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ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK

​We're Recruiting!
Assateague State Park is how hiring lifeguards for the Beach Patrol. Click here to learn more on how to join!​​

**Alert**
Attention Assateague State Park Visitors: The Day Use area restroom building and boardwalk are under construction for a renovation project. For your safety, beach access is not available here. Please observe the closure areas and use the alternative beach access located at the Youth Group crossover, just to the north of the parking lot.
​​Click here ​for more information!​​


Highlights

​​ Sunrise from behind a dune

Park Reservations​​
1-888-432-CAMP (2267)
Fees and Hours of Operation
Park Passes




Assateague State Park
​​7307 Stephen Decatur Highway,
Berlin, MD 21811

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View the DNR Ev​ents Ca​lendar



Camping on the beach

Information: 410-641-2918​
Headquarters Office: 410-641-2120
E-mail Assateague State Park
Hours: 7 a.m. - Sunset​

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​​​​Welcome to Assateague​

Two girls surf fishing on the beach​​ 

Assateague State Park is Maryland's only oceanfront park. It is located on Assateague Island, a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. Its two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing, surfing and fishing. The bayside offers visitors the chance to explore secluded coves by canoe or kayak. The marsh areas have a vari​ety of wildlife, including deer, waterfowl and feral horses.​​​​



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​​​​​What Makes Assateague Special​​

3 wild horses by the beach ​​
The horses are feral and roam freely throughout the Maryland section of the island, so they can be anywhere at any time.


​Assateague’s wild horses c​an often be found in the marsh areas, on the beach, or within the campground and developed areas. When visiting the island to see the horses, be sure to follow all regulations including not stopping or parking along roadways, staying at least 40 feet (a bus length) from the horses, and securing all food. ​​



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​​​​​The Atlantic Ocean and Beach: ​​

The Assateague State Park day use area is open from 7am - sunset. A bathhouse is available with toilets, sinks, showers with warm water, and baby changing stations.

Long white beach with a blue sky and ocean in the backdrop ​​
The day-use area provides access to the beach along a boardwalk from the parking lot to the base of the dune. ​

Lifeguard patrolling the beach

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 10am - 5pm.




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​​​​​World-Class Birding & Other Wildlife:

Over 200 species of birds hav​​e been sighted here - from gulls to herons, egrets to eagles, even endangered peregrin​e falcons and snowy owls. Common species include osprey, brown pelican, oystercatcher, herons, sanderlings, and a wide​ range of ducks, geese and other waterfowl.

oyster catcher, green heron, osprey and egret​ ​​
Assateague Island is on the Atlantic flyway and serves as a stopover for many species of migrating birds.​

whitetail and sika deer

Both whitetail and sika deer live on the island, joined by other mammals such a​s racoon and red fox.​





​Camping Along the Ocean:

Campsites are available to accommodate tents, trailers, RV and most camping unit sizes. Sleep to the sounds of the ocean waves, enjoy the magnificent night sky, and view wildlife including wild horses as they graze amongst the campsites.​

tents set up by the beach area​ ​​

Assateague State Park features 345 campsites located just steps from the beach.



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Details about the Park

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​​Swim graphic 1
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Other Things to Know!​

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​When visiting Assateague Island, be aware that there are actually two parks that share the island- Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore.

  • After you cross the Verrazano Bridge, Assateague State Park is located straight ahead and consists of 2 miles of oceanfront beach and a campground with 345 campsites for tent and RV/trailer camping and all located on the ocean-side just behind the primary dune.
  • Assateague State Park is bordered by Assateague Island National Seashore to the north and south. The north end of the island does not have vehicle access. Visitors may hike into this area but should be aware of closures and restricted areas due to sensitive habitat and nesting areas.
  • Cross the bridge and make the 1st​ right turn onto Bayberry Drive to access the developed area of Assateague Island National Seashore which offers about 150 campsites including group sites, horse sites, and back-country campsites. Campsites may be oceanside or bayside.
  • Both parks offer parking lots with beach access for day use visitors and a lifeguarded swim area from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
  • Both parks offer walking/hiking trails or paths and a hiker/biker path runs along Bayberry Drive ​for approximately 2 miles.
  • The national park offers an "Over Sand Vehicle" ​area for drive-on beach access with appropriate permits.
  • Passes for each park (such as Golden Age and Annual Passes) work only in the park system (State or National) for which they were issued.
  • Wild horses and other wildlife can be viewed in both parks. The State Park does not offer any "drive through" areas within the campground. The national park allows for driving in any areas of the park after payment of entrance fees.
  • More information about Assateague State Park is found here, and more information about Assateague Island National Seashore can be found here​.

Photo of the outside of the restaurant ​

The 5 Tides Restaurant & Retail Shop is located at the Assateague State Park Day Use area and only steps from the beach.​​

5 Tides Restaurant and Retail Shop

  • Assateague State Park is proud to partner with concessionaire, Assateague Outfitters, to feature the “5 Tides Restaurant and Retail Shop​.​​​
  • Hours of operation: Open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day and limited offseason hours in the spring and fall.
  • Check out the delicious menu​​ ​offering cooked-to-order breakfast a​nd lunch, premium coffee, hand dipped ice cream, smoothies, snacks and more!​
  • Committed to a ​more sustainable environment,​ we use compostable materials and limit food and product waste and packaging.​
  • Click he​re​ to order online for 5 Tides and check out the Assateague Outfitters site.

Wild horse on the beach with a blue sky  

Park Highlight

​Wild Horses
The wild horses, popularized by Marguerite Henry’s children’s book “Misty of Chincoteague,” have occupied the island for approximately 350 years. Several colorful stories provide possible explanations to their origins. One legend tells of a Spanish galleon running aground along the coast in the 17th century, freeing the horses; a second suggests pirates may have abandoned them. Read more.

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4 Other​ Park Locations Near Assateague​