Current Conditions

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.

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.

 

Beaches

The 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.

Strong currents may exist. We strongly recommend that visitors recreating in or near the water wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket. Visit our Beach and Surf Safety page for more information.

Summer 2023 Lifeguard Schedule
Normal hours of operation are 10 am - 5 pm
May 27, 28, 29
June 3, 4, 10, 11
June 17 - September 4: Lifeguards on duty daily

Fall Lifeguard operations TBA

 

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)
6633 Bayberry Drive, Berlin, MD 21811
410-641-1441 press #1 for park and camping information
Sunday - Thursday: 8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday - Saturday: 8:00am - 8:00pm

 

The Assateague Island Visitor Center in the Maryland district.

NPS photo

Visitor Centers

Assateague Island Visitor Center (MD District)
11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin, Maryland 21811
410-641-1441 press #1 for park and camping information
Open Daily from 9 am - 4 pm.


Toms Cove Visitor Center (VA District)
8586 Beach Road, Chincoteague, Virginia 23336
410-641-1441 press #2
Phone calls to the Virginia District are unable to be placed at this time. Do not call and leave a message, they will not be answered. For information about the Virginia District, please refer to the Maryland District, or call the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge at 757-336-6122. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Open Daily from 9 am - 4 pm.

 

Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Zones

The Maryland (MD) District and Virginia (VA) District OSV Zones are currently open. Beginning January 4, 2023, OSV permits must be purchased online by visiting www.recreation.gov. You will need to choose which office you would like to pick up your permit, either the North Beach Ranger Station in the Maryland District or the Toms Cove Visitor Center in the Virginia District. If you do not have access to the internet, you may fill out the online application at a kiosk in the Ranger Station or Toms Cove Visitor Center when you arrive. See our OSV page for more information.

Maryland District
For the most current OSV closure updates, Facebook users can visit our "Assateague MD OSV Closures" public group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557666744530321/
OSV permits purchased online through www.recreation.gov may be picked up from 9 am - 5 pm daily at the Ranger Station.

Virginia District
For the most recent OSV closure updates, visit our @ChincoteagueOSV" twitter page. For more info on the North OSV click here (Scroll down below the Maryland and Toms Cove OSV map). OSV permits purchased online through www.recreation.gov. may be picked up from 9 am - 4 pm at the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Please note that the Toms Cove Visitor Center is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in December, January and February.

 

Roads and Parking Lots

Parking 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.
Virginia District - Parking lots are open. Expect temporary, partial closures due to facility maintenance in May. Please use caution around maintenance vehicles, equipment and staff working in the parking lots.

 

Trails

MD District: 4-21-2022. The Life of the Dunes Trail and The Life of the Forest Trail are OPEN. The Life of the Marsh Trail is OPEN but expect temporary, partial closures of trail while final construction is being completed. 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.