Assateague Island National Seashore ⓘ

More than half of Assateague Island National Seashore's 48,000 acres is comprised of near-shore and estuarine waters, and the interplay between these waters and the barrier island affects nearly every aspect of life in this dynamic coastal environment.

The geography of the island itself is in a state of constant flux, continuously being reshaped by the elemental forces of wind and water. Powerful storms can dramatically alter the shoreline in a matter of hours, as waves wash over the beach and reshape the island from ocean to bay. Other forces sculpt the landscape in less obvious ways. Exposure to salt spray, lack of fresh water, and isolation from the mainland are subtle, but powerful influences on the Island's species composition. Over time, these conditions have produced a community of plants and animals uniquely suited to the extremes found at the edge of the sea.

Human activities also exert a strong influence Assateague's natural environment. Beginning in the 1600's, colonists used the Island for grazing horses and other livestock. The bands of wild horses living on Assateague today are descendents of those domesticated animals and remain a powerful force acting on the island's natural systems. At various times in its history, fishing villages, industrial sites, and even a network of lifesaving stations for stranded mariners have all left their marks.

Then as now, the dynamic nature of the island continues to manifest itself in both subtle and dramatic ways, giving Assateague its unique and special character.

While Assateague’s wild horses are perhaps the island’s best-known inhabitants, a wide variety of animal species call the island home.

From cactus to marsh grasses to loblolly pines, Assateague is home to plants that can survive the challenges of life on a barrier island.

Enjoy their beauty from a distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island.

How is the horse population controlled? What are those cages on the beach? Click to find out how park resources are studied and managed.

Assateague's salt marshes display an amazing diversity of bird life and activities. During the summer months, wading birds like great egrets ( Casmerodius albus ) and clapper rails ( Rallus longirostris ) can be seen hunting in the shallow waters along the marsh edge. Meanwhile, red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) call ceaselessly as they patrol their summer breeding territories among the taller reeds and rushes. In the winter, northern harriers ( Circus cyaneus ) use these areas as hunting grounds, flying low over the marsh grasses as they scan for small mammals and birds.

A number of species also find shelter and feeding opportunities in Assateague's forests. During daylight hours, ruby-crowned kinglets ( Regulus calendula ), downy woodpeckers ( Picoides pubescens ), and white-eyed vireos ( Vireo griseus ) can be found feasting on the abundant insect life. After sunset, several species of owls become active, preying on small mammals, snakes, and birds. They include the great horned owl ( Bubo virginianus ), one of North America's largest species of owl, as well as the northern saw-whet owl ( Aegolius acadicus ). This diminutive owl (only one-third the size of the great horned owl) overwinters at Assateague. Little is known about the species, and the island serves as the site of several scientific studies on its migratory habits.

Assateague's coastal waters act as an insulator, raising air temperatures in cold weather and keeping the air milder during warm summer months. The waters of the bay rarely freeze over, providing feeding grounds when northern areas may be barren. This milder environment attracts many temporary visitors to the Seashore to feed and rest during migration or bouts of harsher inland weather. During the winter months, flocks containing hundreds of brant ( Branta bernicla ), a small sea goose that summers in Northern Canada, make their appearance in the waters offshore of Assateague. Summer visitors include the brown pelican ( Pelecanus occidentalis ), a relative newcomer to the island still recovering from massive population drops caused by DDT.

Regardless of the time of year, an abundance of bird life thrives in Assateague's diverse habitats. The length of the island will allow for some slight variations in sightings between districts. For a Maryland District bird checklist, click here (pdf, 153 kb) For a Virginia District bird checklist, click here (pdf, 408 kb)

In the sheltered zone beyond the dunes where fresh water is more plentiful, vegetative cover jumps to 80% and is predominantly characterized by less salt-tolerant shrubs, thickets and wildflowers . Here, taller plants undergo a natural pruning process, as salt winds blowing over the dunes limit their height. Common species in these areas include wax myrtle ( Myrica cerifera ) and northern bayberry ( Myrica pensylvanica ), which provide food and cover for songbirds, small rodents, and rabbits. Other species commonly found among the shrub thickets include blackberry ( Rubus argutus ) and poison ivy ( Toxicodendron radicans ).

