Established in 1965 as a unit of the National Park System, Assateague Island National Seashore is located on Assateague Island, which extends 37 miles along the coast from Virginia into Maryland. The island is situated between the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern side and the Sinepuxent and Chincoteague Bays on its western side.
The designated Assateague Island National Seashore area encompasses close to 48,700 acres of land and water with a diverse array of coastal habitats including sandy beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes, dense growing shrubs and grasslands. In addition to being home to the famous Assateague wild horses, the island is located within both the northern and southern routes of the Atlantic Migratory Flyway, attracting hundreds of bird species.
Getting to Assateague Island National Seashore
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore with no vehicle access between the two entrances. Drivers must return to the mainland to access either entrance:
- The Virginia entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague. The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located on the south side of Beach Road, before the beach parking areas. Hours and open schedule varies seasonally. Telephone - 757-336-6577.
- The Maryland entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City. The Barrier Island Visitor Center is located on the southern side of Route 611, before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. Open year round from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Telephone: 410-641-1441.
Recreational Activities at Assateague Island National Seashore
Popular recreational activities within the park include:
- Swimming and surfing - lifeguards are on duty during the some on some beach areas in both Virginia and Maryland.
- Surf fishing, crabbing and clamming - be sure to acquaint yourself with local rules and regulations.
- Biking and hiking - there are several paths and nature trails throughout the park.
- See the wild horses - free-roaming wild horses may be seen within the park...read more
- Shelling - note that shell collecting is limited to one gallon or less of unoccupied shells.
- Birding - hundreds of migratory and resident species may be spotted at different times of the year.
- Canoeing and kayaking - there are designated launch areas for kayaks and canoes. Seasonal rentals are available in the Maryland district.
Overnight camping within the park is permitted in National Park Service operated campsites located in the Maryland district only. Campers are limited to 14 nights during the peak season from April 15 to October 15 and to a total of 30 nights per year. During the popular peak season, reservations are highly recommended. Telephone 877-444-6777 or visit http://www.recreation.gov.
In Virginia, there are nearby privately operated campsites on Chincoteague Island. For information about camping on Chincoteague Island, visit the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Web Site.
Nearby Lodging
Find a hotel, motel or inn that is located close to Assateague Island National Seashore: Nearby Attractions
While you are visiting the area, here are a few attractions that you may wish to include in your trip plans:
- In Virginia -
NASA Visitor Center - Wallops Flight Facility - Wallops Island, Virginia
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge - Assateague Island, Virginia
Assateague Lighthouse - Assateague Island, Virginia
Chincoteague Island - Chincoteague, Virginia - In Maryland -
Assateague State Park
Ocean City, Maryland
