Assateague State Park Guide — Trails, Beach, and More 

Assateague State Park offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From scenic hiking trails and well-preserved historic homes to engaging interpretive programs, excellent fishing spots, and leisurely beachcombing, there’s something for everyone.

How To Get to Assateague State Park

Where Is Assateague State Park?

This state park is on Assateague Island in Maryland. It is a barrier island that borders the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Sinepuxent Bay on the other. It has 2 miles of ocean beaches, a bayside, and marsh areas. The entire park stretches over 855 acres.

Assateague State Park Opening Hours and Seasons

Assateague State Park is open year-round and offers daily access to the beach and day-use area. The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. The campground opens in late April and closes at the end of October. Some facilities within the park may have varying hours, so it is wise to call ahead to ensure that everything on your list is available during your visit.

Nearest Airport to Assateague State Park

The closest major airport to the park is Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY). This airport is approximately 28 miles from the park and takes a little over a half hour to drive to. The airport is exclusively serviced by American Airlines, offering 6 flights each day to major hubs in Charlotte (CLT) and Philadelphia (PHL), connecting them to countless destinations around the globe.

Driving to Assateague State Park

Take Stephen Decatur Highway (Route 611) from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge area. If you’re coming from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, head north on Route 13 to Pocomoke City, then turn right onto Route 113 and continue north to Snow Hill. From there, proceed on Route 113 to Berlin and turn right onto Assateague Road (Route 376). Follow Assateague Road until it ends, then turn right onto Stephen Decatur Highway until you reach the park’s entrance.

Taking the Train to Assateague State Park

There is no train service available to Assateague State Park.

Taking the Bus to Assateague State Park

Taking the bus is a great and affordable way to let someone else handle the stress of navigating an unfamiliar city. There is no bus service directly to the park, but Amtrak has a bus stop in Berlin. From the bus stop, it is just 10 miles to the park. You can arrange a ride-share service to get you to the park from there.

Getting Around Assateague State Park

The best way to explore the park is on foot. You can leave your vehicle at the main parking area. The rest of the park can be toured on foot. Campers can park their vehicles at their campsites.

What To See and Do in Assateague State Park

There are endless opportunities to see and do things at Assateague State Park. From hiking to exploring historic landmarks and from fishing to participating in interpretive programming, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.

Beach

The beach at Assateague State Park is a wonderful place to spend the day. It is accessible from 7 a.m. to sunset throughout the year. During the peak season, visitors can access a bathhouse equipped with sinks, showers, baby changing stations, and toilets. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty. It’s the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day or simply relax while basking in the sun and watching the waves crash onto the shore.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is allowed from the beach or at the marina. Commonly caught fish here include black drum, red drum, striped bass, bluefish, northern puffer, summer flounder, and sharks. Visitors who intend to fish must possess a valid fishing license.

The marina and boat launch area are open year-round daily. Visitors who will be boat launching are required to pay a daily service charge of $10. Spending the day reeling in a catch or boating off the shore is a fantastic way to enjoy a day in the park.

Historic Rackliffe House

Rackliffe House overlooks Sinepuxent Bay and is open to visitors touring the park. This restored 18th-century coastal plantation home is said to be the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region. From May to October, visitors can enter the home for a docent-led tour. Additionally, a fully restored milkhouse and working kitchen garden on the grounds can be toured.

Bottom Line:

Touring this historic home is an excellent way to glimpse the early times before this area became a park.

Interpretive and Education Programs

Various interpretive and educational programs are offered at the park, primarily during the peak season from mid-June to Labor Day. Some popular programs include Bayside Canoe and Kayak Tours, Beginner Yoga, Assateague Stampede, Sand Castle Building, Tie-Dye Tuesday, and Bayside Clamming. These programs provide great opportunities to learn about and engage with the park simultaneously.

Nature Center

The Nature Center at Assateague is a fascinating destination to immerse yourself in the area’s diverse ecosystem. It’s the perfect place to explore the region’s rich flora, fauna, history, culture, and arts. Inside, you’ll find captivating aquariums and terrariums that offer up-close encounters with the park’s wildlife, including fish, crabs, whelks, snakes, and turtles.

The Nature Center is open 7 days a week from mid-June to Labor Day and serves as the hub for interpretive programs that provide deeper insights into the natural wonders of Assateague.

Rackliffe Trail

The Rackliffe Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that takes visitors from the visitor center to the historic Rackliffe house. However, there is much more to experience than just the home visit. This hike leads through the mainland forest, bayberry and wax myrtle groves, and around freshwater ponds. It is one of the best ways to view the diverse animals and plants that call this park home.

There is a natural tunnel you can venture through while taking in the sounds of the wildlife, like the frogs and toads, as they sing their melodies. The views of Sinepuxent Bay along this hike will take your breath away.

Wild Horses

One of the main attractions at Assateague State Park is the wild horses. Observing these animals can be a truly captivating experience. Since these horses are wild, it’s crucial to maintain a distance of at least 40 feet and avoid feeding them.

These horses have inhabited the island for their entire lives, spending their days wandering through the Maryland region of the island. You can frequently spot them in marsh areas and on the beach. The island is home to 2 complete herds, with one on the Virginia side and the other on the Maryland side.

Hot Tip:

The Maryland side is home to 70 to 80 horses, while the Virginia part of the park has about 150 wild horses.

Best Times To Visit Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. Certain times of the year are better for planning a visit, especially if you want to participate in specific events or activities.

Best Time To Visit Assateague State Park for Ideal Weather

Weather can majorly impact a vacation, for better or worse. The best time to visit this park is in September because the weather is ideal. This is one of the driest months throughout the year, with an average of 6 days of rain. The temperatures range from the low 60s to the upper 70s, perfect for all the outdoor adventures available at Assateague State Park.

