Assateague State Park
RV Guide

You may be surprised by how many kites you see soaring through the air above the beaches of Assateague. Steady, strong breezes make the coast here an ideal place for kite flying. In the off-season, the crowds are sparser and the beaches are quieter, so you don't have to worry about bumping elbows with other beachgoers.

Sometimes, getting around on two wheels is much more fun than getting around on two feet. If you've brought your bike along on your journey, you'll be delighted to find that you can ride just about anywhere in the park. The Bayberry Drive bike path is perhaps the area's most popular. This four-mile path takes riders down the length of the island. Along the way, they'll have the expansive Atlantic on one side and rich coastal habitats on the other. A ride along Bayberry is a great way to take in all the sites Assateague has to offer while also getting some great exercise.

If you bike all the way south, past the Virginia line, you'll find routes that connect you with another great series of bike paths at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Always be sure to stay within designated bike lanes, if you're on multi-use roads. Maryland law also states that children, up to age 16, are required to wear a helmet in order to ride. The rest of the state's bicycle laws, as well as a biking map, can be obtained at the Ranger Station.

A unique draw at Assateague is the park's resident population of wild ponies. The island's herd is well over 100 strong, and it's not uncommon for visitors to spot some of these stout but beautiful creatures ambling along the beach or munching on the marsh. You'll have the best chance of spotting them if you walk along the nature trails or the beach. Don't get to close to them, and make sure to stay at least 40 feet away at all times for your safety and theirs.

Wildlife biologists are still unsure about the ponies' exact provenance, but they're believed to have lived on the island for at least two centuries (and possibly much longer). Whether they were survivors of a shipwreck or escapees from nearby pastures, the island's abundant food and lack of predators has allowed their population to flourish, and today they're certainly some of the most photographed critters in all of Maryland.

But ponies aren't the only animal residents here. If you're out biking, hiking, kayaking or swimming, you'll almost certainly come across some of the other fascinating fauna that call the park home. Over 200 species of birds can be found on the island, with species ranging from sandpipers and plovers to cormorants and terns. There are also two species of deer on Assateague, the native white-tail and the introduced Sika.

The bay and ocean surround the state park and these waters teem with life too. Fish, including sea trout, puffer fish, flounder, rockfish, and bluefish, are plentiful, and dolphins are even spotted from time to time.

Whether you're out for a short paddle or a long voyage, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Assateague's scenic coast. Soak up some sun and breathe in the salty sea air - with miles and miles of shoreline, the possibilities are endless. You can launch a kayak from anywhere along the beach at Assateague, with the exception of the swimming area (which itself is not always closed to kayakers; it's only closed during peak season, when lifeguards are on duty).

While summer brings the best weather, spring and fall can also be great times for paddling, as the waters around Assateague are usually far less busy then. The park advises paddlers to wear a life jacket be worn at all times, as the surf can be strong. Even seasoned kayakers can (and have) been caught off guard.

Fishing in the off-season is a popular pastime for visitors. The beaches tend to be a lot less populated, meaning there are more opportunities for surf-fishing You can expect to throw a line in either at the marina or directly on the beach. The only places where surf-fishing isn't permitted are designated swimming areas (you're probably not trying to catch a human, after all).

Whether you're looking to get a few bites from the bay or are lured out to sea on a boat, you're sure to get some good fishing in. Popularly fished-for species include black and red drum, striped bass, and summer flounder. State regulations apply to all shore fishing, and they may differ depending on your catch. Regardless, make sure you have a valid Maryland State fishing license. If you do reel in a bit one, a fish cleaning station is available at the marina.

Sometimes, getting around on two wheels is much more fun than getting around on two feet. If you've brought your bike along on your journey, you'll be delighted to find that you can ride just about anywhere in the park. The Bayberry Drive bike path is perhaps the area's most popular. This four-mile path takes riders down the length of the island. Along the way, they'll have the expansive Atlantic on one side and rich coastal habitats on the other. A ride along Bayberry is a great way to take in all the sites Assateague has to offer while also getting some great exercise.

