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fisherman in surf at sunset
Assateague State Park
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Assateague State Park is Maryland's only ocean park. It is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay. Two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The island's bayside offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a variety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.

Assateague was selected by National Geographic Travel magazine in 1994 as one of the 10 best state parks in the United States.

Features
 Assateage ponies grazing along side of road

Special Events and Educational Programs for Youth

Children on the beach at Assateague State Park

Regional Information

Youth Group Camping

The state park has two areas set aside for youth group camping. These areas are open April 27th to October 28th.

group of Sika deer near campgroundReservations are required. You may now make a reservation for a site by calling 1-888-432-CAMP (2267), Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A $15.00 reservation charge must be paid when the reservation is made. The youth group camping service charge is $2.00 per person per night, unless you possess a valid Maryland Youth Group Pass. This charge is paid upon registration at the Campground Office. There is no additional charge if you have a valid Maryland Youth Group Pass. For more information regarding a Youth Group Pass, call 1-410-260-8186 or you can download an application on-line at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/youthgroup.html.

Each area will accommodate a maximum of 75 persons and the number of adults may not exceed one adult per five youth. Open fires are not permitted. Please keep all persons and tents off the dunes. There is an outside rinse platform located adjacent to the camping area. Restrooms and showers are available in the day-use bathhouse. Wheeled units/vehicles are not permitted on the site or in the sand. Wheeled units are required to obtain their own site.

The youth area beach is not guarded. You may, however, walk about 100 yards south to the public swimming area which is guarded Memorial to Labor Day, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Check-in must be during office hours, since quiet hours begin at 11:00 p.m. Checkout is by 11:00 a.m. on your day of departure.

Should you require any additional information prior to your arrival, please contact the park headquarters office at 410-641-2120. The number for the campground office is 410-641-2918. The latter number is only available from April 27th to October 28th.

Maryland Conservation Corps

Assateague State Park is supported by a Maryland Conservation Corps Program. The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an AmeriCorps program that engages young adults, ages 17-25, who want to dedicate a year of service to natural resource conservation. Over a 10 to 11-month period, MCC members work as crews to complete 1,700 hours of service. Conservation service activities include: trail maintenance, environmental education, stream and wetland restoration, park facility improvements, invasive species removal and Bay grass planting. Extensive member training is provided, including: First Responder certification, Wildland Fire Fighting certification, Search and Rescue certification, Park Operations, Environmental Education and Interpretation, Chainsaw Safety, Leave No Trace and Canoe Trip Leading.

No minimum qualifications are required other than transportation to the designated job site and a desire to serve. Low-cost State Housing is available at certain crew sites. Benefits include a living allowance of $7.00/hour, health care benefits, child care assistance (if eligible) and a $4,725 education scholarship award for those members that complete 1,700 hours of service. MCC employs a Zero Tolerance Policy for any member who uses alcohol or illegal drugs while attending an MCC project, training or event.

For more information or to apply, contact the park manager or download an application from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Maryland Conservation Corps website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mcc/yearround.htm

[Disabled accessible]Assateague State Park is fully accessible to the disabled. Special campsites, beach wheelchair, fishing pier, and food concessions are all designed for easy access.

For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.

Join the Friends of Assateague State Park and support your park.

Assateague State Park is located in Worcester County

Location
The park is in the eastern portion of the state in Worcester County, 8 miles south of Ocean City, and may be reached via MD RT 50 to MD RT 611.

Assateague State Park
7307 Stephen Decatur Highway
Berlin, MD 21811
(410)641-2120
Call 1-888-432-CAMP(2267) for reservations

Click here to make reservations on-line for Assateague State Park.

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Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas is provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Updated on March 21, 2008

Photographs by Roger, Jackie Rippel and Gary Jackson