Information
OSV Status
6/8/26 MD open to State Line. VA South OSV fully closed. The VA North OSV fishing mile is open to 12 vehicles.
Information
Administrative Closure of Areas due to Nesting Shorebird Season
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.
More infoAssateague Island National Seashore
MD · VA · Berlin
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.
Riding guide
Highlights
Assateague Island National Seashore is a windswept barrier island where ocean, marsh, and dune ecosystems stretch for Miles…
Riding
Rideable terrain here is noted as 12 miles, giving riders a clearer sense of scale before they ever unload. For equestrians, designated areas of the seashore allow horseback riding with a permit, offering the unforgettable experience of riding along firm beach sand with waves rolling beside you. This is exposed coastal terrain with limited shade, changing tides, and seasonal wildlife protections that shape access.
Rideable terrain
12 miles
Trailer parking
Maryland District (Most Common) Trailer parking is available at: Bayside Equestrian Parking Area • Located on the Maryland side of the island • Designated lot specifically for horse trailers • Close access to the beach riding corridor (OSV zone) • Access requires proper equestrian and OSV permits • Overnight parking typically prohibited in parkinglot
Horse regulations
You must bring your own horse. The national seashore does not offer horses for rent or horseback riding tours. An entrance fee is required for all vehicles entering the Maryland and Virginia districts of Assateague Island. Proof of a current negative Coggins test for each horse is required. Horseback riding is allowed on the beach on both the Maryland and Virginia Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zones. Riders must stay east (ocean side) of the black and white posts. Riding is not permitted in any other areas, including but not limited to dunes, dune crossings, trails, boardwalks and paved roads. Avoid groups of people engaged in other activities, and do not ride between the ocean and vehicles parked on the low beach. Before leaving the park, it is your responsibility to clean the parking lot of any manure, hay, or feed dropped as a result of your visit. Either of the OSV zones may be closed due to hazardous conditions or wildlife management practices, and riders will not be permitted in the OSV during such closures. In warmer weather, usually late spring through early fall, biting insects are active that are capable of spreading diseases to horses and/or humans. These include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA), and West Nile Virus (WNV). Maryland Day Use Riding Day use horseback riding is permitted in Maryland from October 9 through May 14. For the most recent MD OSV closure updates visit the https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557666744530321/ page. All Maryland day use riders must check in at the ranger station, and then park at the south end of the North Beach Parking Lot. See map at the bottom of this page for more information. Riders must follow the dune crossing sand trail to the beach, which passes south of the shade pavilion at the south end of the parking lot, and once on the beach travel south 1.5 Miles to enter the OSV zone (see map on bottom of page). Riding is permitted on the beach only, east (ocean side) of the black and white posts. No dune crossing is permitted other than at the crossing leading to and from the North Beach Parking Lot. There is a cumulative limit of 50 horses per day, including any horses at the horse camp sites. Groups of more than 25 riders must obtain a special use permit in advance. Virginia Day Use Riding In Virginia, horseback riding is permitted year-round in the South OSV zone and also along a limited section of the inside of the Toms Cove hook. Please note this area is typically closed during the summer months for the protection of threatened and endangered species.In Virginia, horse trailers must be parked in lot #4, the southernmost parking lot. Please refer to the Virginia District Horseback Riding map for details. Stop in or call the Toms Cove Visitor Center at 410-641-1441 (press 2) for more information.
Getting here
Use 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, Maryland as your primary planning reference before you haul in. Maryland District (Most Common) Trailer parking is available at: Bayside Equestrian Parking Area • Located on the Maryland side of the island • Designated lot specifically for horse trailers • Close access to the beach riding corridor (OSV zone) • Access requires proper equestrian and OSV permits • Overnight parking typically prohibited in parkinglot
Planning your visit
Do not leave your horse unattended. Wild horses are present in all areas of the park and can act aggressively towards your animals. Use a processed complete feed or certified weed-free hay to eliminate introducing weed seeds into the park - hay may contain seeds of non-native plants that can take over and destroy habitat for native species. Never leave feed where wildlife can get to it - wildlife attracted to feed can come into conflict with people. Only tie horses to hitching posts. Do not hitch animals to water supply faucets or picnic tables. Campers are allowed to bring portable corrals. Remove all manure piles from within the campsite to reduce odors and insect problems, and to maintain the appearance of the site. Feeding, petting, and/or approaching the wild horses is illegal. Treating wild horses like tame animals is dangerous. Enjoy them from a distance of at least 40’ (forty feet).
Where to stay
Assateague State Park Headquarters is the main visitor-contact point tied to this destination, which is helpful when you want current conditions, maps, and stock-use updates before riding. Horse camping is allowed, so this destination can work as more than a quick in-and-out ride if you want to build a longer federal-land stay around it. For a polished trip plan, pair the ride with lodging, fuel, and resupply planning in or near Berlin before heading deeper into federal-land access points.
Entrance fees & passes
- $25.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle
Assateague 7 day vehicle pass.
- $20.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- $0.00
Entrance - Per Person
Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle
- $45.00
Annual Entrance - Park
The Assateague Island National Seashore Annual Park Entrance Pass is $45.00. It is valid in both the Maryland District and Virginia District (Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge).
