Assateague Island National Seashore

Assateague Island National Seashore, near Berlin, Maryland, protects a barrier island about 60 km (37 miles) long and at most about 1.6 km (1 mile) wide along the coast of Maryland and Virginia. The national seashore was established in 1965. The Maryland district, with the visitor center, campground and beach, lies in the north; Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia lies in the south. There is no road between the two parts on the island, so you can reach each only via the mainland. The north entrance is about 13 km (8 miles) south of Ocean City.

In the Maryland district the wild horses roam free and the herd is managed as wildlife; the Virginia herd belongs to the Chincoteague Fire Department. Feeding and touching are prohibited, and the National Park Service forbids coming within 40 feet (12 m) of a horse. According to Wikipedia the park has 148 campsites for tents and RVs. Reservations are recommended from March 15 to November 15, and in winter sites are first come, first served (as of October 2026). From spring to autumn mosquitoes, biting flies and ticks are abundant; repellent and long clothing are advisable. Horses and gulls will raid unattended food, so store it in your car or in sealed containers. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as of October 2026).