Assateague Island National Seashore stretches for 37 miles along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Sinepuxent and Chincoteague Bays to the west. Despite its relatively small size, less than 18,000 acres, a surprising array of habitats and natural features can be found on Assateague Island.

From beach to bay, Assateague Island holds a wealth of habitats and natural features. Forests, marshes, beaches, shrublands, grasslands, and dunes, can all be found within the Seashore’s boundaries.

Along the seaward side, sandy beaches extend the length of the island. Beyond the beach, natural and human-made dunes protect inland habitats from salt spray and ocean waves, allowing shrub thickets and pine forests to thrive.

Chincoteague and Ocean City are gateways to Assateague Island and provide vacation lodging for outdoor recreation, nature tours to see wild ponies and more. Here you’ll also find seafood restaurants and lodging in the form of hotels, cottages, beach houses, campgrounds and bed & breakfasts. Assateague's south entrance is a 1/4 mile east of Chincoteague, its north entrance is eight miles from Ocean City.

Wild Horses at Assateague

Assateague's wild horses, well known even to many people who have never been to the island., are actually feral animals, meaning they are descendants of domestic animals that have reverted to a wild state. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching heat, abundant mosquitoes, stormy weather and poor quality food found on this remote, windswept barrier island have formed a unique wild horse society.

Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island.

The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side known as the “Chincoteague Ponies” and one on the Maryland side of Assateague. They are separated by a fence at the Virginia/Maryland State line. These herds have divided themselves into bands of two to twelve animals and each band occupies a home range. The National Park Service manages the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns and manages the Virginia herd, which is allowed to graze on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Support Assateague Island

The Assateague Island Alliance was created to support the preservation, education, stewardship, and recreational opportunities of the National Seashore. The Assateague Island Alliance conducts fundraising activities, writes grants, sponsors events, and creates sales items for the internet and an island store.

Camping at Assateague Island National Seashore

Plan ahead and camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience! However, the barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared, so take a minute to rad and follow these tips. Campers are reminded to bring firewood, sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.  Campers may not bring firewood from out of state. Firewood must be purchased locally. Registered members can download camping and trail maps as well as camping regulations below.

Assateague Island National Seashore Campground Information

Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Camping facilities include chemical toilets, cold water showers and drinking water. October 16 through April 14, campsites are first-come first-served and sites are $16 per night.

• Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill.
• Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill.
• Bayside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and ground fire grill. A Drive-In "Generator-Free Zone" is located in Bayside B Loop.
• Group Camping: Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have a picnic table and an upright grill. Group campsites are available for reservations year round at $30 per night per site.

There is a 50% discount for campers with Golden Age, Interagency Senior, Golden Access or Interagency Access passports. For more information call the campground office at (410) 641-3030

Assateague Island Camping Reservations

Campground reservations are recommended for peak season camping: April 15 through October 15.
Group campsites are reservable year round. Visit http://www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777
Individual campsites are first-come first-served October 16 through April 14.
Backcountry campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.

Directions  To Assateague
 
By Car
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague, VA. There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.

By Plane
The closest airports are Ocean City Municipal Airport 410-213-2471 and Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport 410-548-4827

Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available.
 
Assateague Island Entrance Fees

Maryland (call to double check)

• Foot/Bicycle: No Fee
• Individual: $3.00
• Motorcycle: $10.00 - 7 Days
• Vehicle: $15.00 - 7 Days
• Vehicle: $30.00 - Park Annual  Pass, valid from 1/1 - 12/31.
• Vehicle: $15.00 - Beach Parking fee upgrade for USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp, valid July 1 - June 30 annually.

Virginia

• Foot/Bicycle: No Fee
• Vehicle: $8.00 - 1 Day
• Vehicle: $15.00 - 7 Days
• Vehicle: $30.00 - Refuge Annual Pass, valid 1 year from purchase.
• Vehicle: $30.00 - USFWS Migratory Waterfowl Duck Stamp ($15.00) plus beach parking fee ($15.00)

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