If you bike all the way south, past the Virginia line, you'll find routes that connect you with another great series of bike paths at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Always be sure to stay within designated bike lanes, if you're on multi-use roads. Maryland law also states that children, up to age 16, are required to wear a helmet in order to ride. The rest of the state's bicycle laws, as well as a biking map, can be obtained at the Ranger Station.

While park guests are welcome to practice yoga along the beach at any time, visitors are also encouraged to join in with the featured yoga program. You can check out the weekly program schedules at the Ranger Station. The setting is truly ideal. Feel the sand beneath your feet and listen to the softly crashing waves as you move through your poses. What better way to start the day than with some relaxing yoga on the beach?

While park guests are welcome to practice yoga along the beach at any time, visitors are also encouraged to join in with the featured yoga program. You can check out the weekly program schedules at the Ranger Station. The setting is truly ideal. Feel the sand beneath your feet and listen to the softly crashing waves as you move through your poses. What better way to start the day than with some relaxing yoga on the beach?

Assateague State Park lies between both the Sinepuxent Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This magnificent stretch of beach lends itself perfectly to sunbathing. Oceanside, visitors can get a wonderfully expansive view, with summer's sweet sunny rays attracting all sorts of beachgoers. The sand and surf are quite popular here, but the park can still seem like a remote getaway when compared to Maryland's busier beaches. Lather up that sunscreen and be sure to bring a towel, umbrella, chair, and any other beach necessities. You'll be surprised how quickly even the long days of summer can pass here.

Assateague State Park's lifeguards station themselves on the beach from 10 AM until 5 PM, between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. Visitors are encouraged to swim in these guarded areas, though, you can technically swim anywhere along the ocean. The swimming sections are clearly designated with flags, and they're big enough to keep most swimmers occupied.

Though lifeguards are present during much of the peak season, swimming at Assateague is still at-your-own-risk. Currents along the shore can be unpredictable, and sometimes the surf picks up quickly. Don't head too far out, unless you are a very confident swimmer.

Assateague State Park has a host of kid-friendly activities, so if you're traveling with the whole family, be sure to stop by. Kids are invited to join the Assateague State Park Beach Patrol through a training program with the lifeguards. Participants, ages 7-15, get to learn about all the different aspects of being a lifeguard, including lessons on ocean ecology, the beach, basic surf rescue techniques, fitness challenges, and more. The Beach Patrol program is a great way for kids to learn about natural history while becoming more confident in and around the water.

Set aside some time to visit Assateague Island Visitor Center. Run by the National Park's Service, the visitor center is located just a short drive from the park, on the mainland side of the Verazzano bridge.

Here, you can get up close and personal with some of the area's fascinating critters. Aquariums at the Nature Center are full of native sea creatures, including crabs, whelks, seahorses, horseshoe crabs, and all sorts of fish. Some native terrestrial animals, such as snakes and owls, can be found here too. There are also several great exhibits on the area's ecology and geology. If you're looking to learn more about how dunes form or why the beach looks the way it does, the Nature Center is where you'll find some answers.

Set aside some time to visit the Assateague Island Visitor Center. Run by the National Park Service, the visitor center is located just a short drive from the park, on the mainland side of the Verazzano Bridge.

Here, you can get up close and personal with some of the area's fascinating critters. Aquariums at the Nature Center are full of native sea creatures, including crabs, whelks, seahorses, horseshoe crabs, and all sorts of fish. Some native terrestrial animals, such as snakes and owls, can be found here too. There are also several great exhibits on the area's ecology and geology. If you're looking to learn more about how dunes form or why the beach looks the way it does, the Nature Center is where you'll find some answers.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more Mid-Atlantic coastal adventures, check out our Delaware Seashore State Park guide or explore Trap Pond State Park for inland Delaware camping experiences.