The Wild Horses of Assateague Island
Wild Horses at Assateague Island, Maryland just a few miles from the beach town of Ocean City
They roam the salty marshes, wild and free in the wind and water, in harmony with the bountiful diverse animal and plant life…these are the wild ponies of Assateague Island.
Guide to Vacation on Assateague Island
If you’re looking for a unique day trip or a quiet camping vacation spot where you can spend time with wild horses, and enjoy the beach at the same time, then this is the perfect place for you…. Actually, it is one of the few places in the US where you can see wild horses roaming freely…it is called Assateague Island.
Tip: Be sure to get there early to avoid the long lines for the entrance fee to the park.
The Lighthouse of Assateague Island
Where is Assateague Island
Assateague island’s white sandy beaches extend approximately 50 miles from Ocean City, Maryland to the Chincoteague wildlife refuge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland just a few miles south of Ocean City. And about a 3 hour drive from Washington, DC.
Assateague Island National Seashore is located close to Chincoteague Island, Virginia & Ocean City, Maryland.
It’s a bit confusing I know, but here’s the breakdown. The Virginia side is called Chincoteague, the Maryland side is called Assateague State Park, and the National Park Service (NPS) portion is called Assateague National Seashore.
There are two entrances to Assateague Island (one is in Virginia and the other is in Maryland). Please note that vehicles are unable to cross the island from the Maryland side of Assateague to the Virginia side of Assateague or vice versa.
Assateague Island sign on the Maryland side
How to get to Assateague and Ocean City, Maryland
If traveling from Washington D.C.: From the Bay Bridge, take U.S. 50 East, follow signs for Ocean City. A few miles outside Ocean City, turn right on Route 611 to Assateague Island.
If traveling from Virginia Beach: From the Bay Bridge Tunnel, stay on U.S. 13 North, then take U.S. 113 north towards Snow Hill/Ocean City. Turn Right on MD 376, then turn right on MD 611 to Assateague Island.
How to get to Assateague and Chincoteague, Virginia
If traveling from Washington D.C. to Chincoteague: Chincoteague, Virginia is about a 3 hour drive. Take U.S. 50 East across the Bay Bridge and south to Salisbury, MD, get on U.S. 13 South and then Route 175 east to Chincoteague Island. When you get on Chincoteague Island, drive straight to Maddox Blvd., which takes you to Assateague Island.
If traveling from Virginia Beach: From the Bay Bridge Tunnel, stay on U.S. 13 North, then turn right on Route 175 East. When you get on Chincoteague Island, drive straight to Maddox Blvd., which takes you to Assateague Island.
The Assateague Island Wild Horses are frequently seen on the beach among visitors and playing in the ocean
How to get to the Campgrounds of Assateague Island
Camping on Assateague Island is only allowed in Maryland therefore access to the campgrounds is only available from the North via Route 611.
Camping on Assateague Island
Camping is only allowed in Maryland on Assateague Island. Depending on where you decide to camp, the facilities and amenities can vary between those of the State and National Park.
There are over 300 campsites. Campsites are open for reservations from April-October. Reserve well in advance (up to 6 months) as the sites do fill up quickly especially on the weekends.
The rates vary per night depending on if your are staying on the electric sites or the primitive sites.
Note on Purchasing Firewood: Due to park regulations, all firewood must be purchased in the state of Maryland. It’s hard to miss the people selling firewood from their homes as you get closer to the park. There is a convenience store close to the entrance of the park to stock up on any camping supplies you may have forgotten.
Why Camp on the Assateague Island?
It is totally family friendly!
Depending on which camp site you’re at, you can enjoy these amenities:
Picnic Tables
Hot Water Bath House facilities
Flushing Toilets
Electric Sites Available
Grills (at some sites)
Grilling out at the campsite on Assateague Island
Camping at Assateague State Park vs Assateague National Seashore
Assateague Island includes Assateague State Park AND Assateague National Seashore. All campsites are on the Maryland side of the Island. Camping is allowed in both Assateague State Park and Assateague National Seashore but there are differences in pricing, amenities, and rules:
Assateague State Park
Campsites are closer together and less private
Better amenities: Hot showers & Flushing Toilets
Electric campsites available
Bayside campsites only
Drinking Alcohol is Prohibited
Pets Allowed on Specific Campsites
Prices are $28 per site, $38 per electric site/per night approx.
Assateague National Seashore
Campsites are farther apart and more private
More primitive amenities (non-flushing toilets and cold water showers)
No electric campsites
Oceanside campsites available (less bugs and on the beach)
Alcohol allowed
Pets Allowed, on leash only
Prices are $30 per site/per night approx.
Before you set off on your trip, check out the NPS page and official websites for updated information including rules and regulations, health and safety updates, pricing, etc., for each park.
