Assateague Island

https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assateague_Island_National_Seashore Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected area on a long barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. It’s known for its Atlantic beaches and for trails that wind through marshland, dunes and pine forest. In the south, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home to wild Chincoteague ponies, bald eagles and migratory seabirds. Near Toms Cove is the working, 19th-century Assateague Lighthouse. 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. There are two entrances to Assateague Island National Seashore. Assateague's north entrance is at the end of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The south entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA. There is no vehicle access between the two entrances on Assateague Island. Vehicles must return to the mainland to access either the north or south entrance. Assateague Island Visitor Center The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is open daily from 9 am - 4 pm. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is located in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on the southern side of Route 611, before the Verrazzano Bridge entrance into the park. Maryland District Ranger Contact Station & Campground Office Offers campground information and registration, backcountry camping permits, hunting information, entrance passes and over-sand vehicle permits. Located at the eastern terminus of Route 611, eight miles south of Ocean City, MD. The Ranger Station/Campground office is in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on west side of Bayberry Drive, after the entrance station. Toms Cove Visitor Center The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located in the Virginia District within the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The Virginia District entrance is at the end of Route 175, two miles east of Chincoteague, VA. The Toms Cove Visitor Center is located on the south side of Beach Road, prior to the beach parking areas. Back Country Camping - Green Run Bayside back country site Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Acces Green Run Campsite Green Run Campsite Green Run Campsite Green Run Restroom Green Run Restroom Green Run Restroom View of Green Run from the Water View of Green Run from the Water View of Green Run from the Water Green Run Dock Green Run Dock Green Run Dock Back Country Camping - Little Levels Back Country Camping, bayside Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Little Levels Campsite Little Levels Campsite Little Levels Campsite Little Levels Restroom Little Levels Restroom Little Levels Restroom Little Levels Sign Little Levels Sign Little Levels Sign Back Country Camping - Pine Tree Bay side back country campsite Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Pine Tree Campsite Pine Tree Campsite Pine Tree Campsite Pine Tree Restroom Pine Tree Restroom Pine Tree Restroom Pine Tree Access Road Pine Tree Access Road Pine Tree Access Road View of Pine Tree from water View of Pine Tree from water View of Pine Tree from water Back Country Camping - Pope Bay Bay side back country campsite Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Pope Bay Campsite Pope Bay Campsite Pope Bay Campsite View of Pope Bay From Water View of Pope Bay From Water View of Pope Bay From Water Pope Bay Access Road Pope Bay Access Road Pope Bay Access Road Pope Bay Dock Pope Bay Dock Pope Bay Dock Back Country Camping - State Line Back Country Camping; ocean side Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. State Line Sandy Campsite State Line Sandy Campsite State Line Sandy Campsite State Line Grassy Campsite State Line Grassy Campsite State Line Grassy Campsite State Line Sign State Line Sign State Line Sign Back Country Camping - Tingles Island Bayside back country site Back Country Camping Permit 10.00 Fee for back country camping. Permit may be obtained for up to 7 days per trip on a first come/first serve basis on the day of departure. Permits may be obtained at the Maryland District Ranger Station or the Tom's Cove Visitor Center in Virginia. Fee is per person for everyone over 16 years of age. No reservations are accepted. Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Tingles Island Campsite Tingles Island Campsite Tingles Island Campsite Bayside Drive-in Campground Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night. No generators allowed in Loop B. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. All sites are First Come/First Serve from November 16 through March 14. Camping Fee 30.00 Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night. IA Senior Pass or IA Access Pass camping fee 15.00 IA Senior Pass and IA Access pass discount Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Bayside Loop A Site Bayside Loop A Site Bayside Loop A Site Bayside Loop A Paved Sites Bayside Loop A Paved Sites Bayside Loop A Paved Sites Bayside Loop A Site grassy Bayside Loop A Site grassy Bayside Loop A Site grassy Horse camping Campground accessible for horses and riders to camp overnight Camping fee 50.00 Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $50 per night. Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Horse Camp Site A Horse Camp Site A Horse Camp Site A Horse Camp Site B Horse Camp Site B Horse Camp Site B Horse Camp Horse Camp Horse Camp Oceanside Drive-in Campground Tents, trailers and recreational vehicles (no hookups). Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night. Reservations are required from March 15 through November 15. All sites are First Come/First Serve from November 16 through March 14. Camping fee 30.00 $30.00 per night $15.00 per night with an IA Senior Pass or an IA Access Pass IA Senior Pass or IA Access Pass camping fee 15.00 $15.00 per night with an IA Senior Pass or an IA Access Pass Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Drive-in site at Oceanside Loop 1 Drive-in site at Oceanside Loop 1 Drive-in site at Oceanside Loop 1 Drive-in at Oceanside Loop 1 grassy Drive-in at Oceanside Loop 1 grassy Drive-in at Oceanside Loop 1 grassy Oceanside Group Campground Organized clubs and affiliated groups must use group campsites. Tent-only sites, located 100-200 feet from centralized parking area. Sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Group campsites can be reserved year round, up to 6 months in advance at $50 per night per site. 7 minimum - 25 maximum campers per site. Group Camping Fee 50.00 $50.00 per night Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. Group Site 1 Group Site 1 Group Site 1 Group Site 2 Group Site 2 Group Site 2 Group Site 3 Group Site 3 Group Site 3 Group Site 4 Group Site 4 Group Site 4 Group Site 5 Group Site 5 Group Site 5 Oceanside Walk-in campground Tent only sites. Sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Sites are $30 per night. Walk-in sites are open March 15 - November 15 and reservations are required. Reservations may be made at recreation.gov Camping Fee 30.00 Tents only. Open seasonally from March 15 through November 15. IA Senior Pass or IA Access Pass camping fee 15.00 IA Senior Pass and IA Access pass discount Vehicle Entrance Fee 25.00 All vehicles are subject to an entrance fee. Entrance fee is valid for 1-7 days for reentry into the park. Current Assateague Pass, IA-Annual Pass, IA-Senior Pass, IA-Access Pass. IA-4th Grade, IA-Military Pass, IA Golden Age Passport and IA-Golden Access Passport are valid for entry. A Walk-in Site at Sunset A Walk-in Site at Sunset A Walk-in Site at Sunset Oceanside Walk-in site Oceanside walk-in site Oceanside Walk-in site Walk-in site Walk-in site Walk-in site Oceanside Walk-in site Oceanside walk-in site Oceanside Walk-in site Wild Horses on the dunes at Assateague Wild horses on the dunes at Assateague 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. Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island Wild horses in the salt marshes on Assateague Island Assateague's wild horses can often be found grazing in salt marshes. Tree Swallows Migrating along Assateague Tree Swallows migrating along the beach at Assateague Enormous flocks of migrating tree swallows stop and rest on Assateague beaches in the fall. Camping at Assateague tents and vehicle in the oceanside campground dunes Tent camping in the Oceanside campground at Assateague is a great way to relax and recreate at the beach. Waves on Assateague beach waves on Assateague beach with people fishing in the background Visit the shifting sands at the water's edge where thousands of waves change the beach every day. 2012 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Recipients of the 2012 NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Shark Awareness Before heading into the ocean, review some safety information to further minimize the chances of a shark encounter. Shark and fish in the blue ocean waters Protecting Coastal Treasures from Future Floods Protecting coastal treasures like lighthouses, forts, and statues requires an understanding of the precise location of these resources. New elevation markers will help the National Park Service continue to protect coastal parks threatened by flooding and sea level rise. Two men use tools to install elevation markers in sandy soil. NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. [Site Under Development] coastal dunes with grass cover Crystal Clear: Restoring the Salt Marsh at Assateague Island Over 87 miles of ditches created during a 1930s-era effort to control mosquitoes have damaged the island’s salt marsh. The National Park Service is restoring the natural wetlands function of the salt marsh by filling the ditches with sand and replanting with native vegetation. Five hundred thirty acres are targeted for additional restoration adjacent to the only old-growth forest on the island, an area identified by the park as a priority zone for a proposed wilderness area. Salt marsh on Toms Cove, overlooking the Coast Guard Station and boathouse Studying Shifting Shorelines at Northeast Coastal Parks Coastal national parks have long been a living laboratory for shoreline scientists to study how storms and other processes like erosion and littoral drift affect the coast and the structures perched along the water. Learn more about the science of shifting shorelines. View of beach and dunes. Mapping Underwater Habitats With so much diversity and value in underwater habitats, it’s no wonder the National Park Service undertook a multi-park effort to map the relatively uncharted shallow waters in and around coastal national parks in the Northeast. Learn more and see what lies beneath. A woman leans over the edge of a boat with a submerged habitat mapping tool. Studying Salt Marsh Change A marsh resiliency model was developed to help managers protect salt marshes at coastal parks in the Northeast. Jamaica Bay at sunset. Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight: Peregrine Falcon The fall migration of peregrine falcons through Assateague Island National Seashore provides scientists with an ideal location to conduct long-term research on these birds of prey, the fastest bird on earth. The study looks at natural history aspects of peregrines, including global contaminant issues, emerging pathogens and genetics, and is now one of the longest-running studies of peregrine falcons in the Americas. A peregrine falcon spreads its wings and takes flight off a sandy beach. 2014 Sea Turtle Annual Report Cape Hatteras 2014 annual report on sea turtle monitoring at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Green sea turtle returning to sea after laying her eggs. Natural Parking Lots at Assateague Island National Seashore Park managers at Assateague Island National Seashore replaced asphalt parking lots with clay and clam shells to reduce damage to beaches and park resources from asphalt during overwash events. A view of Assateague Island National Seashore Assateague Island Movable Visitor Facilities Assateague Island National Seashore transitioned to portable infrastructure that can be moved to a less vulnerable location before intense storms hit. Assateauge Island National Seashore pier looking out on the water. Movable Restrooms at Assateague Island National Seashore After Sandy, National Parks get storm-ready: Park scientists muster elevation data and enhance information systems to prepare for future storms Dr. Peter August, a University of Rhode Island professor who specializes in GIS, has collaborated with the National Park Service (NPS) for over 20 years. After Hurricane Sandy, August led the team that created the very first bytes of GIS data for several National Parks in the northeast coastal region. They gathered essential elevation data and established a data management system so that coastal parks will be better prepared for future storms. August uses laser rangefinder to determine the distance to an object in the field. Sounding Seafloor Habitats: Researchers use sonar to map the underwater resources of four National Parks Researchers, including Monique LaFrance, take part in a landmark mission in four coastal National Parks to map thousands of acres of underwater habitats that have never been surveyed. Together, the four habitat-mapping teams will create maps to help coastal parks in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland better prepare for damaging storms and sea level rise. researcher with equipment aboard a research vessel Changing Landscapes on Assateague Island The effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and intensifying storms, will alter the landscape at Assateague Island National Seashore and affect the access and experience that visitors enjoy today. Park staff are working to adapt, restore, and protect island resources. Three horses standing in dune grass National Park Service Commemoration of the 19th Amendment In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th Amendment the National Park Service has developed a number of special programs. This includes online content, exhibits, and special events. The National Park Service’s Cultural Resources Geographic Information Systems (CRGIS) announces the release of a story map that highlights some of these programs and provides information for the public to locate and participate. Opening slide of the 19th Amendment NPS Commemoration Story Map Mammal Teeth Learn about mammals' tooth morphology. Complete an activity about horse teeth, from examples at Assateague Island National Seashore. Line drawing of horse skull Series: National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geoheritage-conservation.htm">geoheritage</a> and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/geodiversity.htm">geodiversity</a> resources and values all across the National Park System to support science-based management and education. The <a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1088/index.htm">NPS Geologic Resources Division</a> and many parks work with National and International <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/park-geology.htm">geoconservation</a> communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available. park scene mountains Series: Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Species Spotlight Learn more about species that call national parks within