Where To Park At Assateague Island?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Maryland section of Assateague Island National Seashore has two that you can park near and require minimal effort to enjoy. One is located on the north end of the park just after you pass the fee station—aptly named North Ocean Beach—and the other is on the south end of the park, South Ocean Beach.

What is the difference between Assateague State Park and Assateague National Park?

The main difference between the state and national parks are the wash houses . The state park has hot showers and flushing toilets, but no pets allowed. The national park has cold water and chemical toilets, but pets are allowed.

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

Where do you park to see horses on Assateague Island?

The best option is to park at the State Park or National Park day-use area and enjoy a walk along the trails or beach in search of the horses in their natural habitat. There is no guarantee that by paying the service charge visitors will see horses.

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.

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.

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 .

What is the best time of year to visit 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 there a dump station at Assateague State Park?

Features. Assateague State Park is one of several free RV dump stations in Maryland that is located on Assateague Island and offers 2 miles of ocean beaches.

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 drive Assateague Island?

By Vehicle

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.

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 beaches.

Can you touch the horses at Assateague Island?

Petting or feeding the wild horses may seem like a harmless and fun thing to do, but the consequences can be terrible. For your safety and the safety of the horses, please obey park regulations and do not approach, touch or feed the Assateague horses .

Is Assateague beach Open?

Open year round, 24 hours a day . Visitor Center is open Daily from 9 am – 4 pm. March-December: Open 7 days/week.

Where do wild horses run on the beach?

Still, Assateague Island remains one of the few places in the United States where you can see wild horses roam freely.

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

The best time to see the ponies is actually the last Thursday in July on the southern end of Assateague island.

What day is the Chincoteague pony swim?

Wednesday July 27, 2022 will mark the 97th year of Chincoteague's annual Pony Swim. The Chincoteague Pony Swim was made famous by Marguerite Henry's “Misty of Chincoteague”. Tens of thousands of spectators from around the world gather on Chincoteague Island each year to watch this annual tradition.

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.

Can you drink on Assateague Island?

Alcohol is NOT permitted on the beach , nor is it permitted in any other public areas, including parking lots. Can I have a bonfire on the beach? Open fires are not allowed at the State Park beach area. The National Park does allow open fires, with prior permission from the National Park Ranger Station.

What can I bring to Assateague Island?

Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Campers are reminded to bring firewood (locally purchased), sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind .

Is Assateague Island busy?

Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are open year-round. There is no daily closing time on the Maryland side of the island, but only surf fishermen and campers staying in designated spots may stay overnight. Avoiding the Crowds & the Bugs — Weekends in summer are crowded .

How long does it take to get from Chincoteague to Assateague?

> GETTING TO ASSATEAGUE & CHINCOTEAGUE, VA

(From Washington D.C.): Chincoteague, Virginia is about a 3 hour drive .

Can you drive from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island?

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.

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.

Can you drive on beach at Assateague State Park?

Assateague Island has both it's Maryland and Virginia ORV areas open year round for off road beach recreation . The Maryland portion of Assateague has an ORV zone 12 miles in length, with a 145 vehicle limit. Each end of the island limits the maximum number of vehicles which can be on the beach at any one time.

What is the water temperature at Assateague Island?

Today's Assateague sea temperature is 53 °F .

Can you see the Chincoteague ponies year round?

It's a chance to see Chincoteague ponies up close and in action, but July isn't the only time you can see the ponies . Here are the best ways to see Chincoteague ponies during Pony Penning week and the rest of the year.

David Evans
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David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.