State Park is Maryland’s only ocean park and the nearest park to Ocean City, Maryland. The new visitor’s centre is located on the right before you cross the bridge to the island on Route 611. Passing the road leading to the National Park entrance if you continue straight. On your right, you’ll notice the circle that marks the entrance to Assateague Island State Park, where you can park your car for the day. On-site services include a bike path, a marina with boat launch and docks, a nature center and a nature center with kayak rentals, as well as nature programmes and a variety of campsites. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to keep the beach safe. From 9:00 a.m. till sunset, seven days a week, the beach and the day-use parking lot are open to the public. Parking and day-use costs are in addition to those imposed on campers.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
Wilderness camping, OSV access to the beach for fishing, kayak rentals on the bayside from Assateague Island Outfitters on the bayside, and miles of marshes and beaches are all available to visitors to Assateague Island National Park, which is significantly larger than the state park. Chincoteague, the national park on the southern tip of Assateague Island, charges an entrance fee, although a pass to the National Seashore includes admission to Chincoteague. Even in the off-season, you may go horse camping with your horses!
You may get campsite and back-country camping permits, hunting information, and over-sand vehicle permits at the park’s office, which is directly to the right of the entrance gates. The big lot on the ocean side of the park’s entrance, close to the left as you enter, has plenty of parking. In the summer, expect crowds, so plan to arrive early and enjoy a pleasant day.
THE VISITORS CENTER AT ASSATEAGUE
Just before the Verrazano Bridge, you’ll find the Assateague Island Visitor’s Center on the right-hand side of Route 611. When it comes to holiday closures, the visitors’ center is solely closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Aquariums, touch tanks, maps, displays, and a film about the Assateague and Chincoteague wild horses can all be found in the visitors center. Programs for visitors to learn more about the island are offered at various times throughout the year.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND ENTRANCE FEES
National Park Fees
Those who have a “Golden Eagle” permit for the Parks and US Forest systems can enter the national park without any restrictions. In other cases, a “day rate” or an annual pass will be required.
Maryland
1.Foot/Bicycle: No Fee
- Vehicle: $25.00 – 7 Days
- Vehicle: $45.00 – Park Annual Pass, valid 1 year from purchase
- Motorcycle: $20.00 – 7 Days
- Individual: $15.00 – 7 Days (per person 16 years of age or older when entering by means other than a private, non-commercial vehicle, such as taxis and limousines providing transportation only; buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tour such as school groups visiting for recreational purposes; and buses or vans registered to non-profit organizations such as churches or schools. A family traveling together shall pay no more than the vehicle fee.)
Assateague State Park Fees
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend: $5 per person, up to 4pm.
After 4 p.m. and on weekends from Labor Day to Memorial Day, parking is free for vehicles.
a trip to the great outdoors (does not include transaction or other applicable fees)
The cost of a campsite is $27.50
Campsites with electricity: $38.50 per night.
PARKING AT ASSATEAGUE ISLAND
Parking is available near visitor centers in national and state parks alike. Do not leave anything valuable in plain view, including your car. Do not leave your pets in parked cars unattended for long periods of time, since the temperature can rise to deadly levels.