the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN) home! a peregrine falcon takes flight from the beach at Assateague Island National Seashore. Series: NPS Environmental Achievement Awards Since 2002, the National Park Service (NPS) has awarded Environmental Achievement (EA) Awards to recognize staff and partners in the area of environmental preservation, protection and stewardship. A vehicle charges at an Electric Vehicle charging station at Thomas Edison National Historical Park Series: Crystal Clear: A Call to Action In 2016, the nation celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service (NPS) as the steward of special places that represent our natural and cultural heritage. Many national parks were founded on the beauty and value of water. Since the preservation of the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone National Park in 1872, the National Park System has grown to include significant examples within majestic rivers, the Great Lakes, oceans and coasts, and other spectacular water resources. bright blue lake green islands in between Spain Loans Artifacts to Assateague Island National Seashore On October 17, 2006, representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports and the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) signed a loan agreement for artifacts from Spanish shipwreck sites to be displayed in a new visitor’s center at Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia. The NPS is honored to care for these objects on behalf of Spain, and to make the objects available for scientific study and public appreciation. Coins from Spanish shipwrecks Using 3D Replicas to Study Spanish Coins From La Galga and Juno Shipwrecks Learn about the markings on Spanish coins found at two shipwrecks, La Galga and Juno. See how the markings help archeologists to date the sites. Spanish coins in 3D National Park Getaway: Assateague Island National Seashore Get ready for salt air, seascapes and solitude. Assateague Island National Seashore is a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life here has adapted to an existence on the move and wintertime is the best time to watch the island change. Explore uncrowded sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests, and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate, and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent. Brown and white pony in a marsh area A Whole New World Does your family use olive oil? Many things that we use in our homes today have their origins in the Old World. When Spanish explorers and colonists came to the New World, they brought many things from their homes, and ways of using those things. Artist's painting of a ceramic olive oil jar and a glass jar of olive oil Plan Like a Ranger: 10 Tips to Visiting Assateague Island National Seashore "I wish I knew that before we got here," is not a phrase we want you to say on your visit. Check out how Rangers plan a trip to Assateague Island National Seashore. A ranger's iconic hat accompanied by a water bottle and park map. Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Regina P. Jones Underwood Brake Regina Jones-Brake's career with the National Park Service (NPS) began in 1976 with the bicentennial of the Declaration of Independence. Over the next 33 years, her love of American history compelled her to share untold stories as she advanced from park ranger to management assistant. Regina Jones-Underwood pictured outdoors in her NPS uniform. How an Insect Became a National Park Service Superhero Through the power of partnerships, the Dragonfly Mercury Project elevated the importance of a commonly found insect. It also showed that citizen science can be a potent research tool. A group of young people surround a man in an NPS uniform holding a net next to a stream Pollinators in peril? A multipark approach to evaluating bee communities in habitats vulnerable to effects from climate change Can you name five bees in your park? Ten? Twenty? Will they all be there 50 years from now? We know that pollinators are key to maintaining healthy ecosystems—from managed almond orchards to wild mountain meadows. We have heard about dramatic population declines of the agricultural workhorse, the honey bee. Yet what do we really know about the remarkable diversity and resilience of native bees in our national parks? Southeastern polyester bee, Colletes titusensis. Spanish Coin VCU 4975 Learn how to examine a Spanish coin. Spanish Coin VCU 4985 Learn how to look closely at this Spanish coin. Spanish Coin VCU 4983 Learn how to look closely at this Spanish coin. Spanish Coin VCU 4987 Discover how to look closely at this coin. 2023 Annual Horse Population Update for Assateague Island National Seashore Horses at Assateague Island National Seashore are managed as a wildlife population. Regular monitoring of population dynamics is necessary to support the long-term fertility control program that was initiated in 1994 to reduce the numbers of the Maryland herd, and now, management of the population close to the goal range of 80-100 individuals. N6BMT-F (Jojo) and her foal on Assateague Island in March 2023