State Parks and National Parks

Assateague Island National Seashore

This national seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge are on the windswept barrier island of Assateague, straddling the Virginia-Maryland border.

At the 39,733-acre national seashore, visitors bike or hike on numerous trails, fish, swim or soak up summer sun. The famous Chincoteague Wild Pony Roundup occurs each July.

These ponies are the descendents of horses that were originally grazed by settlers to avoid taxes and the expense of fences.

Other wildlife includes herons, egrets and sandpipers. The area is a winter home for many migratory waterfowl.

On the Maryland side, there are several year-round primitive campgrounds along the shore.

Two seashore campsites are wheelchair-accessible.

There are two kayak and canoe launch ramps.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Richard Frear, courtesy of the National Park Service. Photo by Jonathan Scott Arms, courtesy of National Park Service.