Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

[bowman316]

I was thinking about going down to Assateague Island for Memorial day weekend, and camping at the national park there. Just wondering if anyone else had similar plans?
I know the water will still be fairly cold, but the weather should be nice. Should be good fishing/ boating.

And drive up to Ocean city at night, as long as someone stays sober to drive back.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Sounds like fun! I wish I could do something fun on Memorial Day, but the boss (girlfriend) has other ideas - UGH! Assateague Island is the place with the wild horses, right? Should be some good Striper fishing too.

BOB

 

[Edko]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Few things concerning the island.

Take skeeter repellent. Can't stress it enough, if the wind dies or blows the wrong way you are going to hate life without it, especially in the evenings.

You can camp at the state park as well, and there are a few more amenities there. Check the dnr website. Remember, no alcohol at MD state parks now. Consult http://www.nps.gov/asis/ for regs at the national park.

Do not feed, or walk up to (especially behind), or touch the ponies. While they are fairly non threatened by humans, they can occasionally become a bit upset at people messing with them. They will sometimes walk within feet of you and hang out. Resist the urge, don't get kicked in the face (I've seen it happen).

If you are taking your boat you will have to get a slip rental in OC. If you boat in those waters, be careful of sand bars and shoals. Usual proper preparation applies.

If you are taking the truck out to the beach, use the link above and have the proper off roading equipment, don't get fined if you get stuck

Oh, and you might want to look into reservations, for either site. That weekend is a zoo and fills up fast. Can't recall if they take them or not.

Assateague is a blast and a real treasure of unspoiled barrier beach. I hope you have a great time.

Maryland DNR http://www.dnr.state.md.us/PublicLands/Eastern/Assateague.html

National park http://www.nps.gov/asis/

 

[bowman316]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Yea, they have wild ponies,
They will come right up to cars.

There is a good bay there, with lots of coves and islands. Pretty shallow too. I Think my Gf is planning a trip down there, but idk if she would camp, I just like to save money on hotels.

It can be impossible to get a camping spot there in the summer.

 

[bowman316]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

i'm pretty sure you can drink in the national park, I always liked that more than the state park.

They watch you less, and trust you more i think.

We should try and get some type of i-boats gathering

 

[David Greer]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

the waters can be very shallow and the tides can run 3.5 feet, and more with the wind. Black flies that time of year. Ocean too cold for swimming much. Great flounder fishing; look for green water on the outgoing tide immediately after it changes--you have to chase it. The large bays are shallow and the creeks are deep. My favorite part of the world.

 

[Opossum]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

I have not been back to OC since 99. When my parents sold our condos there. Had them for over 20 years and spend most of my childhood summers there on the beach. Makes me sad.

 

[Edko]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Alot has changed since '99, many many more of those big neon tourist t shirt shops. I swear there is a Sunsations on every street...

I used to run the Riptide Water Park on the pier from '89 to '93. That's been gone for years, they moved alot of it up to Jolly Roger. I still get my family in free which I suppose is a perk...

And god those flies will rip flesh from bone given the right conditions. Skeeters can get bad too. Take lots of repellent! Buddy of mine said the flounder picked up a little last year down there.

If you wanna do some charter fishing look up The Bay Bee in West OC or Captain Jack on 1st St.

 

[kandil]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Assateague Island is one of MD best kept secret I go there every year I take my 4x4 and go as far as I can south it is beautiful and so peaceful and privet you feel like you own itman I love this place I usually stay in west OC and drive there every day great surf fishing.The only thing I hate is the black fly they are so mean and if they like you you will be dinner make sure you have a good replant.Are you going to take your boat with you?where would you lunch it? Have fun

 

[Opossum]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

We had a condo in the fountian head and if you left that parking lot and headed to the road slightly left that went back to the bay when you hit the end of the road on the furthest point we had 2 in one of the buildings there. We used to crab right off the dock (with great catches) and have a huge crab boil. There used to be atleast a small island back there off that part. not sure if it is still there. I used to sleep on the ocean baclony or in the living room with the doors open and wake up before the sun crested above the ocean. Awww all the memories.....

 

[bowman316]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Man am i stupid, I assumes memerial day was at the very end of May, I did not realize that it is really on the 25th. I just saw a weekend at the end, and did not realize that the monday would have been June 1. So I reserved a camp site for the week after memorial day. And the sites for memorial day are all taken already.

I don't get it, it is not going to even be that warm down there. Why is it impossible get a site 2 months in advance.

I guess I could work memorial day, and take off the next monday.

 

[Edko]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

It's hit the high 80s many years on Mem day. Never know.

Good and reasonable eats: Harborside, the crab dip is named after a friend of mine/former waitress. Unreal stuff. Fishtales on 22nd also has good food at reasonable prices, great atmosphere next to Bahia Marina.

Good luck getting your plans straight bowman.

 

[Edko]

Re: Going to Assateague Island, MD for Memorial Day

Assateague has at least 1 boat launch, in the state park. MIGHT be one on the bayside of the natl park, cant recall, and its probably kayaks cos of depth.