ASSATEAGUE — New camping fees at Assateague National Seashore went into effect last week resulting in significant changes to the fee structure on the barrier island.
Assateague officials last week announced an increase in fees for camping at the national seashore went into effect on February 1. Fees for the regular sites in the Oceanside and Bayside camping areas, along with the horse camp sites increased by $5, while the group site increased by $10. The new fees apply only to camping and do not affect park’s entrance fees or special permit fees, such as the OSV permits. Superintendent Trish Kicklighter said the increases bring Assateague’s camping fees more in line with other area campgrounds.
“Assateague will always remain a bargain, but we do need to keep our fees a bit more in line with other local destinations,” she said. “It’s also important to note that 80 percent of the fees collected come back to the park to fund projects such as the recent improvements to the campgrounds and the new beach access boardwalk.”