![]() After some discussion on whether the culprit was horse or human, one of the ponies later demonstrated it was one of them when it poked its head under the table, in full view of humans, and began to pull at one of the lidded boxes. The following day, we found one of the plastic containers sitting angled between the bench and the tabletop, lid undone and chips gone. The perishable food was stored in varous coolers wedged under the picnic table benches. On our first night of camping, we secured non-perishable food (chips, bagels, etc.) in lidded plastic boxes under the picnic tables. However, the most remarkable change I noticed this year is how much smarter the wild ponies are. Returning this year after a two-year hiatus, I noticed that the NPS Ranger station has now moved to a better building and the toilets and shower areas in the Oceanside group campground are now concrete buildings instead of wooden stalls. Despite the unbearable heat (2010) and swarms of Deet-resistant mosquitos (2006), camping at Assateague National Seashore always results in fond memories. This was the fifth time in nine years that I camped here for the weekend with friends. Cons: Smaller camp sites, costs more per night than National park, a lot of rules (dogs are only allowed in very limited areas and have to be on short leashes, no alcohol allowed, no fires allowed on beach), no clamming/crabbing spots. Cons: No hot water in the showers, no flushing toilets (all pit toilets, but well maintained), $15 fee per car to get into the park, even if you've already paid for camping (only have to pay the fee once) Maryland State Park: Pros: Nicer beach, longer quiet hours, bath houses with hot showers, and flushing toilets, nice playground for kids, no fee to enter the park. National Park: Pros: Bigger park, bigger camp sites, nice beach, really nice bay beach too, 2 beautiful clamming/crabbing areas, more places to see the horses, less rules (alcohol is allowed, the dogs are allowed anywhere in th park, longer leashes ok, camp fires on beach ok), well maintained. If you're planning on camping on Assateague, and aren't sure if you should stay in the National Park, or the Maryland State Park, my advise is go to for the National Park, but here are the pros and cons, so you can decide for yourself. When the wind is blowing off the ocean, it's great. They really runied the trip for me, but it's not the park's fault. The wind was blowing off the bay, and carrying a ton of flies onto the beach, and into the camp ground. I camped at the National Park for a few days last week, and had a pretty good time. One problem we have had on other camping trips that you will not will have here is bears. Ocean City MD is so closed you can have a great formal meal and shortly be on the beach sleeping under the stars. National park rangers are all great as long as you are not stupid. But since we learned to zip the door when we are not in them, we have had no problems. Horses will go in your tent or screen enclosure if you leave the door open, we found out the hard way. Horses are great but do not feed them, like the birds, if you do they will pester you for a long time. They suffered some damage but are being redone by park staff and there are still several that are good. We have been coming here for almost 30 years. Summer can be brutal in a tent but fall and spring it is the best beach camping we have every done. Our favorite is the tent areas of which there are several areas, some away for RVs. the island has several sites for hike up the beach to truly rough it. If you take great food and beverages this can be a 5 star way to travel. I will return to Assateauge but only in cool weather otherwise I will stay where there is electric hookups.WE love to camp. ![]() A short drive to the boardwalk at Ocean City where you can dine and ride the tram car or is that Wildwood? Did not get to Seacrets this time but it is one of our favorite places with outdoor bars and stages. To cool for the beach but we did take a walk out on the sand and it is spectacular! There is off roading with a permit that goes on the beach. Nice bike riding on the island with a cool breeze. Fun to watch the ponies tear through the coolers and tents. No shade and no electric equals no air conditioning but that is why we went in May. It made me so happy to have my own bathroom and shower so I can stay in beautiful places like this with no discomfort. I looked down the hole and was expecting to see the guy from the x-files come up and get me. ![]() Bathhouses were pit toilets that smelled. We stayed in May in a 31 foot motor home.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |