Maryland / Worcester County / Assateague Island National Seashore

Back Country Camping - Pine Tree

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping. Permits are issued first-come, first-served on the day of departure at the Maryland District Ranger Station. No advance reservations accepted.

About

Pine Tree is one of four bayside backcountry campsites at Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland, offering a primitive camping experience for backpackers and paddlers seeking solitude. The site is accessed by hiking several miles down the beach from the Maryland District entrance and then turning inland to the bayside, or by paddling across the bay. Unlike the oceanside sites, Pine Tree provides natural tree cover which offers some protection from coastal winds. This is a true backcountry experience with vault toilets but no water, showers, or other amenities. Campers must pack out all trash and are prohibited from using glass containers. Only dead and down wood may be collected for campfires. The site accommodates one party and requires a backcountry permit obtained on a first-come, first-served basis from the Maryland District Ranger Station on the day of departure. Permits are valid for up to seven days and cost $10 per person over 16 years old, plus a park entrance fee. Pets are not allowed at backcountry sites, and motorized transport of campers or equipment is strictly prohibited. The bayside location offers opportunities to observe wild horses grazing in salt marshes and provides a different perspective from the oceanside sites. GPS systems may be unreliable in this area, so visitors should rely on maps from the ranger station.

Directions

Access by hiking down the oceanside beach from the Maryland District entrance then turning inland to the bayside, or by paddling across the bay. GPS systems may provide inaccurate directions.

Nearby Campgrounds