Assateague Island

[reiflame]

Originally Posted by DaveinMtAiry

I was just about to post something about this. The mosquitos in summer are legendary, trust me you do NOT want to deal with this problem. They may not be there in May but the ocean will be too cold for enjoyment that time of year IMO. There is a national park and a state park, I believe. One sprays for them the other does not. You need to check on this because you will be miserable if you go to the wrong place.

Definitely true about the ocean - in May its downright chilly. On the ocean side, the bugs aren't too bad as long as there is a breeze. Mosquitoes have a hard time flying in the wind, so you don't get them on the dune sites but you might on the sites closest to the road. I always camp on the ocean side.

I'm not sure if either of them spray for bugs, but the State park does not allow alcohol on its campgrounds so I've never camped there.

[ESFP]

I live near Chincoteague, with Assateague Island being a barrier island. The Maryland access is more primitive for camping but, if you go to the VA side, about 8 miles south of the border, turn left and go another 8 miles, you'll be in one of my favorite towns, Chincoteague (pronounced Sheen-co-teeg). Island Creamery with home-made ice cream, good seafood, charter and pier fishing, and biking/hiking around the island to see the ponys and sitka deer and small town shops. In the winter, it's desolated, but in the summer it's hopping with birdwatchers and crabbing. Lots of dogs but none allowed on Assateague Island (they chase the birds and horses). The beach is clean with restrooms nearby. The pony penning/auction is on July 24 & 25 this year. People take lawn chairs early because the crowd (40,000) makes it almost too crowded to walk. Expect hot sun and the famous mosquitos. Driving across the 1 mile island could take over an hour and hotels are booked. Otherwise, be prepared, have reservations and bug spray, and a camera. You can rent anything (bikes, scooter cars and mopeds, boats, boogie boards...) You'll find it's one of the safest places you'll ever see. We never lock our doors or car. You'll see the red and white striped Assateague lighthouse and be close to Ocean City, MD (1.25 hr/56 miles), or can take a day to the Outter Banks (4 hrs from Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras, NC). See you there!

[Champ le monstre du lac]

This area sounds like my kind of beach. I love beaches that are just the beach devoid of concrete with only dunes, sea, and sand.