Park map
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
Back Country Camping - Green Run
1 sites
Bayside back country site
Back Country Camping - Little Levels
1 sites
Back Country Camping, bayside
Back Country Camping - Pine Tree
1 sites
Bay side back country campsite
Back Country Camping - Pope Bay
1 sites
Bay side back country campsite
Back Country Camping - State Line
1 sites
Back Country Camping; ocean side
Back Country Camping - Tingles Island
1 sites
Bayside back country site
Bayside Drive-in Campground
22 sites
Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. No generators allowed in Loop B. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15, and are available for November 16 through March 14.
Reserve a siteHorse camping
2 sites · 2 horse-friendly
Horse campers must bring their own horses. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and hitching posts. Sites are $80 per night. Maximum 6 people and 6 horses. Up to six vehicles or trailers. Reservations are required 10/16 - 4/14.
Reserve a siteOceanside Drive-in Campground
16 sites
Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. Loop 1 sites are closed from November 16 through March 14. Loop 2 sites are First Come/First Serve from November 16 through March 14.
Reserve a siteOceanside Group Campground
5 sites
Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have multiple picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15 and can be made up to six months in advance at $80 per night per site. 7 minimum - 25 maximum campers per site. Group sites are closed from November 16 through March 14.
Reserve a siteOceanside Walk-in campground
62 sites
Tent only sites. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. These sites are closed from November 16 through March 14.
Reserve a site
Points of interest
MD - Life of the Dunes Trail
POIStroll through Assateague's dunes and along the remnants of historical "Baltimore Boulevard". This 1/2 mile trail loop begins at South Beach parking lot.
MD - Life of the Forest Trail
POIWalk along the boardwalk leading through Assateague's maritime forest while listening to the song birds. This 1/2 mile trail will emerge out of the forest to the marsh and overlook the Sinepuxent Bay and Old Ferry Landing.
MD - Life of the Marsh Trail
POIThis 1/2 mile accessible trail is located off of Bayside Drive in the MD district of Assateague Island. The elevated wooden boardwalk provide spectacular views of the marsh, especially during a sunset stroll.
VA - Lighthouse Trail
POIThe unpaved ¼ mile round trip Lighthouse Trail winds through maritime forest leading up to the top of the 22 foot dune where the historic red and white striped Assateague Lighthouse and oil shed stands.
VA - Swan Cove Trail
POIThe Swan Cove Trail, which branches off from the Wildlife Loop has become an increasingly popular trail out to the beach. Many people have referred to this area as the “bike beach”. This is a great trail to take out to catch the morning sunrise over the ocean. Please note, this area of the beach is not lifeguarded.
VA - Wildlife Loop
POIThis paved 3.25 mile loop offers enjoyment and numerous opportunities to visitors. This trail provides excellent views of the marsh as well as a great example of how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages freshwater pools for migrating birds.
VA - Woodland Trail
POIThe Woodland Trail is a 1.6 mile paved accessible trail that winds through the loblolly pine forest. Stop on the north side of the trail at the Pony Overlook to try to catch a glimpse of the horses.
Things to do
Bird at Toms Cove
The Virginia district of Assateague Island lies within the Atlantic Flyway, providing excellent birding opportunities year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, a great spot to start your birding adventure is on the deck of Toms Cove Visitor Center.
Crabbing at Assateague Island
Who doesn’t love to eat a blue crab? After all, the literal translation of this Latin name (Callinectes sapidus) is the beautiful (calli) swimmer (nectes) that is savory (sapidus). Crabbing is a great activity for the entire family regardless of age.
See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district
View the wild horses of Assateague Island National Seashore. The wild horses are free roaming and spend time in the various habitats on the island. While they graze in the marshes and find freshwater in the forest, you may even see them out on the beach with you! Remember to observe the horses from no less than 40 feet away because they are wild and will bite and kick.
See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District
Assateague Island is well known for the famous wild horses who call the island home. In the Virginia district, the wild horses are commonly referred to as “Chincoteague Ponies”. Unlike the Maryland district where the horses are free to roam, the Chincoteague Ponies are fenced off the road and trails in two separate large management areas of the refuge resulting in a northern herd and a southern herd. Horses may be visible by foot, bike or car.
Surf Fishing on Assateague
Grab your fishing pole and get comfortable on the beach! Surf fishing is an activity that is not only fun and relaxing, but also has the potential of producing your dinner for the night! Spring, summer and fall are the recommended times of the year to fish.
Visitor centers
Assateague Island Visitor Center
The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am - 4 pm.
Get directionsHerbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center
The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center is located in the Virginia District within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Get directionsMaryland District Ranger Contact Station & Campground Office
Offers campground information and registration, backcountry camping permits, hunting information, entrance passes and over-sand vehicle permits.
Get directions
Hours of operation
Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland District
Open year round, 24 hours a day.
Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All 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.
Mon
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Tue
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Wed
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Thu
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Fri
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Sat
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Sun
5:00AM - 10:00PM
Activities
Weather
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.
Contact
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Assateague Island National Seashore yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
List your propertyDirections
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.
Source: nps.gov