Assateague Island State Park – Youth Group Camping
In May our Scout troop camped at Assateague Island State Park in Maryland. This trip fell into the category of “fun” trip. The scouts spent most of their time exploring the beach and fishing. Normally surf fishing in Maryland is good in May, however due to the weather this year, things were a little behind and the fishing was not very successful. The troop had a good time though. This was the first trip for our newly bridged scouts so it was a nice low stress destination that allowed them to ease into the troop. We lucked out with the weather. It was supposed to rain most of the weekend however it held off until Sunday morning.
Facilities
The facilities at Assateague are good. It is one of the Maryland State Parks that has dedicated youth group camping areas. There are three areas of different sizes and a dedicated parking lot. Each area has at least one fire ring, and at least one picnic table. The camping is on the beach although it is behind the dunes. This provides some protection form the ocean wind. Each site also has its own water, including a fresh water shower. Since we were early in the season and lifeguards were not on duty yet, there was no swimming but the showers would be good later on in the year. The shower house is a couple hundred yards away. There is also a store that sells souvenirs and food but it was not open yet for the season. The ranger station sells firewood. As with all the Maryland State Parks, you are not permitted to bring in firewood from home. It either has to come from the ranger station or local stores (there are many on the way into the park.) The parking is right next to the sites. There are a couple port-a-pots in the parking lot. As can be expected on the beach, there are no trees or shade in the campsites.
Activities
Of course Assateague is known for wild horses. On this trip, we did not see any but we did see evidence of there presence on the ground! They are very common and often come into the sites. Keep your distance! It is illegal to touch or feed them. Make sure that all food is secured. Because parking is so close, it is best to leave food in the cars. Beyond the beach and fishing there are not many activities available at the park. There is a boat ramp that could be used to launch kayaks or other boats. There is a nice visitor center with good exhibits that is about a 1 mile round trip walk. Fishing can be done on the ocean or bay-side. Maryland law applies so anyone 16 or older needs a license. The national park is close and they have some trails as well as boat rentals. There is a fee to go into the national park. Of course, Assateague is very close to Ocean City, Maryland so all of the activities there are available. West Ocean city is about 10 minutes away.
Logistics
In order to camp in the youth group area, the group must have a Maryland State Park youth group pass. This is a two year pass that costs $75. The application process is slightly cumbersome. there is no online option. You have to send the application with your documentation and money to the DNR or you can go to Annapolis and apply in person. It is well worth it for any youth group that camps in Maryland. it cost our group $36 to camp for two nights. This is significantly less expensive than the price for a regular site and the youth group site is much much larger. For more info on the youth group pass, visit the DNR website. The reservation process for Assataeague is not online. You can view open dates online however you have to call to make a reservation. This is true for some of the state parks, but not all. Prior to the trip you need to email a roster to the rangers at the park. Also, you must arrive prior to the time that the ranger station closes which is 10 PM on Fridays. All of these details are provided by email after you make a reservation.
Overall, the Assateague trip was successful and well received by the scouts. They had fun, despite the lack of fish, and it was a good break from the more intense backpacking trips that we did in April and over the summer.