National Seashore · Maryland, Virginia
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.
Things to do
- 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)
Weather & when to go
Spring: Often windy and cool with lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. Summer: Hot and humid with lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Fall: Warm with lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's. Winter: Damp cold and often windy. Lows in the 20's, highs in the 40's.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Assateague 7 day vehicle pass.
$25.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$20.00
Entrance - Per Person
Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle
$0.00
Operating hours
Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland District
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
Assateague Island National Seashore - Virginia District
Open January-March 8: 6 am - 6 pm. March 9-April: 6 am - 8 pm. May-September: 5 am - 10 pm. October: 6 am - 8 pm. November-December: 6 am - 6 pm. Check with the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (757-336-6122) for updates to operating hours.
Campgrounds
Oceanside Drive-in Campground
Bayside Drive-in Campground
Oceanside Walk-in campground
Oceanside Group Campground
Horse camping
Back Country Camping - Pine Tree
Back Country Camping - Tingles Island
Back Country Camping - Green Run
Back Country Camping - Pope Bay
Back Country Camping - Little Levels
Back Country Camping - State Line
FAQ
- How much does it cost to visit Assateague Island National Seashore?
- Entrance to Assateague Island National Seashore costs $25.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $20.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
- What are the hours at Assateague Island National Seashore?
- Open year round, 24 hours a day.
- Do I need a reservation for Assateague Island National Seashore?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Assateague Island National Seashore. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Assateague Island National Seashore.