Where the island is wide enough to allow sufficient protection from the ocean's salt spray and overwash, trees are able to establish a foothold. The forests of Assateague are predominantly pine woodlands, with loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) being the most prevalent tree species. Scrub pine ( Pinus virginiana ), greenbrier ( Smilax rotundifolia ), and muscadine grape ( Vitis rotunifolia ) are also common in the forest understory.

On the mainland side of the island adjacent to the bay, one can find large areas of salt marsh dominated by salt marsh cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora ), a plant that has adapted to periodic flooding by seawater by releasing salt through its leaves. Within the waters of the bay itself, beds of eel grass ( Zostera marina )and other submerged aquatic vegetation provide shelter and spawning areas for aquatic animals, while microscopic phytoplankton produces vast amounts of oxygen.

The plant life of Assateague and its surrounding waters mirrors the rich diversity of its habitats, playing a variety of vital roles in the island ecosystem.

Ocean currents, storm events, and seasonal weather patterns are constantly reshaping the island landscape. Long shore currents cause sand to migrate along the coast from north to south, while overwash events push the island toward the mainland by transporting sediments from the seaward beaches to the marshes along the western shore. Manmade structures such as jetties built to the north of the island, in turn, alter these natural processes by inhibiting sediment transport.

Because of the growing population density in neighboring areas, human land use and development influence water quality and aquatic resources in the surrounding bay and ocean. Park staff continually monitor water quality in these areas, to identify changing conditions and help protect the health of both human and non-human life. Submerged aquatic vegetation within the bay provides vital habitat for many marine organisms, but faces threats from commercial clam fisheries and recreational boating. Recently enacted protections are allowing these important habitats to thrive, ultimately leading to healthier fishing and shell-fishing grounds.

Even Assateague Island's famous wild horses exert strong impacts on the park's natural systems. These non-native horses heavily graze the lush marsh grasses that many animals, such as clapper rails ( Rallus longirostris ) and ribbed mussels ( Geukensia demissa ), depend on for food and shelter. While an ongoing contraceptive program is controlling horse population growth, achieving an appropriate balance between protecting the horses and their island home may ultimately require a smaller herd size.

A more recent issue facing the Island is the threat of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. Rising planetary temperatures, as well as relocation through human activities, increase the spread of diseases that were once limited to smaller ranges significantly further south of the Island. Despite the many environmental challenges facing Assateague, the Island continues to be a place of habitat richness and recreational opportunities.

The mammals of Assateague occupy a wide array of habitats and range in size from small rodents to large marine mammals - the latter including the bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus ) and several species of whale that feed in the island's offshore waters.

Wild horses ( Equus caballus ) are probably Assateague's best-known mammal species. These feral horses roam freely over the Maryland portion of the island and within fenced areas of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge located on the Virginia end of the island. The horses spend most of their days grazing, sleeping, or moving slowly in small bands from one feeding area to another. They feed primarily on saltmarsh cord grass, but will also eat beachgrass, greenbrier, bayberry, poison ivy, and many other types of vegetation.

Rodents such as the meadow jumping mouse ( Zapus hudsonius ) and meadow vole ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) live in grasses bordering salt and freshwater wetlands and feed on seeds, wetland plants, and, in the case of the jumping mouse, insects. Though seldom seen, river otters ( Lutra canadensis ) and muskrat ( Ondatra zibethica ) also make their home in the island’s marshy areas and adjacent waterways.

Red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) build dens in sand dunes and roam the island hunting for mice, birds, insects, and berries. Opossum ( Didelphis marsupialis ) provide the important environmental service of waste removal, feeding primarily on the island’s carrion. The only marsupial found in North America, they give birth to premature young which complete development in a pouch on the outside of the mother's body.

Two species of deer take advantage of the island's interior forests and shrub habitats, the native white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) and the non-native sika deer ( Cervus nippon ), actually a diminutive species of oriental elk. Ongoing research is evaluating the ecological effects of sika deer on both native vegetation communities and other wildlife such as the white-tailed deer.

