forest. The presence of the "horses-proof" storage under the picnic tables shows a thoughtful integration of human visitors into the wild environment. If you are willing to brave the mosquitoes (which can be intense, so bring high-DEET spray!) and carry your own supplies, Tingles Island Camp offers a profound and affordable way to experience the Maryland coast that most people never get to see. It is a testament to the beauty of the Atlantic barrier islands and a must-visit for any Marylander with a spirit for adventure.