Your Ultimate Guide to Camping at Maryland Assateague Island National Seashore for Ocean City Bike Week 2024

Introduction

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable biking experience at Ocean City Bike Week 2024. This annual event draws thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to the bustling streets of Ocean City, Maryland. While the main attractions are the bike rallies and shows, many attendees choose to enhance their experience by camping at the nearby Maryland Assateague Island National Seashore.

Camping Options and Reservations

The National Park Service offers two camping options within the park:

1. Oceanside Campground: Located on the oceanfront, this campground offers stunning views and direct beach access. It has 248 campsites with electric hookups and amenities like restrooms, showers, and a camp store.

2. Bayside Campground: Nestled on the bay side of the island, this campground provides a quieter and more secluded camping experience. It offers 151 campsites with no hookups but has restrooms and showers.

Reservations

Reservations for both campgrounds open six months in advance on Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book early, as campsites tend to fill up quickly.

Campground Fees

• Oceanside Campground: $50 per night for electric hookups
• Bayside Campground: $30 per night for non-hookup sites

Important Dates

• Reservations Open: March 14th, 2024
• Bike Week Dates: September 23rd - 29th, 2024

Amenities and Activities

In addition to camping, Maryland Assateague Island National Seashore offers a wide range of amenities and activities, including:

• Swimming, sunbathing, and surfing on the beaches
• Hiking and biking trails throughout the park
• Kayaking and canoeing in the bays and channels
• Wildlife viewing, including wild horses, sika deer, and migratory birds
• Ranger-led programs and guided tours

Tips for Planning Your Camping Trip

• Plan ahead: Book your campsite well in advance to avoid disappointment.
• Be prepared for crowds: Bike Week is a popular event, so expect large crowds and traffic.
• Pack essentials: Bring all necessary camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment.
• Respect the environment: Leave no trace by packing out what you pack in and disposing of waste properly.
• Observe park rules: Follow all park regulations and speed limits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not making reservations early enough: Campgrounds fill up quickly, so don't wait until the last minute to book your site.
• Bringing illegal items: Firearms, fireworks, and alcohol are prohibited in the park.
• Leaving valuables unattended: Keep your belongings safe and secure at all times.
• Feeding wildlife: It's illegal to feed wild animals in the park.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol consumption is not permitted while driving on park roads.

Trois Campgrounds Near Ocean City

Trois Stories and What We Learn

Story 1:

A group of friends planned a camping trip to Maryland Assateague Island National Seashore for Bike Week. They booked their campsite early and arrived excited for the festivities. However, they quickly realized that they had forgotten to bring essential cooking equipment. After searching the park store and nearby towns, they had no luck. They ended up having to drive back to Ocean City to purchase what they needed.

Lesson learned: Pack all necessary camping gear and double-check your list before leaving home.

Story 2:

A couple decided to camp at the Bayside Campground to avoid the crowds at the Oceanside Campground. They enjoyed the peace and quiet but were disappointed to discover that there were no hookups for their RV. They had to run their generator constantly, which was noisy and inconvenient.

Lesson learned: When making your reservation, carefully consider your need for hookups and choose a campground accordingly.

Story 3:

A family brought their young children camping for Bike Week. They were excited to see the wild horses but were disappointed when they spent several days without seeing any. They eventually found a group of horses on the beach but were unable to get close due to the crowds.

Lesson learned: Wildlife viewing can be unpredictable, so don't be discouraged if you don't see what you're hoping for. Be patient and explore different areas of the park to increase your chances of spotting wildlife.