Assateague Island

Explore the natural beauty of Assateague Island! Stretching over 37 miles, Assateague is an oasis on Maryland’s Coast that showcases some of the best the Eastern Shore offers. Visiting the island’s sandy dunes, beaches, and lush bayside marshlands is a one-of-a-kind experience. 

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous wild horses that continue to roam the beaches since the late 17th century. The horses are descendants of domesticated horses brought to the island that reverted to a wild state. Assateague is also home to 200 species of birds, whitetail deer, dolphins off the coast, and many more types of wildlife embracing the local ecosystem. 

The island consists of 2 parks: Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only oceanfront park and was selected by National Geographic Travel magazine in 1994 as one of the 10 best state parks in the United States. Assateague National Seashore was voted Top 10 National Seashores and Lakeshores by Coastal Living Magazine. Before exploring Assateague, take time to get to know the island by visiting the Barrier Island Visitor Center just west of the Verrazano Bridge.

Assateague Island State Park

The state park side of the island is Maryland’s only oceanfront state park. It consists of 2 miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean. 

Day Use Beach Access

• Lifeguards on the beach from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Bathhouse with toilets, sinks, showers, baby changing station.
• Park Entrance Fees
  • Memorial Day - Labor Day- $5.00 per person
  • Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day - $5.00 per vehicle
  • Golden Age Passholders - Free* when valid pass is presented
  • Veterans - Free* with valid ID
  • Active Duty Military - Free* with valid ID
  • Maryland Park Service Passport/ Annual Passholders - Free for up to 10 people in one vehicle when valid pass is presented
  • Children under age 8 in car seats - Free

Campground

• Assateague State Park has 345 campsites steps away from the beach.
• Campsites can accommodate tents, trailers, RVs, etc.
• Each site has a parking pad, campfire ring, and picnic table.
• Campers check-in from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 
• Reserve a spot

Assateague Island National Seashore

Besides the 2 miles of Assateague State Park, the majority of the Maryland district of Assateague Island is managed by the National Park Service. While both parks share pristine nature and activities, the National Park has an abundance of bayside and oceanfront access.

Park Entrance

• Entrance Passes & Fees
• Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zone Permits
• Commercial Filming & Photography
• Special Use Permits: events, fishing tournaments, group hunts, races, etc.

Campground Options

• Oceanside Drive-In: $40/night
• Oceanside Walk-In: tent-only sites, $40/night
• Bayside Drive-In: $40/night
• Group Camping: $80/night 
• Horse Camp: 2 campsites available from October 16 to April 14. Sites accommodate up to 6 people and 6 horses. $80/night

Firewood must be purchased locally. Facilities include chemical toilets, seasonal cold water showers (mid-March through mid-November), and drinking water. Find more information here. 

Hiking & Biking

The barrier island holds unique hiking trails with different qualities like our life of the dunes, forest, or marsh trail. View guides here and be mindful of quick-changing weather conditions and unpaved areas.

There are several miles of biking trails through the National Park on the Maryland side. Bike trails are along Bayberry Drive through 4 miles of the Island. Plus, cyclists can travel over the bicycle-pedestrian bridge to reach the Island. 

Plan Your Visit

Assateague Island is accessible year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Before you go, check the latest park alerts and conditions, and be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.