getting there
The closest airport to Assateague National Park is the Baltimore Washington International Airport which is approximately 128 miles away and approximately a 2 hour and 36 minute drive. The second major airport is Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA) which is approximately 145 miles away and a 2 hour and 52 minute drive. There are two regional airports that are closer which are Ocean City Municipal Airport or the Salisbury-Wicomico County Airport. There is no public transportation to Assateague National Seashore so plan on driving your own private vehicle to the park.
There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. The northern entrance is in Maryland off Route 611 just south of Ocean City. The southern entrance is in Virginia off Route 175 just east of Chincoteague.
getting around
The best way to visit this national park is in your own private vehicle. You can drive through most of the park on paved roads.
If you are interested in driving on unspoiled beaches you can purchase an Over-Sand Vehicle permit for the year and range from $110 to $200 depending on the pass. Please see the OSV Use information on the NPS website for rules, regulations and updates.
where to stay
As this park is greatly divided between the northern half in Maryland and southern half in Virginia there are a number of options at both sites. Ocean City, Maryland is a convenient place to stay when exploring the northern area- boasting a variety of accommodation options and things to do and only 8 miles away. In Virginia, you can stay in the quaint and beautiful coastal town of Chincoteague which is only 2 miles from the Virginia entrance.
Camping is available only in the Maryland section of the park. It is highly recommended to book way in advance as it is incredibly popular. You must make a reservation from March 15 through November 15 and available 6 months in advance. From November 16 through March 14 the campsites are first-come first-served. Sites are $30 per night. You can make reservations on www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
when to visit
Summer is the most popular time to visit the park not only to see all the wild horses but also it is ideal to spend time at the beach in the hot summer months. Surfers tend to prefer September for its warmest ocean waters. From mid-March until mid-November campsite reservations are required and extremely popular so plan well in advance.
fees
Weekly passes are good for 7 consecutive days at both the Assateague Island National Seashore (MD) and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (VA).
Assateague/Chincoteague Private vehicle: $25/7 days
For a daily vehicle pass to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge-$10 and this is valid for only 1 day.
Assateague Annual Pass: $45
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80 interagency pass good for one year from month purchased- highly recommend this if visiting more than 3 parks in a year.
Camping site fee is $30 per night only on the Maryland side and reservations are required.
OSV permits are valid for one year and $110 -$200 depending on your permit type.
top things to do
Wild horses! Assateague Island boasts one of the best places to see wild horses in the United States and what better way to see them but on the beach. Aside from the horses, the dunes and wetlands provide remarkable viewing of other wildlife including numerous birds.
On the Maryland side, there are three unique walking trails (Life of the Dunes, Life of the Forest, and Life of the Marsh) that are all easy and less than a mile each and two include a boardwalks. On the Virginia side, there are more options for trails of various lengths. These hikes are great ways to view the various ecosystems and experience the wildlife.
The beaches here are untouched and stunningly beautiful. After exploring the walks you can relax on the beach and enjoy a swim.
Drive over the sand- if you wish to do this make sure to purchase and display the annual permit and abide by the rules and regulations.
Make sure to pack your lunch for exploration of this park and don’t forget your camera!
