{"id":"nps-asis","slug":"assateague-island-national-seashore","name":"Assateague Island National Seashore","designation":"National Seashore","category":"national-seashore-lakeshore","categoryLabel":"National Seashore and Lakeshore","agency":{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov"},"managedBy":[{"code":"NPS","name":"National Park Service","department":"U.S. Department of the Interior","url":"https://www.nps.gov","unitCode":"ASIS","designation":"National Seashore","sourceId":"nps-asis"}],"states":["MD","VA"],"stateNames":["Maryland","Virginia"],"location":{"lat":38.05593172,"lon":-75.24524611},"bbox":[-75.4084,37.8422,-75.0837,38.3271],"acres":{"value":48087,"kind":"gis-estimate","source":"Computed from the simplified boundary","note":"Approximate. The managing agency publishes official acreage."},"firstProtected":null,"established":null,"administrations":[],"designationHistory":[],"summary":"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.","summarySource":"National Park Service","guide":{},"trConnection":null,"trConnections":[],"trTypes":[],"links":{"official":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm","social":{},"recreationGov":null,"alltrails":null,"alltrailsExplore":"https://www.alltrails.com/explore?b_tl_lat=38.3271&b_tl_lng=-75.4084&b_br_lat=37.8422&b_br_lng=-75.0837","recreationGovSearch":"https://www.recreation.gov/search?q=Assateague%20Island%20National%20Seashore","directions":"http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/directions.htm"},"cover":{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C809F06-1DD8-B71B-0B39C9B927D2C688.jpg","title":"Wild Horses on the dunes at Assateague","alt":"Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague","credit":"NPS Photo","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm","tier":1,"source":"National Park Service"},"images":[{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C809F06-1DD8-B71B-0B39C9B927D2C688.jpg","title":"Wild Horses on the dunes at Assateague","alt":"Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague","credit":"NPS Photo","license":"Public domain (U.S. government work)","licenseUrl":null,"filePage":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm","source":"National Park Service","cover":true},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/78000DE7-F629-A6FF-17A9BD7C9CB1E0D3.jpg","title":"Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island","alt":"Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island","caption":"Assateague's wild horses can often be found grazing in salt marshes.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80A430-1DD8-B71B-0B2576C77ADACF33.jpg","title":"Tree Swallows Migrating along Assateague","alt":"Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague","caption":"Enormous flocks of migrating tree swallows stop and rest on Assateague beaches in the fall.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80A720-1DD8-B71B-0BE4A5E0043E8E7C.jpg","title":"Camping at Assateague","alt":"tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes","caption":"Tent camping in the Oceanside campground at Assateague is a great way to relax and recreate at the beach.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"},{"url":"https://www.nps.gov/common/uploads/structured_data/3C80A86E-1DD8-B71B-0B5EC085EECBB339.jpg","title":"Waves on Assateague beach","alt":"waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background","caption":"Visit the shifting sands at the water's edge where thousands of waves change the beach every day.","credit":"NPS Photo","source":"NPS"}],"activities":["Arts and Culture","Auto and ATV","Auto Off-Roading","Astronomy","Stargazing","Biking","Camping","Backcountry Camping","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Car or Front Country Camping","Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)","Group Camping","RV Camping","Compass and GPS","Geocaching","Fishing","Saltwater Fishing","Guided Tours","Hiking","Backcountry Hiking","Front-Country Hiking","Off-Trail Permitted Hiking","Horse Trekking","Horse Camping (see also camping)","Horseback Riding","Hunting and Gathering","Hunting","Paddling","Canoeing","Canoe or Kayak Camping","Kayaking","Stand Up Paddleboarding","Junior Ranger Program","Surfing","Swimming","Saltwater Swimming","Wildlife Watching","Birdwatching","Park Film","Shopping","Bookstore and Park Store"],"topics":["Animals","Birds","Fish","Horses (wild)","Tortoises and Turtles","Climate Change","Coasts, Islands and Atolls","Dunes","Geology","Oceans","Trails"],"fees":[{"title":"Entrance - Private Vehicle","cost":"25.00","description":"Assateague 7 day vehicle pass."},{"title":"Entrance - Motorcycle","cost":"20.00","description":"Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers."},{"title":"Entrance - Per Person","cost":"0.00","description":"Assateague per person walk-in or bicycle"}],"passes":[{"title":"Annual Entrance - Park","cost":"45.00","description":"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)."}],"hours":[{"name":"Assateague Island National Seashore - Maryland District","description":"Open year round, 24 hours a day.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"All Day","monday":"All Day","thursday":"All Day","sunday":"All Day","tuesday":"All Day","friday":"All Day","saturday":"All Day"},"exceptions":[]},{"name":"Assateague Island National Seashore - Virginia District","description":"Open January-March 8: 6 am - 6 pm.\nMarch 9-April: 6 am - 8 pm.\nMay-September: 5 am - 10 pm.\nOctober: 6 am - 8 pm.\nNovember-December: 6 am - 6 pm.\nCheck with the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (757-336-6122) for updates to operating hours.","standardHours":{"wednesday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","monday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","thursday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","sunday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","tuesday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","friday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM","saturday":"5:00AM - 10:00PM"},"exceptions":[{"name":"Spring Hours","start":"2027-03-09","end":"2027-04-30","hours":{"wednesday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","monday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","thursday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","sunday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","tuesday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","friday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","saturday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM"}},{"name":"Fall