11-18-24, VA: Toms Cove Visitor Center will be closed on Thursday, November 21, 2024, due to NASA launch operations, remaining closed until operations are completed or scrubbed. We apologize for any inconvenience.

VA District: Toms Cove Visitor Center Closed Nov 21, 2024

11-7-24, VA: Effective immediately, a fire ban is in effect until further notice due to drought conditions and projected high winds. Fires are banned in ALL areas of the VA District. Camp Stoves using propane allowed. No charcoal. No fires in fire rings.

VA Fire Ban

11-1-24, MD: Effective immediately, a fire ban is in effect until further notice due to drought conditions and projected high winds. Fires are banned in ALL areas of the MD District. Camp Stoves using propane allowed. No charcoal. No fires in fire rings.

MD Fire Ban

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.

Entrance - Private Vehicle

Entrance - Motorcycle

Entrance - Per Person

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).

Annual Entrance - Park

Wild Horses on the dunes at Assateague

Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island

Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague

Tree Swallows Migrating along Assateague

tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes

Camping at Assateague

waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background

Waves on Assateague beach

Assateague Island

Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland District

Open January-February: 6 am - 6 pm.
March 15-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.

Spring Hours

Fall Hours

Winter Hours

Assateague Island National Seashore - Virginia District

Wildlife Watching

Wild horses roam the various habitats of Assateague Island. In the Maryland district keep your eyes peeled through out your entire trip as you could see them anywhere!

Seeing the horses is something one person may only spend 10 minutes doing while other may spend they entire day watching the horses. The time spent is up to you!

Horses in the Grass

Horses are wild and may be found roaming the entire area of the Maryland district of Assateague Island National Seashore. 

Many visitors come to Assateague each year with hopes of seeing the wild horses. While we cannot guarantee that you will see them, these tips and directions will improve your chances. It is prohibited to come within 40 feet of a horse or to touch or feed a horse. Remember these are wild horses and they will kick and bite. Many have become used to the presence of humans in their range. If they move in your direction, it is your responsibility to move out of their way and allow them to pass. As you descend down the Verrazano bridge you will be entering wild horse territory. In the Maryland district, the horses have free range over the entire Maryland district stretching from the north end of the island down to the Virginia state line where a fence is installed across the entire width of the island. The horses spend most of their days grazing, sleeping, and moving slowly in small bands from one feeding area to another. Check the marshes and bayside areas to observe them in their natural habitat as they feed primarily on saltmarsh cord grass. Occasionally, they also eat beachgrass, greenbrier, phragmites, poison ivy, and many other types of vegetation so also visit the beach and forest habitats. Horses cross roads, graze beside roads, and stand in parking lots regularly, so remain alert as you drive through the park and reduce speed to below the posted limit as necessary when passing horses. If you stop to observe them, keep your car windows up if they approach. Seasonally, horses also change their habits. In the summer the horses tend to be in the more developed areas of the park including the campgrounds and beachfront. This change in range is believed to be because mowed and paved areas provide some relief from biting flies. It is important that you do not feed or approach within 40 feet of the horses. In the winter, the horses tend to spread out fairly evenly along the length of the island from the north end to the state line. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/nature/horses.htm">Learn more about the wild horses here.</a> <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/how-to-see-and-photograph-wildlife.htm">Learn more about viewing and photographing wildlife here.</a>

Pets are permitted only in specific areas of the Maryland portion of the National Seashore. Please manage your pets. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times! Please pick up after your pet.The hot sand and sun can be harder on your pet than it is on you. Unattended and unrestrained animals can disturb and harm island wildlife and other park visitors. Pets are prohibited in the following areas to protect wildlife, habitat and visitors: • The entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island  • All backcountry campsites • Nature trails • Lifeguard-protected beach • Portions of <a href="http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/assateague.aspx">Assateague State Park</a> • North of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet

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.

Horses are able to be seen at all times of day, and are best to view in the daylight. If visiting after dark, slow down while driving. Horse eyes are not reflective, making horses on or along the road hard to see in the dark. Roll vehicle windows up if a horse approaches the vehicle. 

See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district

Horses (wild)

Park entrance fees apply. <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Chincoteague/visit/plan_your_visit.html">Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge entrance fees.</a>

See the wild horses! View horses from a safe distance of at least 40 feet (a bus length) away.

View the Wild Horses in Virginia

Many visitors come to Assateague each year with hopes of seeing the wild horses. While we cannot guarantee that you will see them, these tips and directions will improve your chances. 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. The southern herd may be seen by car, bicycle or walking and is recommended for all visitors. After entering the refuge look to right about a ½ mile past the entrance station, as this is the beginning boundary of the southern herd’s 547 acre grazing area. As you continue along Beach Road you will notice there is a shoulder to pull off on so that you may look out over the marsh for the horses. If you continue along Beach Road you can turn into the Woodland Trail parking lot and hike or bike to view the ponies from a different angle. If walking or biking the Woodland Trail, bug spray is recommended. When you enter the Woodland Trail, veer to the right at the fork in the trail. In about a ½ mile walk you will approach the observation platform to view the horses from the eastern boundary. Viewing the northern herd requires extensive walking and time, and is not recommended for those with difficulty walking long distances. Bug spray is recommended. To begin you will park at the Wildlife Loop parking lot and begin walking or bicycling on the Wildlife Loop to the left. In about a mile you will enter a gravel road called the “Service Road”. If you are riding a bike, you will need to leave it at the 1 mile marker at “D-dike” as bikes are not permitted beyond this point. After walking an additional 1.5 miles, you will enter the 2,695 acre pony management area. The Service Road totals 7.5 miles one way and horses may be found in the most northern 5 miles. Be prepared with water, a snack and good hiking shoes as this could be up to a 17 mile round trip hike to see the wild ponies. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/learn/nature/horses.htm">Learn more about the wild horses here.</a>  <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/how-to-see-and-photograph-wildlife.htm">Learn more about seeing and photographing wildlife here.</a>

Pets are not allowed in the Virginia district (not even in your car).

