Maryland's Oceanfront State Park Is A Recreation Gem Where Wild Horses Roam

Maryland is one of those places that has long managed to cruise under the national radar. When asked what it's famous for, some might mention the steamed blue crabs that are the state's unofficial cuisine. That said, ignoring Maryland is to shut out a part of the country with myriad charms, hidden as they may be. From a street in Baltimore that's perfect for exploring urban culture, to a secret white sand beach on a majestic lake, the Old Line State offers plenty of alluring attractions for those willing to make the effort, and perhaps none is more sublime than Assateague State Park.

Situated on the flat barrier island that shares its name, Assateague State Park is known for its 2 miles of sandy beaches, as well as opportunities for swimming, fishing, beach combing, surfing, kayaking, and more. However, the park's most famous feature is the wild horses that call it — and the greater island — home. These magnificent animals draw visitors from far and wide who come to Assateague State Park in hopes of catching a glimpse of their untamed beauty.

However, there is more to the area than just the state park. The 37-mile-long Assateague Island is also a National Seashore that features bays, forests, and salt marshes that you can explore on foot or by boat, along with opportunities for camping. This is a windswept, unique stretch of land that's great for relaxation, spotting birds and other wildlife, and taking in the glorious forms of the wild horses that have been there for hundreds of years.

Open to the public since 1965, Assateague State Park occupies 855 acres on the northern end of the island near the town of Ocean City. As Maryland's only seaside state park, it sees well over 2 million visitors per year who cross from the mainland via the Verrazzano Bridge.

Many visitors come to the park with an RV or to pitch a tent at one of its 342 campsites, which come with paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. However, you'll have to reserve well in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly. Water and sewage hookups are not available, while a limited number of spots have electric hookups. There are also flush toilets and shower facilities on site. The great thing about the campground is that it sits just 30 feet away from the beach, so you're never far from the sound of the surf washing up on the shore.

The beach itself is home to a boardwalk, a boat launch, and a fishing pier, where anglers can cast a line in hopes of hooking into striped bass and bluefish. The park also is a good place to swim in the summer, with lifeguards on duty. It also attracts surfers — just know that the swell can get pretty big, so beginners should exercise caution before paddling out.

Also known as Chincoteague ponies, the wild horses of Assateague Island are actually feral horses, meaning that their ancestors were once domesticated. Legend has it that the original herd were the survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast, though the most likely explanation is that they were brought by settlers in the area some 300 years ago. Today, the National Park Service maintains a limit of 150 adult horses to keep numbers manageable. Just make sure to keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them, and also lock down and secure all of your food at night while camping, as they won't hesitate to break into your stash.

Like the state park, the Assateague Island National Seashore is also ideal for camping, with two drive-in campgrounds, one walk-in site, a group site, and a horse site. There are a number of terrific walking paths that take visitors through dunes, forest, and marshland that is home to wildlife such as red fox, squirrels, horseshoe crab, as well as whitetail and sika deer. The island is also a birding hotspot, with over 320 species spotted. Its unique location makes it a prime stop for migrating flocks, which means birders can take in a wide array of avian species year round.

Assateague State Park is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from either Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) or Virginia's Norfolk International Airport (ORF). For more of Maryland's charms, check out Frederick, a hip city with award-winning food, art, and fun.