Operating Hours
Open year-round.

Visitation
Highest mid-June to Labor Day; lowest in December to March

Permits
Backcountry campers must obtain a $5 permit upon arrival. Hunters must register and should obtain a seashore hunting plan each September. Off-road vehicle users must carry certain equipment and purchase a $60 annual special use permit.

Visitors Center and Programs
Visitor Center: There are 3 visitor centers located in the National Seashore: Barrier Island Visitor Center (MD), Toms Cove Visitor Center (VA), and Chincoteague Refuge Visitor Center (VA).

Programs: Regularly scheduled park service or refuge activities are available seasonally. Education programs for schools are given throughout the school year. Information is available on request. Special park events: April - last Saturday; National Park Service 'open house'. July - last Wednesday and Thursday; pony swim and auction. November - Thanksgiving Week; Chincoteague Refuge 'open house'.

Food Supplies and Concessions
Food/Supplies: Local restaurants and groceries are located in nearby communities.

Concessions: Seasonally, Assateague State Park has a small snack bar and camp store. Canoes, bikes, and clam rakes are rented in the Maryland portion of the national seashore. Bookshops, operated by Eastern National Park and Monument Association and the Chincoteague Refuge Natural History association, are located in visitor centers.

Visitor Impact
Call the park at 410-641-1441 for possible closures during threats by coastal storms.

Additional Information