Assateague Island
Assateague Island State Park and National Seashore
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Island is a barrier island built by sand that persistent waves have raised from the ocean's gently sloping floor. Constant reshaping mirrors a restless origin, as steady winds continue moving trillions of sand grains, each a bit of eroded ancient Appalachian Mountains.
Occasional storms drive waves and sands so forcefully that beach and shoreline change dramatically. But Assateague's summer mostly means the lure of beaches and mild surf where shorebirds trace the lapping waves back down the beach. Behind the dunes, the island's forests and bayside marshes invite exploration. Now and then a wild pony wanders into view.
Assateague island consists of three major public areas:
- Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service;
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and
- Assateague State Park, managed by Maryland's Department of Natural Resources.
Assateague Island National Seashore is administered to provide for recreational use and enjoyment consistent with the maintenance and perpetuation of the seashore's natural communities. Together, these agencies hold in trust a priceless seashore heritage of wildlands, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. The National Park Service operates visitor centers serving both the Maryland and Virginia ends of the island. Visitor centers are the places to and out about naturalist activities among other things.
The Barrier Island Visitor Center at the Maryland end ( SEE MAP ) features exhibits, an aquarium, and maps and other publications. A naturalist will answer your questions. For Information about seashore camping or other recreation and fees, write:
Assateague Island National Seashore
7208 National Seashore Lane
Berlin, MD 21811-9742
or call Campgrounds Office(410) 641-3030 or Visitors Center (410) 641-1441.
Assateague State Park. The State of Maryland owns 660 acres of Assateague Island that it operates as a state park. Its beach offers separate swimming, surf fishing, and surf boarding areas. Ask about these at the state park entrance. Bathhouses, a bait and a tackle shop, and food service facilities are open in summer, when lifeguards protect the beach.
See Camping for information about the state park campground.
Information Reprinted from National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
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