Horses are visible year-round. Spring, summer and fall plan for biting insects while viewing the horses.

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.

Virginia district hours vary by season. <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Chincoteague/visit/plan_your_visit.html">Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge hours</a>.

See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District

Saltwater Fishing

Surf fishing is an activity that can be done for an hour or all day. It is completely up to you!

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing is available on the public beach front of both the Maryland and Virginia districts. No fishing is permitted within the protected lifeguarded beach or areas closed for nesting shore birds or sea turtles.

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. Kingfish, flounder, striped bass, bluefish and drum are just a few of the fish you may catch! Young children can get in on the action by digging for mole crabs to be used as bait. The seashore is a multi-use beach so you may want to get to the beach early in the morning, or later in the afternoon to avoid peak visitation hours with swimmers. Fishing is permitted on the beach front except in the designated protected (lifeguarded) beach. A valid state saltwater fishing license is required, and state rules and size regulations apply. Stop in at the Assateague Island Visitor Center or Ranger Contact Station in Maryland, or the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/surf-fishing.htm">more information.</a>

Pets are permitted only in specific areas of the Maryland portion of the National Seashore. Please manage your pets. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times! Please pick up after your pet. The hot sand and sun can be harder on your pet than it is on you. Unattended and unrestrained animals can disturb and harm island wildlife and other park visitors. Pets are prohibited in the following areas to protect wildlife, habitat and visitors: • The entire Virginia portion of Assateague Island  • All backcountry campsites • Nature trails• Lifeguard-protected beach • Portions of <a href="http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/assateague.aspx">Assateague State Park</a> • North of the State Park to the Ocean City inlet

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.

Surf Fishing on Assateague

Fish

Birdwatching

View a variety of birds year-roud from the deck of the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Increase your viewing opportunities with binoculars, a spotting scope and camera if you desire.

A volunteer using binoculars to bird from the deck of Toms Cove Visitor Center

Bird at Toms Cove

The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located at 8586 Beach Road, Chincoteague, VA 23336. The deck attched to the Visitor Center over looking Toms Cove is located on the southern side of the building.

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. In the spring and summer if you look over the deck to the south into Toms Cove at low tide you are sure to view a variety of shorebirds feasting away on the oyster beds. Check the duck blind for signs of nesting osprey or perched cormorants. If you look or walk to the west across Beach Road into Swans Cove, you have the potential of seeing more shorebirds or even black skimmers in action. Look at the snags and trees in the distance for a sighting of the eagles! During the fall and winter migrations you will be able view a variety of waterfowl including ducks and snow geese in these same areas. Higher tides may also bring in a few sea ducks to Toms Cove. Increase your viewing opportunities with binoculars, a spotting scope and camera if you desire.

Pets are prohibited in the entire Virginia district of Assateague Island. They are not allowed even in your car.

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.

Birds

Fishing

Crabbing is a great activity for the entire family regardless of age. You will need a hand line or string with a weight attached, bait such as chicken necks and a net with a long handle. If you plan to keep the crabs you will also need to bring a ruler to measure crab size and a cooler with ice.

Crabbing is open to all ages, but minors should be with an adult parent or guardian.

Crabbing

Crabbing areas are available in both districts of the island.  In the Maryland district, crabbing is best at Old Ferry Landing.  In the Virginia district, crabbing is best just before the entrance to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, on either side of the bridge leading to Assateague.

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. You will need a hand line or string with a weight attached, bait such as chicken necks and a net with a long handle. If you plan to keep the crabs you will also need to bring a ruler to measure crab size and a cooler with ice. Don’t forget crabs can pinch! Pinching is their best defense! To catch a crab, lower your baited hand line into the water until it rests on the bottom. When you feel a tug, or notice the line has become taunt, slowly and steadily begin to pull your line back in. Just before the crab breaks the surface of the water, have a friend use the net to scoop the crab out of the water. State seasons, limits and regulations apply. In the Maryland district, the best place to crab is from Old Ferry Landing. In the Virginia district, crabbing is best on the docks right before the entrance to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Stop in at the Assateague Island Visitor Center or Ranger Contact Station in Maryland, or the Toms Cove Visitor Center in Virginia for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/crabbing.htm">more information</a>.

The public crab season varies by state, and by year-to-year. Inquire about public crabbing seasons and regulations at a visitor center or Ranger Station.

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.

Alert: VA District: Toms Cove Visitor Center Closed Nov 21, 2024

Assateague Island

Overview

Hours

Fees & Passes

Map

Things To Do

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See the Wild Horses in the Maryland district

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See the Wild Horses in the Virginia District

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Surf Fishing on Assateague

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Bird at Toms Cove

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Crabbing at Assateague Island

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