Alerts
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Assateague Island National Seashore, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, maximize physical distance from each other, avoid crowding in all areas and practice Leave No Trace principles. As the NPS monitors and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, we work closely with the Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Updated August 25, 2022 Maryland District Masks ARE NOT REQUIRED inside the buildings (Barrier Island Visitor Center, Ranger Station, park headquarters) in the Maryland District at this time. In the event Covid-19 rates in Worcester County rise to high levels, mask mandates may again be implemented in the Maryland District of Assateague Island National Seashore. Virginia District - Toms Cove Visitor Center Masks ARE NOT REQUIRED in the Toms Cove Visitor Center. In the event Covid-19 rates in Accomack County rise to high levels, mask mandates may again be implemented in the Virginia District of Assateague Island National Seashore. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Visit NPS Recreate Responsibly for tips to safely enjoy your visit to your national park. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Canine Distemper Outbreak5-23-22: A recent outbreak of canine distemper virus has been reported in raccoons near the Bayside Campgrounds at Assateague Island National Seashore. One raccoon tested positive, and several others have shown clinical signs and staff are awaiting test results. This virus does not affect humans. However, domestic dogs, as well as other mammalian wildlife species (e.g., foxes, skunks, river otters) can become infected with this highly contagious virus.If you are camping at Assateague Island National Seashore, please remember the following guidelines: • Prior to visiting the park, ensure your dogs are current on their vaccines for canine distemper virus, rabies virus, and other infectious diseases that can be transmitted from wildlife. • Keep your pets on a six-foot leash at all times. • Dispose of trash in secure trash bins and dumpsters. • Remove food and water sources for raccoons, including pet bowls. This will help reduce areas where raccoons can congregate and transmit the virus to other animals. Raccoons are generally nocturnal so feed dogs prior to dusk and then remove food bowls. • Do not attempt to feed, touch or handle wildlife. If you see wildlife in distress or behaving unusually in the park, notify Assateague Island National Seashore staff or campground hosts. If your pet comes into contact with a potentially infected animal seek assistance from your nearest veterinarian. For more information visit: https://cwhl.vet.cornell.edu/disease/canine-distemper BeachesThe beaches in both the Maryland and the Virginia Districts are open for normal recreation activities (swimming, walking, sitting on the beach, etc.) Please observe social distancing guidelines. Outdoor restrooms are open in Maryland and Virginia. Maryland District: Lifeguards on duty daily September 5-18: Maryland District: Wednesdays-Sundays Campgrounds(MD District)Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds are open. Visit our camping page for the latest updates on campgrounds. Ranger Station/Campground Office(MD District) 
NPS photo Visitor CentersAssateague Island Visitor Center (MD District) Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) ZonesThe Maryland (MD) District and Virginia (VA) District OSV Zones are currently open. OSV permits may be purchased at the walk-up OSV sales window at the Ranger Station (MD) and at the Toms Cove Visitor Center (VA). See our OSV page for more information. We appreciate your patience during this time. Virginia District Roads and Parking LotsParking lots in both MD & VA Districts fill up quickly on summer weekends. Expect a wait if you are coming between the hours of 11 am - 2 pm. Visitors and wildlife use the roads and parking lots. They don't always look both ways before crossing. Reduce speed on roads and in parking lots to protect yourself, other visitors and wildlife. Maryland District - Parking lots are open. TrailsMD District: All trails are open. Visit our Hiking and Biking pages for more information on trails.VA District: Visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge website for updated information on trail status. |
Last updated: October 4, 2022