The Assateague State Park visitor center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with extended hours possible during peak season.
At Assateague State Park, the entrance fee is $10 per day for both drivers and passengers, with no fee for those with an MPS Annual Passport. For out-of-state visitors, the fee is $12 per person per day.
By car: Take Route 611 (Stephen Decatur Highway) to the island from Route 50, Route 113, or Route 13. Follow signs to Assateague State Park. Public transport is limited but taxis and rideshares are available from nearby Ocean City or Salisbury. Some may arrive via boat using nearby marinas.
At Assateague State Park, parking is available for cars, with a maximum of 7 spaces per youth group area; additional vehicles use the overflow lot. No specific mentions of RV or motorcycle parking. Overnight parking is not explicitly permitted. There are no mentioned parking fees.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
A natural sanctuary where wild ponies roam and the Atlantic breeze carries the scent of salt and marsh grass, Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only oceanfront state park—and it’s unforgettable. Located on Assateague Island, this barrier island is shaped by shifting sands and tide. You’ll find sun-soaked beaches, salt marshes alive with birdsong, and maritime forests teeming with life. Whether you’re camping seaside, spotting ponies at sunrise, or climbing the nearby lighthouse, the park’s raw coastal beauty is the perfect backdrop for adventure or escape.
- Area (mi²)
- 1.3
- Annual visitors
- 2 000 000
- Established year
- 1956
Top 3 Facts about Assateague State Park
The island is approximately 37 miles long but never more than a mile wide, shaped by stormy seas and gentle winds along the Delmarva Peninsula.
Assateague Lighthouse (1833) offers panoramic views and a glimpse into maritime history.
Assateague Island features diverse habitats—dunes, marshes, and forest—rich with flora and fauna.
Family programs
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
- Family Camping & Overnight
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Familiarize yourself with beach driving permit rules, campground reservations, and seasonal programs.
Pack Appropriately
Pack beach gear, bug spray, binoculars, sun protection, layers for cooler evenings, and plenty of drinking water.
Respect Wildlife
Observe ponies from a distance and don’t feed wildlife; secure food to avoid unwanted animal interactions.
Stay Informed
Monitor ocean conditions, rip current warnings, and tides. Visit the park site for closures or alerts.
Seasons
Spring is an excellent time to visit Assateague State Park as the weather begins to warm up and the natural world awakens from winter slumber. During this season, you can witness the park’s flora burst into bloom, with colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape and migratory birds returning to the area. It’s an ideal time for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the tranquility of the park before the summer crowds arrive. The temperatures are comfortable, ranging from mild to warm, making outdoor activities like beachcombing and wildlife spotting pleasant.
Summer is the peak season for Assateague State Park when visitors flock to the park to soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine beaches and warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The summer months offer long days filled with outdoor adventures, including swimming, sunbathing, beach picnics, and kayaking. Families often visit during this time, taking advantage of the campground facilities and participating in ranger-led programs and activities. While temperatures can be hot and humidity high, the refreshing sea breeze and ocean waters provide relief, making it an ideal time for a coastal getaway.
Fall is another fantastic time to experience Assateague State Park as the summer crowds dwindle and the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable. The park is adorned with vibrant foliage, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Fall is also the season for the annual pony roundup and swim, a unique event that draws visitors from near and far to witness the iconic Assateague wild ponies. With fewer crowds and mild temperatures, fall offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere for exploring the park’s natural beauty.
Winter may not be the most popular time to visit Assateague State Park, but it holds its own charm for those seeking solitude and tranquility amidst the coastal landscape. The park is much quieter during winter, offering a peaceful retreat for birdwatching, beachcombing, and enjoying scenic walks along deserted shores. While temperatures can be chilly, it’s still possible to experience beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean and cozy up by a campfire on the beach. Winter also provides unique opportunities for wildlife observation as migratory birds and other species seek refuge in the park’s protected habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Assateague State Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Assateague State Park, you should stay in Berlin, Maryland, or nearby Ocean City, Maryland, as these cities offer the closest and most convenient accommodations. Berlin is about 5.9 miles from the park, while Ocean City is approximately 6.4 miles away.
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The most family-friendly hike is one of the short loops or beach treks, which offer various lengths and terrains suitable for all ages. These trails are easily accessible and can be planned using maps available at the Visitor Center. They include options like walking on the beach or using boardwalks, which are great for kids and offer opportunities for bird watching and shore combing.
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Dogs are allowed in specific areas, depending on the season. During the camping season (last week of April to November 1), dogs are permitted in camp loops G, H, and I, on the adjoining beaches, and on the hiker/biker path on the west side of Campground Road. When the campground is closed (November 1 to the third week of April), dogs are allowed in all campground loops and beaches. Dogs are also allowed in the marina and on the Rackliffe Trail on the mainland year-round, and in day use areas after Labor Day to the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
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Overnight RV parking is allowed in designated drive-in campsites, where you can have one vehicle and a trailer or two registered motor vehicles. However, all vehicle and trailer wheels must be on the pavement. Walk-in and group sites do not allow RVs or trailers.
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Visitors can enjoy hiking on various trails, including those within the adjacent Assateague Island National Seashore. The beach is open from 7 a.m. to sunset and offers lifeguard services from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fishing is popular from the beach or at the marina, where you can catch fish like black drum, red drum, and striped bass, but a valid fishing license is required. Kayaking tours, sandcastle building, and wildlife talks are also available activities.