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.
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.
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 just drive through Assateague Island?
Driving on designated sections of the beaches in both the Maryland and Virginia units of Assateague Island National Seashore is
allowed by permit only
.
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’s the difference between Assateague and Chincoteague?
The largest of these islands is Chincoteague Island. While Assateague is protected as a National Seashore (on the Maryland side) and National Wildlife Refuge (on the Virginia portion of the island), Chincoteague Island is developed, including a town with the island’s name.
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.
Can you go on the beach 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 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.
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 go to Assateague at night?
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. As of June 12, 2021 the Assateague Island Visitor Center is
open daily from 9 am – 4 pm
.
Is Assateague crowded?
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 much does it cost to drive on Assateague beach?
Currently buying a permit to drive on the beach at Assateague cost between
$70 to $150
depending on if the use is for daytime only, overnight or bullpen use, according to the park service.
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.
How do I get from Chincoteague to Assateague?
When you get on Chincoteague Island,
drive straight to Maddox Blvd., which takes you to Assateague Island
. (From V.A. Beach): From the Bay Bridge Tunnel, stay on U.S. 13 North, then turn right on Route 175 East. When you get on Chincoteague Island, drive straight to Maddox Blvd., which takes you to Assateague Island.
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.
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 drive from Assateague to Chincoteague?
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.
What is the purpose of the Chincoteague pony swim?
Q: Why do the ponies swim? A: The purpose of the swim is
to move the herd to Chincoteague Island so that the foals can be auctioned
.
Where do Assateague ponies go in winter?
Majority of the horses have done their winter migration, traveling to their normal territories they spend most of year. Of the 80+ horses on the Maryland side,
more than half are located on the OSV section of the park
.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are there sharks at Assateague beach?
A massive, 3,456-pound female great white shark has been pinged inside Assateague Island National Seashore near the Maryland-Virginia line
. The 16-foot long shark has traveled 165 miles in less than 72 hours.
Can you swim in Chincoteague Bay?
Chincoteague Island is just a minute away from Assateague Island National Seashore, which has a beautiful beach and the wildlife refuge.
This is a great place for swimming
, beach combing, hiking, bird watching, bicycle riding and other outdoor activities.
