Beach camping with truck in Maryland/Virginia

Looking to go beach camping with a couple friends, I just can't find anywhere where I can drive my truck up onto the beach. Assateague is out of the running because it's an expensive permit.
Any ideas?

 

Assateague is the only option in MD and camping on the beach isn't allowed. That said, the pass for Assateague will also get you on the beach at Chincoteague, VA ... again, no camping.

Might look into Delaware or even NJ for beach camping

 

I read that you can camp on the beach there if you are actively fishing, which I can do haha.

 

There is that caveat ... true ... Lol

I believe that's MD only

 

Yup, doesn't sound too bad haha. Just throw a couple rods out there and we're set.

Do you known any other areas that aren't necessarily beach where we can camp with the truck nearby?

 

Not unless you do a campground at one of the state forests/parks or a private campground. There isn't any "primitive" camping in the area unless you backpack in on the beach.

No public areas to off road and camp, other than the beach in this part of MD

 

That sucks, we were thinking either the George Washington National Forest or Assateague. Wish there were more primitive options though.

 

There are a few more options in NJ and PA but not much near the beach in MD.

Check out the Pine Barrens in NJ. They have primitive camp areas and 100s of miles of trails for the truck. Also biking, fishing, hiking, etc. for a nominal fee

 

I hate New Jersey a lot, but I'll look into it. Thanks! I'd honestly much rather go either Maryland, Va or NC but I'll take what I can get.

 

A lot of camping options in NC ... beaches and mountains

 

If you really want beach camping, come on down to Cape Lookout National Seashore in NC. Portsmouth Island or Core Banks both offer twenty miles of pristine beach where free camping is allowed almost anywhere between the dunes and the high tide line. Access is by private ferry only and you'll need to bring everything you need with you - ice is the only thing available once you get over.

 

how much does the ferry cost?

 

Round trip will run you $75 to $90 for your vehicle (depending on length) plus $16/person (under six is free)
http://portsmouthislandfishing.com/portsmouth-island-nc-ferry.aspx
If you do facebook, I think 'portsmouthislandfishing' will get you pictures plus youtube will return videos from a 'portsmouth island' search

The Park Service website also has info https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/camping.htm
If you're not into camping, the Park Service has several cabins with six bunk beds, kitchen, john & shower with awesome ocean view for around $125/night

For any who might visit, enjoy yourselves but please take care of the place. Portsmouth island and South Core Banks are by far the best public lands we have on the east coast for beachfront driving and camping - don't screw it up.

 

Will be doing the cape lookout trip this summer. Can't wait

 

Which section - Portsmouth Island or South Core and what dates? We go to PI most every year and will look you up if we're on the island at the same time.

This link will take you to a write-up done by a guy who joined Cindy and me on a trip to PI a few years back. There's a tab at the end which links to 'Day2' and one from there to 'Day3'. http://www.augiesadventures.com/camping-on-portsmouth-island-day-1/#more-1449

Be sure to post back with pictures and a trip report.

 

Almost ready for my South Core Banks/ Cape Lookout trip, hitting the Davis Ferry @9:00 am May 23-28. We went to Portsmouth Island last summer in May and August, awesome trips there also. Fishing was great both times, you can also take an ATV or UTV there. Portsmouth Village to the North end across from Ocracoke is awesome also, but you best not forget the bug spray and Raccoons can get into anything you don't have strapped down. Hungry critters for sure.

 

Nice looking setup you have there. Are you taking a trailer over?

Cape Lookout is a special place. I’m partial to Portsmouth but we’ve enjoyed our visits to South Core as well. You’re spot on about the raccoons. A friend put his bait cooler inside his truck on one of our trips but forgot to fully close his sliding rear window. Helluva mess the next morning - shrimp and cut bait everywhere.

We’re leaving NC Tuesday on our way out to northern AZ and southern UT for for the next weeks but have plans for Portsmouth in the Fall.

Hope you have a good time and that you’ll post back with pics and a trip report.