About Assateague Island National Seashore
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Assateague 7 day vehicle pass.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle
Operating Hours
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
Activities
Getting There
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 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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
The Assateague Island National Seashore Annual Park Entrance Pass is $45.00. It is valid in both the Maryland District and Virginia District (Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge).
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district
View the wild horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. The wild horses are free roaming and spend time in the…
Wild horses roam the various habitats of Assateague Island. In the Maryland district keep your eyes peeled through out your…
See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District
Assateague Island is well known for the famous wild horses who call the island home. In the Virginia district, the…
Surf Fishing on Assateague
Grab your fishing pole and get comfortable on the beach! Surf fishing is an activity that is not only fun…
Bird at Toms Cove
The Virginia district of Assateague Island lies within the Atlantic Flyway, providing excellent birding opportunities year-round. No matter what time…
View a variety of birds year-roud from the deck of the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Increase your viewing opportunities with binoculars,…
Crabbing at Assateague Island
Who doesn’t love to eat a blue crab? After all, the literal translation of this Latin name (Callinectes sapidus) is…
Crabbing is a great activity for the entire family regardless of age. You will need a hand line or string…
Visitor Centers
Assateague Island Visitor Center
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. The Assateague Island…
Hours: Open 7 days/week, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center
The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center is located in the Virginia District within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Hours: Open Daily: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm As of April 19, 2026
Maryland District Ranger Contact Station & Campground Office
Offers campground information and registration, backcountry camping permits, hunting information, entrance passes and over-sand vehicle permits.
Hours: Hours change seasonally. Contact the Ranger Station/Campground Office for current hours of operation. Currently open 9 am - 5 pm daily as of March 18, 2024.
Campgrounds
Back Country Camping - Green Run
Bayside back country site
Back Country Camping - Little Levels
Back Country Camping, bayside
Back Country Camping - Pine Tree
Bay side back country campsite
Back Country Camping - Pope Bay
Bay side back country campsite
Back Country Camping - State Line
Back Country Camping; ocean side
Back Country Camping - Tingles Island
Bayside back country site
Bayside Drive-in Campground
Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. No generators allowed in…
Horse camping
Horse campers must bring their own horses. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and hitching posts. Sites are $80 per night. Maximum…
Oceanside Drive-in Campground
Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from…
Oceanside Group Campground
Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have multiple picnic tables and fire…
Oceanside Walk-in campground
Tent only sites. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November…
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