Best Time To Visit Assateague State Park To Avoid the Crowds

Consider planning your trip for December for a peaceful visit when there are fewer crowds. Be prepared for cold weather with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 40s. Visiting in December will allow you to explore the park at your leisure without having to contend with long lines, crowded areas, and heavy traffic.

Best Time To Visit Assateague State Park for Wildlife

The wildlife at Assateague State Park is diverse and abundant. April is the best time to visit this park to glimpse the spectacular animals that call it home. At this time of year, the park begins to bustle with new life. One especially remarkable sight is the new foals.

Cheapest Time To Visit Assateague State Park

It is possible to plan a budget-friendly trip to Assateague State Park. The cheapest time to visit this park is in mid-January. This is the time of year when flights and accommodations in the nearby town are at their lowest throughout the year. A January trip to this park has the potential to save you hundreds in traveling expenses.

Annual Events in Assateague State Park

Assateague State Park hosts a variety of interpretive programming events on a regular schedule throughout the year. Some of these events include kayaking tours, sandcastle building, and wildlife talks. Additionally, there is an annual event that both locals and tourists eagerly anticipate.

Spring Pollinator Festival

The Spring Pollinator Festival occurs each year in April at Assateague State Park. This event is for friends and family to welcome the spring season at the park. Local vendors are set up to showcase their arts and crafts, and volunteers and visitors work together to plant native wildflower seeds. This free event offers exciting opportunities to make crafts, play games, enter raffles, and learn about this beautiful park.

Where To Stay in Assateague State Park

Various accommodations are available within and near Assateague State Park, ranging from campgrounds and hotels to resorts and charming bed and breakfasts, catering to every visitor’s lodging needs.

Inside the Park

The only lodging within this state park is to set up camp. The park offers 345 campsites just a few steps from the beach. These sites can accommodate tents or RVs, and there is a mix of electric and non-electric sites. Most sites can be reserved from the end of April through the end of October.

Amenities at these sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. Camping at Assateague State Park is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.

Towns Near Assateague State Park

Several towns and cities near the park offer excellent accommodations, dining, and fun. Whether you are looking for a lively city or a small, quiet town, you have plenty to choose from.

Berlin, Maryland

The park is in Berlin, the closest place to set up a home base near the park. This beautiful, historic town has a lot of charm and offers many lodging, dining, and recreation options. Most of the accommodations in this town are locally owned, including bed and breakfasts and inns, which really adds to the experience.

The restaurants here range from fine dining to brick-oven pizzas to mom-and-pop diners and everything in between. The town boasts plenty of live music venues, art galleries, historic landmarks, and walking tours.

Bottom Line:

Visitors looking for a quaint, quiet retreat should look no further than Berlin.

Ocean City, Maryland

Ocean City is just 8 miles from Assateague State Park, making it an ideal base camp for visitors who prefer to stay outside the park boundaries. As the name suggests, this town is filled with ocean views and beach fun. With beaches all around, Ocean City offers a cheerful, family-friendly atmosphere loved by all. The town boasts luxury hotels, seaside motels, and plenty of vacation rentals.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of choice, including award-winning pizza parlors, gourmet delis, and fresh seafood restaurants throughout the town. The boardwalk is a major attraction in Ocean City and has been named one of the most exciting boardwalks in America. It offers abundant family-friendly activities, restaurants, and shops.

Where To Eat in Assateague State Park

When hunger strikes, you won’t have to look far for a great place to grab a bite. With options both in and near the park’s property, hunger won’t keep you from exploring the park to the fullest.

5 Tides

5 Tides is the only dining option within the park boundaries. This restaurant is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends only during the spring and fall. The restaurant is open for dining from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5 Tides serves made-to-order meals for breakfast and lunch, premium coffee, smoothies, snacks, and hand-dipped ice cream. With indoor and outdoor dining, you can either enjoy the air-conditioned dining room or take in the views of the Assateague dunes from the deck.

Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain and Grill

Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain and Grill is in Ocean City, about a 10-minute drive from the park. This restaurant has been serving Ocean City for over 100 years and is loved by tourists and locals. Dining here is like stepping back in time, as this restaurant serves homemade meals with a retro-inspired atmosphere. The menu features all the classic diner specialties like burgers, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes.

Sunset Grille Restaurant and Teasers Bar

Sunset Grille Restaurant and Teasers Bar is conveniently situated about 7 miles from the park, offering picturesque views of the bay. This waterfront establishment boasts a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, steaks, burgers, sushi, and delectable salads. With 6 dining areas and 4 bars, live music, and excellent customer service, Sunset Grille promises an unforgettable dining experience, whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner.

Assateague State Park Facts

1. A New State Park Established

Assateague State Park was established in 1956.

2. The Only

This state park is the only oceanfront park in the state of Maryland.

3. What’s In a Name?

The word “Assateague” is an Algonquian term meaning “swiftly moving water.” This people group was prominent along the Atlantic Coast and was the area’s original inhabitants.

4. Famous Horses

The wild horses of Assateague State Park have inhabited the island for approximately 350 years. Marguerite Henry, a renowned author of children’s books, wrote the popular book “Misty of Chincoteague” based on these wild horses.

5. 2 Parks Sharing an Island

Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore are 2 separate parks that share the same island. Assateague Island National Seashore offers many similar activities and experiences, but these are separate entities.

Final Thoughts

Assateague State Park offers remarkable opportunities to view spectacular wildlife, camp, tour the nature center, watch wild horses frolic, enjoy the warm beach, and hike trails to historic landmarks. You won’t want to miss the chance to explore this magnificent park.