Oceanside Campground Camping at Assateague will be a pleasant experience if you plan ahead! The barrier island habitat can be harsh if you are not prepared. Camping is available only in the Maryland district of Assateague Island. Campers are reminded to bring firewood (locally purchased), sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.

Day Use Restrictions: Campgrounds are for registered campers only, all others are prohibited from entry. This includes wildlife observation and use of campsites as day use areas.

National Park Service Reservation System Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. Campsite reservations are available six months in advance. Be aware that nearly all reservations for weekends are filled the first day that they become available. Call the t oll-free reservation line: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST) or visit www.recreation.gov . Individual sites are $40 per night. Group and Horse Camp sites are $80 per night.

Assateague Island National Seashore Campgrounds: Oceanside Drive-in: 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 available on a First Come, First Served basis from November 16 through March 14. Oceanside Walk-in: Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking areas. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $40 per night. Walk-in sites are closed from November 16 through March 14. Bayside Drive-in: Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. A Drive-In "Generator-Free Zone" is located in Bayside B Loop. Sites are $40 per night and can be reserved year round, up to 6 months in advance. Group Camping: 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. Group campsites can be reserved year round, up to 6 months in advance at $80 per night per site. Sites are $80 per night. Minimum 7 - 25 maximum campers per site. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15 and can be made up to six months in advance. Group sites are closed from November 16 through March 14. Horse Camp: There are 2 campsites for horse camping available October 16 through April 14. Reservations are required. Each site accommodates up to 6 people and 6 horses. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and hitching posts. The fee is $80 per night per site. Generators are permitted from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance. Visit our horseback riding webpage for more information. Reservations: Call toll-free: 1-877-444-6777 (10:00 AM - 10:00 PM EST) or visit www.recreation.gov . Campground Maps

RV Camping NPS photo More Camping Information Camping facilities include chemical toilets, seasonal cold water showers (mid-March through mid-November) and drinking water. November 16 through March 14, Oceanside Drive-In campsites are first-come first-served and sites are $40 per night. Walk-in sites are closed. Bayside Drive-in campsites are by reservation only , and are $40 per night. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at recreation.gov . There is a 50% discount for campers with Golden Age, Interagency Senior, Golden Access or Interagency Access passports. The discount can be applied only to the site the passholder will personally occupy. For campground regulations or more information call the ranger station at (410) 641-1441 press #3

Other Camping Opportunities Maryland Camping opportunities are available at Assateague State Park and nearby Pocomoke River State Park .

Maryland Camping opportunities are available at Assateague State Park and nearby Pocomoke River State Park . Virginia There is no camping available in the Virginia district of Assateague Island. Commercial campgrounds are available on the neighboring island of Chincoteague, Virginia. For more information contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at (757) 336-6161.

Discover the Possibilities at Assateague First-time visitors should stop at the visitor centers to see exhibits and obtain information about the many recreational activities and natural features in the seashore. Seasonally, a wide variety of guided programs can be enjoyed to enhance your visit.

Canoeing and Kayaking Canoes and kayaks may be launched from designated areas on Assateague. Careful consideration should be given to weather conditions and tidal currents. Rentals are available seasonally in the Maryland District from Assateague Outfitters .

Shell Collecting Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells to ensure a supply for beach dwelling organisms.

Shellfishing Crabbing and clamming are great ways to discover the bays behind Assateague and sample some local seafood. Stop by a visitor center or the ranger station for current size limits and regulations.

Swimming and Surfing Swimming is allowed on Assateague Island National Seashore Beaches. Swimming is at your own risk. Strong surf and currents may exist. More information on Beach and Surf Safety.

Find Your Virtual Park Not able to visit Assateague? Discover Assateague online through photos, videos and activities to download.

Make some memories camping at the beach. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.

Join us on a ranger guided program and learn more about the barrier island environment.

Get our tips for viewing wild horses and other wildlife and capturing amazing photos, even at a distance

Experience life on a barrier island! Assateague has a variety of paved and unpaved trails and 37 miles of beach open for hiking.

Explore Assateague Island by bike. Several miles of bike trails wind through the island in both Maryland and Virginia.

Horseback riding is allowed seasonally along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.