News Release

Temporary Closure of Bayside Parking Area, Bayside Beach and Picnic Area-effective Monday April 1st

Date: March 29, 2024
Contact: Hugh Hawthorne, 410-629-6080

The Bayside Parking Area, Bayside Beach and Bayside Picnic Area will be closed for construction beginning Monday April 1st. Assateague Island National Seashore staff will be doing emergency shore stabilization work and changing the configuration of the parking area. Assateague Island Outfitters will also be moving the location of their concession building. Heavy construction machinery will be operating in the area and as a safety measure it will be Closed to All Visitors. This includes all vehicular, watercraft and foot traffic.

This area is very vulnerable to storm, tide and wind events and has been badly eroded over the past few winters. Erosion over the last couple of months has done major damage to the parking lot and now threatens the Concession building. This work is necessary to allow the continued public use of the area and is part of a larger, long-term plan to improve the visitor experience.

All other areas of Assateague Island National Seashore will be open as normal. It is expected that the work will take approximately two weeks, but this is work and weather dependent.

For general information about the Seashore and park activities access the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/asis or call 410-641-1441.