Wild Horses of Assateague Island grazing on the salty marshlands
The Story of the Wild Horses of Assateague Island
These wild Spanish horses are actually the highlight of Assateague Island. They are everywhere - you can see them grazing freely on the salty grasslands or just hanging on the beach.
Legend has it that these wild horses were allegedly abandoned on the island due to a shipwreck hundreds of years ago. Whatever, the story is, there are now over 300 beautiful, extraordinary wild horses everywhere wandering the island.
There are very few places in the United States where you can view wild horses in their natural habitat and see the innate connection they have with each other so keep in mind that in order to preserve their wildness and beauty, you must, at all times, abide by these rules:
Stay about 40 feet away from the horses.
The horses of Assateague are beautiful and seem friendly but don't make the mistake of thinking they are tame. They aren't!! Keep a safe space between your family and the horses.
You will be fined if you get too close or attempt to touch them.
Do not feed the horses.
These are wild extraordinary creatures and they will bite or kick you if you try to get too close to them. The horses have managed to eat and survive the wild. They can get sick from human food and those that go on the road to beg for food are quite frequently hit and killed by cars.
Do not leave food unattended or out in the open.
These beautiful creatures can get pretty aggressive around food and can easily cause havoc on your campsite. Plus they should not be eating human food so it is wise to not encourage them so close to humans.
Admire the wild horses from afar.
The wild horses roam everywhere on the island. They are on the beach walking or just hanging out. They graze freely along the marshlands or walk together as a group. Take those beautiful pictures from a distance. I took many of my pictures from my car.
Do NOT take selfies with the wild horses.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to not approach the wild horses. Adhere to the signs posted and keep your distance.
Sunset over the ocean at Assateague Island and Wild Horses on the beach
What to do on Assateague Island
Assateague Island is mainly an uncharted beach and a wildlife refuge. It's salty marshes and diverse ecosystem create a natural habitat for many endangered plant and migratory bird species.
Spend a quiet day on the beach
Enjoy the 35 miles of magical white sandy beaches and find a spot to spend a relaxing day watching the wild horses playing with each other and frolicking in the ocean.
Be sure to pack a cooler with some of your favorite beverages and food as there are no food options on the beach.
There is no shade, so take your beach umbrella and chairs, or tents and enjoy a lazy day by the ocean.
You can also:
Go fishing, crabbing, and clamming
Hike and trek several major trails by foot
Explore the island on a bicycle
Kayak or canoe down the marshes
Go bird watching
Observe the diverse wildlife and ecosystem
Go Sand driving on the beach. You must collect your permit well in advance and follow the strict guidelines. The line can get pretty long so make sure you get there early.
…And while you’re there check out the Visitors Center to learn more about the park’s educational exhibits, outreach programs and sustainable and diverse ecosystem.
Assateague Island’s rich ecosystem and salty marshes.
It is also home to migratory bird and diverse wildlife.
What to Bring to Assateague Island
Assateague is a state and national park so there are no stores to buy food or water or no system to rent beach chairs or umbrellas. Pack everything you need for the day or overnight camping trip. Here are a few ideas of what we packed for the trip:
Beach Tent
Beach Umbrellas
Water
Food
Snacks
Cooler Bag
Ice Packs
Hand Sanitizer
Paper Towels
Trash Bags
Camp Chairs
Beach Chairs
Sunscreen
Mosquito/Bug Repellent (there are mosquitos and lots of horse flies that sting)
Remember to take all of your trash with you and help keep our national and state parks clean.
Where to Stay Near Assateague Island
There are no hotels on Assateague Island.
Ocean City, Maryland is a popular beach vacation spot nearby and has plenty of hotel, restaurant and bar options as well as family friendly activities.
If camping is not your thing, then you can do a day trip to Assateague Island only about 6 miles away from Ocean City and spend the day exploring the island. You can look into buying the 7-day pass and explore the island at your leisure.
Assateague Island is one of my favorite places to visit each year. It is quite a treat to wake up to the sunrise over the ocean, watch the wild horses feed at dawn and frolic in the water at sunset. There is something to be said about cooking at the campsite and gathering around the campfire while trying to guess the constellations in that starry sky, and knowing that somewhere lurking close by are those beautiful wild horses of Assateague Island.
Respect and Protect the Wild Horses
Assateague's horses are beautiful, tough, and wild. They have learned to survive in a harsh environment. Feeding and/or petting them is detrimental to both visitors and horses. Horses can get sick from human food. Those that learn to come up to the road to beg for food are often hit and killed by cars. Visitors are kicked, bitten and knocked down every year as a direct result of getting too close to the wild horses. Treating wild horses like tame animals takes away the wildness that makes them special. Protect your family by respecting theirs.
Disclaimer: Before you plan your visit, do remember to conduct your research and follow the official safety and security guidelines. You are planning this visit at your own risk so please check the National Park Service and other sites for updated guidance.