Hiking/Biking on Assateague
Guided nature walks are available through the park’s visitor center. A park naturalist leads trips along the Assateague trails, giving interpretation on the flora, fauna and ecosystems of the island. If you want to venture out on your own, free maps of the trails on the island are available at the visitor center. Check in with the ranger desk to find out about any current closures or recommendations. Be sure to bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and extra water and food when heading out into some of the more remote trails of the island.
Horseback Riding on Assateague Island
There are several independent guiding companies that run horseback tours of the island. Imagine taking the time to mount up with horse guides, and riding through the island wilderness. These tours are booked in Ocean City, and make a wonderful way of seeing the island. Half-day, day and multi-day horse camping trips are available. You can also bring your own horse for day riding. This is allowed during the cooler months when the threats of insect borne equine diseases is very low.
Fishing on Assateague Island
Surf fishing is allowed all year, but you must fish outside the guarded beach areas in season. You can also fish from the boat launch facility on the mainland side of the bridge. Fishing and clamming are allowed in the bays. A license may be required for some of your fishing activities. Please check the DNR Licensing & Registration Service for details on fishing licenses and the Maryland saltwater angler registry. Please refer to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing Guide for state regulations on size of fish you can keep. You can download the guide here.
Tours on Assateague Island
You can enjoy a private day trip to the beach on Assateague Island OSV (“Over Sand Vehicle”) / off road with Assateague Island Tours. Escape the crowds and travel to a more remote location on Assateague Island National Seashore for a truly relaxing experience at the beach. Assateague Island Tours are the ONLY authorized business to provide guided tours to Assateague Island and onto the OSV. Their private tours operate seven days a week year-round, providing round trip transportation to Assateague Island.
Kayak and Canoe Tours/Rentals at Assateague Island
Like the horseback tours, there are guided sea tours that take you around parts of the island in sleek ocean-going kayaks. There are half-day, day, and multi-day trips available. Keep your eyes out on the water as well as the land, as dolphins and marine wildlife are frequently sighted during kayaking excursions. You can also rent boats across from the Visitor’s Center or from one of several local outfitters.
Surfing at Assateague Island
Assateague is known for some of the best swells in the region and can challenge the most seasoned surfer under the right conditions. If you don’t own your own surfboard, you can rent them and catch some waves around the islands and parks. Like most activities in the parks, check with rangers for any current closures or updates for surf, swells and currents and check out our Beach Safety page for more information.
Chincoteague Island
The southern end of Assateague Island spills into Virginia and is home to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and the famous wild ponies of Chincoteague. The ponies inhabit the marshes, wooded areas, and beaches of the entire island. These wild horses are descendants of those that were brought to the island in the late 17th Century. Some say they swam from a ship-wrecked Spanish galleon, more likely, they are the descendants of horses that locals let run loose on the island. Either way, they are beautiful and wild — a rarity in today’s heavily developed world.
Visit Assateague Island Today!
A trip to Assateague is not only fun, it is highly recommended as one of the most beautiful and interesting things you can plan while visiting Ocean City, Berlin or any of the surrounding areas. If you are planning on staying in one of the hotels or rentals in Ocean City, Assateague is an easy drive and should not be missed. Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, and keep your camera or phones ready because the photo opportunities around this region are plentiful.
Worcester County Guides to the Area
Click here to check out guides to the area.
If you drive down can you just drive your car along and see the ponies? Not campers but in love with this lace since I got my Misty book when I was ten. That’s over 60 years ago. Are the p,aces to stay nearby? I still have my original Misty book plus all the others. I tall want to get down there to see the ponies and see the area.
Visitors fron texas
Park recommended 👌
[…] 8 miles south of Ocean City, Maryland, Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile long gem in the national and state park systems. Offering miles of beaches, bike paths, […]
When will construction on the walking trails begin and end
How do we reserve or book a camp site
can you rent an ATV on the island? will they be giving tours this summer/fall
Can you come for a day visit only? Is there an entrance fee for 1 day only?
I would’ve to reserve for camping but didn’t know about everything until last minute.
Can you grill on the beach? If so, charcoal or propane? What are the rules for open fires? I’m hearing it has to be contained in metal but I’m hearing, it doesn’t. I’m seeing mixed answers on open fires and grilling.
I wont be getting a OSV permit, but I would like to be on the beach with items for grilling and sitting (chairs and tent) until sunset. Is it permitted? Is that possible? Meaning, is it possible to lug these items onto the beach without the vehicle? I own a highlander.
Is it safe to drive back after sunset? Should I book nearby accommodations?
If anyone can answer these questions, I would GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you!
Pretty sure its a no ….but call the national park office ranger station
They patrol constantly and will fine if anything isnt whats allowed.
Cooking at campsite is allowed some campsites are just about on the beach …..if i come for a day i always get a campsite so i can have a home base to cook eat hang star gaze etc ….and access to bathrooms and showers
State park = hot showers flush toilets
National park = cold shower vault toilets
Stay away from this island they intervene and move horses because of stupidity of people.
Hi i would lie an noble home spot we have a 21 ft driving rv. would like to take out for the first time friday sept 10 and check out sunday the 12 th. by the beach if possible. 2 adults and 2 children
I would like to reserve 2 camp grounds for beach camping at ASSATEAGUE. Arriving September 17th and leaving September 19th.