Effective 4/2/26: The closure includes the following areas within the boundary of the National Seashore : * North End * All island interior beach habitat along the northern section of Assateague Island National Seashore (north of Assateague State Park) is closed to all entry between KM 0.5 - KM 9.5. * The island interior beach habitats between KM 21.8 - 22.8 and 23.5 - 24.5 of the MD OSV Zone are closed to all entry. This includes habitat from the existing OSV boundary west to the vegetated shrub line.
Full details →+1 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
If you are planning a trip to Maryland and Virginia, visiting Assateague Island National Seashore should definitely be on your list. This beautiful national seashore is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you have just a few hours or a whole weekend, there is plenty to explore.
About Assateague Island National Seashore
Assateague Island National Seashore is a national seashore located in Maryland and Virginia. 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.
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.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
General entry to Entrance - Per Person is free. General admission passes are not required.
🥾 Things to Do
Assateague Island National Seashore offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Auto and ATV, Auto Off-Roading, Astronomy, and 37 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Assateague Island
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Assateague Island
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Assateague Island before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Assateague Island. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Assateague Island get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Pack Map Backups: Cell coverage is notoriously spotty or non-existent in remote sections of Assateague Island. Download offline maps (such as on AllTrails or Google Maps) and carry a physical compass and paper map.
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.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Assateague Island
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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