Assateague State Park

Campground Improvement Project - Details

dune damage at Assateague State ParkAssateague Island is an always-changing barrier island; each time you visit, you will experience something different as the ocean, winds, and sands continue to move. More and more, these natural factors along with higher tides and more intense storms have resulted in regular damage to the dunes that protect the infrastructure and natural resources at Assateague State Park.

Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Park Service have been studying the stability of the dunes at Assateague State Park over many years. In response to these natural factors as well as measured effects of climate change including mid-Atlantic coastal sea level rise, Assateague State Park has undertaken this plan to increase resilience to coastal erosion and storm events. The project will provide for anticipated dune migration and add to dune stabilization while maintaining a safe and enjoyable camping experience for visitors and protection of infrastructure and facilities.

Phase I includes relocation of five campground loop roads, shifting them 20 to 100 feet westward away from the primary dune; loops affected are: C, D, E, F, G, and H. Work will include the relocation or elimination of several campsites located at the eastern-most part of the loop. This strategy will allow space for migration of the dune westward while still maintaining access to each camping loop. In addition, we have added a small number of more primitive, walk-in style campsites on the southern portion of the campground with a small parking lot adjacent to Bathhouse #9. The total number of campsites will be 342.

Phase II includes stabilization and reinforcement of the current dune system through the addition of sand to the western side of the dune. This will broaden the dune and create a more stable and resilient profile that has been developed from an analysis of historical data on erosion rates, tides, waves, and storm surges. Additional measures include renovations of crossovers, planting of stabilizing dune grasses, and installation of dune fencing. These measures are an effort to add stability and strength to the current dunes and provide protection from erosion, higher than average tides, intense storms, and storm surges.

Both the road and campsite relocation and the dune restoration projects are ongoing during winter/spring 2019. Upon completion, the reconfiguration will impact the 2019 camping season as the names and numbers of many of the camping loops will be changing. Please refer to the additional information provided for maps of the campground layout and new campground letter/numbering system. Additionally, please note that affected camping loops are closed for reservations in spring 2019.


Please continue to monitor our Assateague State Park website for future updates. We appreciate the patience of all of our campers and your interest in this project. Our goal is to provide a high quality camping experience on Assateague Island for many years to come.