Can you 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. The permit sticker must be permanently attached to your windshield. …

Who owns Assateague Island?

The entirety of Assateague Island is owned and operated by three different agencies: the NPS, Maryland State Parks, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

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.

Can you sleep on the beach at Assateague?

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 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.

Which is better Chincoteague or Assateague?

One of the best reasons to visit Chincoteague is to go to the beach! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.

Can you swim at Assateague Island?

Assateague State Park has one of the best swimming beaches in the area, and with water temperatures in the 70s during summer, many people get in the water as soon they get here. Kayaking and swimming in the calm bay side waters are absolutely fun too, and more secluded.

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 there bathrooms on Assateague Island?

There is a parking area, a portable restroom, picnic tables, a small beach, and a rental facility for canoes, kayaks, and bikes (open seasonally).

Is Assateague or Chincoteague better?

Go to the Beach One of the best reasons to visit Chincoteague is to go to the beach! Assateague Island National Seashore is 37 miles long and renowned for its wild horses and sandy beaches while Chincoteague is only 7 miles long and better known for its marshes, dunes, forests, and more.

Is there an entrance fee for Assateague Island?

Assateague Island National Seashore has had an entrance fee since 1971. The current rate of $20 per vehicle or $15 per motorcycle has been in effect since 2015. The park is one of 117 National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee, the other 300 national parks will remain free to enter.

How is Assateague Island national seashore in Maryland managed?

Most of the Maryland district is managed by the National Park Service as Assateague Island National Seashore. The State of Maryland manages two miles of the Maryland district as Assateague State Park. The Virginia district is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Do you need a duck stamp to go to Assateague?

When visiting the Maryland district, Federal Duck Stamp holders must purchase a $15 beach parking fee upgrade. Assateague State Park passes are not valid in either Assateague Island National Seashore or Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

What’s the difference between Chincoteague and Assateague Island?

It’s part of the Maryland State Park as well as the National Park System and Virginia, which makes the jurisdiction kind of confusing. The Virginia side is called Chincoteague, the Maryland side is called Assateague State Park, and the NPS portion is called Assateague National Seashore.