Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites

Hello, Maryland youth leaders and organizers! Are you planning an unforgettable outdoor adventure that combines the wonders of the natural world with valuable group experiences? Look no further than Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites. Located on the iconic Assateague Island in Berlin, Maryland, this unique camping area provides an unparalleled setting for scout troops, school groups, church groups, and other organized youth organizations to connect with nature, learn, and grow together. It's a special opportunity to experience Maryland's only oceanfront state park, where wild horses roam freely and the Atlantic Ocean is your backyard.

Assateague State Park is celebrated for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and the famous wild ponies that are a constant fascination for visitors. The Youth Group Campsites are specifically designed to accommodate larger parties, offering a dedicated space where groups can set up camp, engage in educational activities, and forge lasting memories. While the experience is rooted in the natural, untamed beauty of a barrier island – meaning no shade and a sandy environment – it's precisely this raw, immersive quality that makes it such a memorable and impactful adventure for young people from across Maryland. Get ready to embrace the beach, the wildlife, and the unique spirit of Assateague!

Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites are located directly on Assateague Island, Berlin, MD 21804, USA. This exceptional address places your group squarely on Maryland's stunning barrier island, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the unique ecosystem that makes Assateague famous. For groups traveling from various parts of Maryland, the park is readily accessible via major routes leading to the coastal region. Once on the island, the state park is distinct from the national seashore, with its own entrance and facilities.

While on the island, the youth group camping area is within the state park's boundaries. It's important to note that the campsites are fully in the sand, without natural shade from trees, which is characteristic of barrier island camping. However, this open setting provides direct exposure to the elements and the unique island environment. Restrooms and showers are available in a nearby day-use bathhouse, just a short walk away. The accessibility to the beach is excellent, allowing groups to enjoy swimming (in unguarded areas or walk to the guarded beach during season), beachcombing, and wildlife viewing at their leisure. The nearby town of Berlin, a charming and historic "Coolest Small Town in America," offers options for supplies, dining, and other conveniences just a short drive across the bridge. This blend of natural immersion and nearby amenities makes Assateague a highly accessible and desirable location for Maryland-based youth groups.

Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites are specifically tailored to meet the needs of organized groups, providing essential services to ensure a safe and memorable experience. While the focus is on a rustic, natural camping experience, key amenities are available:

• Group Campsites: Three dedicated youth group sites are available, designed to accommodate varying group sizes: Site #1 (up to 60 people), Site #2 (up to 50 people), and Site #3 (up to 40 people). There's a maximum ratio of one adult per five youth.
• Tent-Only Camping: These sites are designated for tent camping only; wheeled units/vehicles are not permitted on the sandy sites themselves.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each group site typically includes multiple picnic tables and multiple fire rings with grills to accommodate larger groups for meals and campfires.
• Restrooms and Showers: Access to clean flush toilets and showers with hot water is available at the day-use bathhouse, located a short walk from the youth group camping area.
• Outside Rinse Platform: A dedicated rinse platform is located adjacent to the camping area, convenient for rinsing off sand after beach activities.
• Trash/Recycling Collection: Facilities for trash and recycling are available, promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available within the park, typically at central locations or bathhouses.
• Ranger Station: A ranger station is on-site for check-in, information, and assistance.
• Nature Center: The park features a Nature Center with exhibits highlighting local flora, fauna, and history, offering an educational resource for groups.
• Youth Group Education Programs: The park offers various environmental education programs specifically designed for youth groups, including "Scales & Tales" animal encounters, which can be booked in advance.

Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites offer unique features and highlights that make it an exceptional destination for Maryland's youth organizations:

• Oceanfront Location: Direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and miles of beautiful sandy beach, providing unparalleled opportunities for swimming, surfing, beachcombing, and sunbathing.
• Wild Horses: The iconic wild ponies of Assateague Island frequently roam through the campground areas, offering a truly unique wildlife viewing experience (remember to maintain a safe distance of at least 40 feet!).
• Beach Camping Experience: These sites are fully in the sand, offering an authentic barrier island camping experience. While there's no natural shade, this open environment allows for incredible stargazing and direct exposure to the coastal ecosystem.
• Educational Opportunities: The park's Nature Center and dedicated youth group environmental education programs provide invaluable learning experiences about coastal ecology, wildlife, and conservation.
• Wildlife Viewing: Beyond the wild horses, the island is home to a diverse array of bird species, sika deer, and ghost crabs, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife observation.
• Recreational Activities: Groups can enjoy a wide range of activities including swimming (in designated areas), surfing (outside guarded areas), fishing (with a Maryland license), crabbing, and exploring the island by walking or biking on nearby trails.
• Safety Measures: Lifeguards are on duty at the guarded beach area during the summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
• Designated Group Space: The specific youth group campsites are designed to accommodate larger numbers of campers, making it easier for organizations to manage their groups compared to individual sites.
• Proximity to Bay Activities: While oceanfront, the park is also close to Sinepuxent Bay, offering opportunities for crabbing, kayaking, and fishing from a pier or boat ramp.

For reservations or further inquiries about Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites, please use the following contact details:

Address: Assateague Island, Berlin, MD 21804, USA

Phone: (410) 641-2120

Mobile Phone: +1 410-641-2120

For youth group specific questions and to book sites, it is highly recommended to contact Assateague State Park directly using the provided phone number or visiting the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for State Parks. Given the popularity of Assateague Island, especially for group outings, early reservations are strongly encouraged to secure your desired dates and site capacity.

For Maryland's youth organizations, Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites offer an unparalleled and highly suitable outdoor experience. Its prime location on Assateague Island means minimal travel for groups from across the state, allowing more time for engaging activities and less time spent on the road. This accessibility makes it an ideal choice for educational field trips, scout jamborees, and youth retreats seeking an immersive natural setting close to home.

What truly sets these campsites apart for local groups is the unique combination of an oceanfront environment, the presence of wild ponies, and dedicated facilities designed for larger parties. The raw, sandy landscape provides an authentic lesson in adaptability and self-sufficiency, while the absence of shade teaches practical outdoor preparedness. Beyond the fundamental camping, the park offers a wealth of educational opportunities through its Nature Center and specific youth programs, fostering an appreciation for coastal ecosystems and wildlife. It’s a place where young Marylanders can develop teamwork skills, learn about their state's natural heritage, and create cherished memories of camping steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, all within the familiar and supportive framework of a Maryland State Park.

Assateague State Park Youth Group Campsites

Assateague Island, Berlin, MD 21804, USA