Assateague Island National Seashore

There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses.Take advantage of the opportunity to view these horses in a natural habitat.
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.
Map showing location of park.
Beach Parking Closure-Chincoteague Beach, Assateague Island National Seashore
Due to extensive damage from Hurricane Erin storm and tidal surge all of the Chincoteague Beach and all Beach Parking is closed until further notice. The Tom’s Cove Visitor Center is also closed.
Hurricane Erin Closures on Assateague Island
Due to the approach of Hurricane Erin, the following closures are in effect on Assateague Island-effective immediately. 1) The Oversand Vehicle Areas (both in Maryland and Virginia) are closed until further notice due to flooding and beach erosion. 2) All Oceanside Beaches (including the Assateague Island State Park Beach) are closed to all in water activities due to extreme Rip Current conditions and anticipated extremely high surf. 3) There is a partial closure of Parking Lots at the Chincoteague Beach location-it is anticipated that this will eventually become a complete closure.
Swimmer death at Assateague Island National Seashore
UPDATE July 29, 2025: The individual who drowned at Assateague Island National Seashore on July 24, 2025, has been identified as 18-year-old Cresencio Lucas Chavez Velasquez of Parksley, Virginia.
Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague
Photo by NPS Photo
Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island
Photo by NPS Photo
Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague
Photo by NPS Photo
tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes
Photo by NPS Photo
waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background
Photo by NPS Photo