The Assateague Island, one of the most memorable and adventurous vacation spots in the United States (U.S.), should be on your bucket list if you ever consider visiting Maryland or Virginia.
It is one of the few places where travelers can enjoy the view of horses roaming freely. Two Spanish shipwrecks are part of the history of Assateague Island National Seashore.
Legend has it that the wild horses roaming the Assateague Island National Seashore descended from survivors of a Spanish galleon wrecked along the mid-Atlantic coast.
Aside from the sight of feral horses, you can enjoy other exciting activities while visiting the Assateague Island.
Here, you will find information about the Assateague’s history, how to get to the island, where to stay, what to do, the best time to visit, fees and registration, and rangers programs.
Brief history of Assateague island
Assateague Island is one of Maryland’s greatest natural treasures. It was dedicated as a National Seashore on September 21, 1965, and has since attracted over 1 million visitors yearly.
However, this 37-mile (60 km) long barrier island once upon a time was not an island. Like all barrier islands, it has changed in form over the years.
Generally, barrier islands consist primarily of sand repeatedly deposited by waves and longshore currents. These islands grow or erode based on weather patterns and local geographical features affected by wind and waves. There have been instances where such islands disappeared entirely.
Before 1933, Assateague was connected to the southern end of Fenwick Island in Delaware until the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane, one of the most damaging hurricanes in the Mid-Atlantic states in the eastern U.S., opened an inlet between the southern end of Ocean City and the new Assateague.
Typically, the opening could have become filled if left as it is after the storm. However, between 1933 and 1935, a permanent system of artificial jetties was used to fortify it to create a navigation channel.
It is separated from Fenwick Island in Maryland by Ocean City Inlet and from Wallops Island and Chincoteague Island in Virginia by Chincoteague Inlet.
The island is split between two states, Maryland and Virginia. The Maryland section, which is the largest, contains the majority of Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. The Virginia side includes the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and a lifeguarded recreational beach.
They are managed by three separate agencies: the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Enough of the history; let us discuss how to explore and enjoy your stay on the Island.
Assateague Island State Park
The Assateague Island State Park is located at the north end of the Assateague Island, hence, part of Maryland’s portion. It is the only ocean park in the state and the closest to Ocean City.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages it.
Activities to enjoy
Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, picnicking, surfing, bird watching, photography, paddle boating, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, beach combing, and lots more.
Assateague Island State Park entrance fees:
Day-use Admission Fees:
- Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day- $5/person to 4 pm
- After Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend and after 4 p.m.- $5/vehicle
Camping: (listed fees below do not include transaction or other applicable fees)
- Campsite: $27.50
- Campsite with electric: $38.50
Dates:
All campsites:
- Wed Apr 26, 2023 – Mon Oct 30, 2023
- Wed Apr 24, 2024 – Mon Oct 28, 2024
Boat Launch Charges: $10/vehicle
Note: Assateague State Park passes are not valid in either Assateague Island National Seashore or Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Assateague Island National Park
The Assateague Island National Park is much larger than the state park. It is managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and offers wilderness camping opportunities for visitors.
Activities to enjoy
Horseback riding, crabbing, fishing, biking, camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming, shell collecting, shellfishing, surfing, and hunting.
Entrance fees
Entrance passes may be used in both Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. When visiting the Maryland district, Federal Duck Stamp holders must purchase a $20 beach parking fee upgrade.
Maryland
The Assateague State Park charges zero fees for people on foot or bicycle. People coming with their vehicle are charged, however, access is free for everyone on a few days of the year.
It is also essential to note that the Assateague State Park entrance passes cannot be used for accessing all parts of the Island, especially the Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Virginia
2023 Fee-free Days
No entrance pass is required on these days:
- Monday, January 16 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Saturday, April 22 — First Day of National Park Week
- Friday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 23 — National Public Lands Day
- Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Entrance is also free for holders of the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass:
- Senior (annually) – $20
- Senior (lifetime) – $80
- Goldstar family member or veteran – Free
- Medically determined permanent disabled person – Free
- Military personnel – Free
- 4th Grade Student – Free
Ensure you go with your card, as the management now operates a cashless policy. More information about the fees and time of the year for free passes can be found here.
Assateague Island Camping
There are no Assateague Island hotels. Visitors who intend to pass the night there will need to camp.
Assateague Island camping options can only be found on the Maryland side. Commercial campgrounds are available on the neighboring island of Chincoteague, Virginia.
Assateague Island campgrounds include:
- Oceanside Drive-in: Tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles (no hookups) are allowed. Sites are $30 per night.
- Oceanside Walk-in: Only tents are allowed. The fee charged is $30. It is closed from November 16 through March 14.
- Bayside Drive-in: Tents, trailers, and recreational vehicles (no hookups) are allowed. Sites are $30 per night and can be reserved year-round, up to 6 months in advance.
- Group Camping: Designed for organized clubs and affiliated groups. Only tents are allowed. It can be reserved year-round at $50 per night per site.
- Horse Camp: There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 through April 14. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses. Sites are $50 per night.
People who prefer not to camp can find a hotel near Assateague Island. It is recommended you book ahead to save yourself and your family or companions lots of stress.
How to get to Assateague Island
By Vehicle
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. Ocean City to Assateague Island is about 34 kilometers.
The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of 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
Ocean City Municipal Airport and Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport are the closest airports.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Assateague Island National Seashore.
You can have a detailed map of Assateague Island for directions here.
By Vehicle
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. Ocean City to Assateague Island is about 34 kilometers.
The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of 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
Ocean City Municipal Airport and Salisbury-Wicomico County Regional Airport are the closest airports.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to Assateague Island National Seashore.
You can have a detailed map of Assateague Island for directions here.
Assateague Island horses
There is no definite explanation for the origin of Assateague Island horses. Some locals believe they are descendants of horses that survived a shipwreck off the Virginia coast hundreds of years ago.
Others suggested they are descendants of horses brought to the Island by owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
These horses are beautiful, tough, and wild. They can be found on the two sides of the Island, but you are better off catching them on the Maryland side.
Visitors are advised against feeding or petting them as they can get sick from human food or injure you.
Best time to visit Assateague island
The Assateague Island is open all year round. The best time to visit depends on your planned activities and preferences.
- January/February: Coldest months on Assateague Island. There is a very light crowd—perfect time to view birds and seals.
- March/April: Rising temperatures and light crowd. Pregnant mares start giving birth to new foals.
- May/June: Rising temperatures and increased crowd. It’s a good time to swim.
- July/August: Summer season. Large crowd. It is a great time to swim.
- September: Temperature is moderate. The crowd is reduced as most children have resumed school—a perfect time for surfers, especially on September 12.
- October: Cool air temperatures. There is less crowd. It is a great time to relax on the beach and explore the island.
- November/December: The crowd is minimal during this time. It offers an incredible sight of birds and wildlife. It’s an excellent time for surfers.
The Assateague Island best time to see horses is from late April through mid-October. The last Thursday in July is one of the best days to see the Assateague Island ponies.