Hours","start":"2027-10-01","end":"2027-10-31","hours":{"wednesday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","monday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","thursday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","sunday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","tuesday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","friday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM","saturday":"6:00AM - 8:00PM"}},{"name":"Winter Hours","start":"2026-11-01","end":"2027-03-08","hours":{"wednesday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","monday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","thursday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","sunday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","tuesday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","friday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM","saturday":"6:00AM - 6:00PM"}}]}],"directions":"There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA. There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance.","weatherInfo":"Spring: Often windy and cool with lows in the 40's and highs in the 60's. Summer: Hot and humid with lows in the 60's and highs in the 80's. Fall: Warm with lows in the 50's and highs in the 70's. Winter: Damp cold and often windy. Lows in the 20's, highs in the 40's.","contacts":{"phone":"4106411441","email":"asis_information@nps.gov"},"visitorCenters":[{"name":"Assateague Island Visitor Center","description":"The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am - 4 pm.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/hours.htm","lat":38.2478717,"lon":-75.1545833},{"name":"Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center","description":"The Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center is located in the Virginia District within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.","url":"http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/hours.htm","lat":37.908616299422604,"lon":-75.35618969977247},{"name":"Maryland District Ranger Contact Station & Campground Office","description":"Offers campground information and registration, backcountry camping permits, hunting information, entrance passes and over-sand vehicle permits.","url":"","lat":38.207669,"lon":-75.1525}],"campgrounds":[{"name":"Oceanside Drive-in Campground","description":"Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. Loop 1 sites are closed from November 16 through March 14. Loop 2 sites are First Come/First Serve from November 16 through March 14.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/oceanside-drive-in-campground-reservation.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232507","sites":16},{"name":"Bayside Drive-in Campground","description":"Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. No generators allowed in Loop B. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15, and are available for November 16 through March 14.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/bayside-drive-in-campground-reservation.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232507","sites":22},{"name":"Oceanside Walk-in campground","description":"Tent only sites. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. These sites are closed from November 16 through March 14.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/oceanside-walk-in-campground-reservation.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232507","sites":62},{"name":"Oceanside Group Campground","description":"Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have multiple picnic tables and fire rings with grills. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15 and can be made up to six months in advance at $80 per night per site. 7 minimum - 25 maximum campers per site. Group sites are closed from November 16 through March 14.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/oceanside-group-campground-reservation.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232507","sites":5},{"name":"Horse camping","description":"Horse campers must bring their own horses. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and hitching posts. Sites are $80 per night. Maximum 6 people and 6 horses. Up to six vehicles or trailers. Reservations are required 10/16 - 4/14.","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/horse-campground-reservation.htm","reservationUrl":"https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232507","sites":2},{"name":"Back Country Camping - Pine Tree","description":"Bay side back country campsite","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Back Country Camping - Tingles Island","description":"Bayside back country site","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Back Country Camping - Green Run","description":"Bayside back country site","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Back Country Camping - Pope Bay","description":"Bay side back country campsite","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Back Country Camping - Little Levels","description":"Back Country Camping, bayside","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1},{"name":"Back Country Camping - State Line","description":"Back Country Camping; ocean side","url":"https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm","reservationUrl":null,"sites":1}],"thingsToDo":[],"nearby":[{"slug":"chincoteague-national-wildlife-refuge","km":14},{"slug":"wallops-island-national-wildlife-refuge","km":24},{"slug":"martin-national-wildlife-refuge","km":67},{"slug":"prime-hook-national-wildlife-refuge","km":88},{"slug":"blackwater-national-wildlife-refuge","km":89},{"slug":"harriet-tubman-underground-railroad-national-historical-park","km":90}],"hasBoundary":true,"boundarySource":{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division","url":"https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2224545"},"sources":[{"name":"NPS Data API","url":"https://developer.nps.gov/api/v1/parks?parkCode=asis"},{"name":"NPS Land Resources Division boundaries","url":"https://services1.arcgis.com/fBc8EJBxQRMcHlei/arcgis/rest/services/NPS_Land_Resources_Division_Boundary_and_Tract_Data_Service/FeatureServer/2"}],"editorialStatus":"draft","synced":"2026-11-09T02:12:45.606Z","alerts":[{"source":"NPS","kind":"Information","title":"OSV Status","text":"10/30/26 MD OSV is OPEN to State Line. VA South OSV is OPEN. Beware of overwash conditions at high tides. The VA North OSV fishing mile is closed.","url":null,"updated":"2026-10-30 00:00:00.0","id":"nps-CA2DB2F7-145C-4C6A-A84D-7289EA0E1FBC"}],"url":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/sites/assateague-island-national-seashore/","boundaryUrl":"https://directory.labs.trlibrary.com/boundaries/assateague-island-national-seashore.geojson"}