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.

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.

  • Arts and Culture
  • Auto and ATV
  • Auto Off-Roading
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Fishing
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Guided Tours
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Off-Trail Permitted Hiking
  • Horse Trekking
  • Horse Camping (see also camping)
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting and Gathering
  • Hunting
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Surfing
  • Swimming
  • Saltwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Animals
  • Birds
  • Fish
  • Horses (wild)
  • Tortoises and Turtles
  • Climate Change
  • Coasts, Islands and Atolls
  • Dunes
  • Geology
  • Oceans
  • Trails

Wild Horses on the dunes at Assateague

Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague

There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses.Take advantage of the opportunity to view these horses in a natural habitat.

Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island

Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island

Assateague's wild horses can often be found grazing in salt marshes.

Tree Swallows Migrating along Assateague

Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague

Enormous flocks of migrating tree swallows stop and rest on Assateague beaches in the fall.

Camping at Assateague

tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes

Tent camping in the Oceanside campground at Assateague is a great way to relax and recreate at the beach.

Waves on Assateague beach

waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background

Visit the shifting sands at the water's edge where thousands of waves change the beach every day.