If you’re searching for a different type of beach getaway, visit nearby Assateague State Park.
Images from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Experience a Different Type of Beach at Assateague State Park
A trip to Ocean City is a great opportunity to have some fun in the sun. Ocean City and the surrounding towns offer plenty of locations for outdoor exploration and adventure. From the beach near the boardwalk to Assateague Island, there’s so much to do. If you’re searching for a different type of beach getaway, visit nearby Assateague State Park.
About Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only ocean park. The park, located on Assateague Island, is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape Ocean City’s more crowded beaches. Assateague State Park offers two miles of beaches, marsh areas and more.
The park has a day-use area where visitors will find a camp store, concession stand and bathhouse with warm showers. The Pony Express Giftshop and Grill is open seasonally from mid-May through October. There, visitors can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. The gift shop/camp store also sells snacks and cold drinks, perfect for a day at the beach, as well as souvenirs.
Things to Do at Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park’s natural environment boasts an array of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Water Activities
Go swimming, surfing or fishing along the two miles of oceanfront beach. Lifeguards are on duty at the North Beach area from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fishing is permitted along the beach or at the marina. Bay fishing and clamming are also allowed at Assateague State Park.
Visitors can also launch a boat into the Atlantic Ocean from Assateague State Park. Explore the bayside by canoe or kayak. There you can get an up-close look at some of the area’s wildlife and habitats.
Camping
Spend a night under the stars at Assateague State Park. The park features 342 campsites available, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Electrical hook-ups can be found at some campsites, for an additional fee. Pets are welcome on several of Assateague State Park’s campsites.
Click here to read more about campgrounds near Ocean City.
Wildlife
The marsh areas are home to a number of wildlife, including the Assateague wild horses. Over 200 species of birds have been sighted at Assateague Island, making Assateague State Park a great spot for bird watching. Whitetail and sika deer can be found on land, while dolphins, rockfish, blue crabs and more can be spotted in the ocean and bay.
Interpretive Programs
Assateague State Park offers a variety of interpretive programs that are great for all ages and interests. Visit the on-site Nature Center to browse the aquariums filled with some of the area’s inhabitants. The Campground Critter Encounters program allows visitors to come face to face with some of the park’s Scales & Tales animals.
Other interpretive programs include canoe and kayak tours, arts and crafts, yoga, clamming, animal encounters, sandcastle building, surf fishing and more.
More Information about Assateague State Park
Assateague State Park is located at 7307 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin.
Pets are allowed in the marina area, camp loops G, H and I, and in the day-use areas after Labor Day until Memorial Day weekend.
For more information on Assateague State Park, visit DNR.Maryland.gov