Summary of Assateague Island
Assateague Island, a 37-mile long barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, is most known for the more than 300 wild ponies who wander the beaches. It is a unique vacation destination with breathtaking scenery and plenty of recreational opportunities, including fishing, crabbing, clamming, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and swimming. Assateague Island consists of three 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. Camping is available in the Maryland portion of the island. Hotel accommodations are located nearby in Ocean City and Berlin, MD and Chincoteague, VA.
Getting to Assateague Island
There are two entrances to the island: The north entrance (Maryland) is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City. The south entrance (Virginia) is at the end of Route 175, two miles from Chincoteague. It is important to note that there is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Consequently, vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.
Assateague Island Visiting Tips
- See the Wild Ponies – In Maryland, drive slowly along the park roads and stop in designated parking areas on the Bay side of the park. The “Life of the Forest” and “Life of the Marsh” nature trails are excellent spots to look for ponies. In Virginia, check the marshes along Beach Road and the observation platform on the Woodland Trail. For a close-up view of these majestic animals, consider paddling a kayak or taking a guided boat cruise. For your safety, remember to keep your distance and refrain from feeding or petting them.
- Enjoy Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife Viewing – The island boasts miles of pristine beach, picnic areas, and designated zones for fishing and boating. With over 300 species of birds inhabiting the island, nature trails are a perfect opportunity to spot herons, egrets, and other wading birds.
- Visit the Assateague Lighthouse – (Located in Virginia, on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge) Climb the stairs for a breathtaking view of Assateague and Chincoteague. There is an admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children.
- Wear Bug Spray and Sunscreen – Assateague is notorious for its mosquitoes, so protect yourself by applying bug spray. Additionally, using sunscreen is vital to prevent damage from harmful UV rays.
Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland) – The National Seashore is open 24 hours, with the Assateague Island Visitor Center operating daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The National Park Service offers guided walks, talks, and special programs. For those interested in camping, reservations are recommended—please call (877) 444-6777.
Assateague State Park (Maryland) – Located at the end of Route 611 (just before the entrance to the National Seashore), this park comprises 680 acres of Assateague Island and features separate swimming, surf-fishing, and surf-boarding areas. Public beach access and the day-use parking lot are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to sunset. The park has a nature center and offers a wide array of interpretive programs for visitors of all ages. Campsites equipped with warm showers and electric sites are available; reservations are recommended—call (888) 432-CAMP (2267).
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Virginia) – The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the summer and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the remainder of the year. The Assateague Lighthouse serves as an active navigational aid and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A variety of tours and interpretive programs are available for visitors.
About the Wild Ponies of Assateague
The wild ponies of Assateague Island are descendants of animals that were brought to the island over 300 years ago. Although the precise origins remain uncertain, a popular legend suggests that the ponies escaped from a shipwreck and swam ashore. Most historians, however, believe that 17th-century farmers used the island for grazing livestock to avoid taxation and subsequently abandoned them.
In Maryland, the ponies are owned and managed by the National Park Service, while Virginia’s ponies are under the care of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department. Each year, on the last Wednesday of July, the Virginia herd is rounded up and swum from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island during the annual Pony Penning event. The following day, an auction takes place to manage the herd’s population and support the fire company. Approximately 50,000 people participate in this annual event.
