Can You Drive Through Assateague Island?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You can drive your car to the island

, and they have a couple parking lots. There is a visitor center which has information about the island and the wildlife there.

How much does it cost to go to beach at Assateague Island?

Per Vehicle Park Specific Annual Pass Current $20 $40 Jan 1, 2020

$25


$45

Is there a bridge to Assateague Island?


The Verrazano Bridge in Maryland is a bridge on Maryland Route 611 over Sinepuxent Bay that connects Assateague Island to the mainland

. The crossing, built in 1964, contains two spans, one carrying automobiles and the other carrying pedestrians and bicycles.

Is Assateague Island worth?


Assateague Island National Seashore is worth a visit whether there is a park entrance fee or not

! Though most famous for its wild ponies, Assateague State Park offers a wide range of activities and sights. The park features two miles of pristine Atlantic ocean .

Which is better Chincoteague or Assateague?

Most people explore both islands in a single trip.

Assateague, 37 miles long, is prized for its beaches and ponies, and Chincoteague, seven miles long, is known for its wildlife refuge, dunes, forests, and marshes

.

Can you sleep on the beach at Assateague Island?

Maryland — Assateague Island National Seashore does not close, but overnight parking in the MD OSV Zone is prohibited except for those who are awake and actively engaged in fishing or those with a Bullpen permit.

Camping and/or sleeping on the beach is strictly prohibited

.

Can you sleep in your car at Assateague Island?


Camping and/or sleeping overnight are prohibited except in designated campsites

. Drive-in Site Limits: 6 persons (or immediate family), 3 tents, 2 registered motor vehicles, or one vehicle and a trailer, allowed per drive-in campsite.

What time do the ponies swim back to Assateague?

The time of slack tide varies each year. However, the swim generally takes place some time

between 7am and 1pm

. The specific time will be announced at the carnival grounds the week of the swim. The best way to see the pony swim up close is on a Charter Boat.

Which side of Assateague Island is better?

We prefer the

Maryland side

, less crowds, bigger beach, better facilities on the State Park area, and Berlin is always wonderful.

Are Assateague and Chincoteague connected?


A short bridge connects Chincoteague Island to Assateague Island

. Entering Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, visitors are immediately surrounded by the splendor of unspoiled nature.

Can you drive from Chincoteague Island to Assateague?

Note:

You cannot drive all the way through Assateague Island

. You have to drive back to the mainland to go between Assateague National Seashore and Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge which is about 56 miles.

Does Assateague Island have a boardwalk?


This Maryland Park Has Endless Boardwalks

And You'll Want To Explore Them All. Beach season will soon be over (sigh… I know, it's sad), BUT that doesn't mean that you have to stop exploring Maryland's beaches. Nearly all of them are open year-round so you can still still enjoy the sights, no matter the weather.

Are there bathrooms on Assateague Island?

Bathrooms and Showers at Assateague

The best part of Assateague Island is the fact that

it has both toilets AND SHOWERS

. Normally beaches like Ocean City, Rehoboth, Dewey, etc, do not have showers or public restrooms.

Can you swim at Assateague Island?

Of course

you can swim and sunbathe on the beaches between North and South Ocean beaches as well

. This area borders the Oceanside Campground and is used mainly by the campers who have easy access to it from their campsites. You are also welcome to visit the backcountry beaches.

What is the best time of year to visit Assateague Island?

The ocean temperatures at Assateague Island are similar to Ocean City, Maryland, with the best times of year to swim in just a bathing suit being the

end of June to early September

. The air temperatures are warm to hot during these months, with the ocean offering a refreshing cool off from the sun.

Does it cost to go to Chincoteague beach?

It's

$8.00 for a car for a day pass

. If you're going more than 1 day you can get a week pass (good for 7 consecutive days) for $15.00.

How do you stay in Assateague Island?

Can I stay overnight on Assateague Island?

Camping is available in the Maryland portion of Assateague Island National Seashore and in the Maryland State Park

. In Virginia, there are privately owned campgrounds on nearby Chincoteague Island. Motels are located in Ocean City, MD and Chincoteague, VA.

What is the best time to see the horses on Assateague Island?

The best time to see the Assateague Island horses is from

late April through mid-October

. 300 ponies live on the island. Sometimes the ponies are far away out in the marsh, so it is a good idea to bring a good pair of binoculars with you.

Is Chincoteague Island worth visiting?


Visiting Chincoteague Island is a must – it truly is a hidden gem

. At just over three hours from the Washington DC metro area, Chincoteague makes for the perfect weekend getaway or an epic day trip – making you feel worlds away from the craziness of the city.

Where is the best place to see the horses on Assateague Island?

The horses can often be found in

the marsh areas, on the beach, or further down the island in the National Park's OSV (Over Sand Vehicle) area

. When visiting the island to see the horses, be sure to follow all regulations including not stopping or parking along roadways or getting closer than 40 feet to any wildlife.

Can you have a bonfire on Assateague?


Open fires are allowed at designated sites on the beach, by permit only

. Elsewhere on the beach fires must be contained in a metal container, but do not require a permit. Open campfires are only allowed at designated sites (Site A, B, or C) and require a permit.

Does anyone live on Assateague Island?


LeRoy Andrews Jones

was born June 6,1919, on Chincoteague and moved at age 1 across the channel to Assateague, where he lived until he was about age 12. He is reportedly the last living resident of the now-vanished village on Assateague Island, Virginia.

Can you drive on the beach at Assateague?

At Assateague,

beach driving starts at the end of the popular beaches and goes only through the backcountry parts of the island where people are less likely to be

. Whether you are in Maryland or Virginia, there is a limit to the number of vehicles allowed on the beach at one time (145 in Maryland and 48 in Virginia).

Can you drive on beach in Maryland?

The rules are that

you cannot drive on the beach anywhere in Ocean City at any time

. You can drive on specific areas of Assateague with an OSV permit (over sand vehicle). OSV permits can be picked up at the ranger station.

Can you drive on the beach in Chincoteague?


Motor vehicles are permitted only on established roads, parking areas and designated Over-Sand Vehicle areas, and are prohibited elsewhere on Assateague Island

. Please help us maintain the privilege of OSV zone use by strictly complying with the regulations.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.