Assateague Island National Seashore
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Assateague Island National Seashore is a protected area on a barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia.
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Summary
It is a popular destination for tourists and offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and beach-going.
One of the main reasons to visit Assateague Island is to see the wild horses that roam free on the island. These horses are descendants of domesticated horses that were released on the island several hundred years ago and have adapted to the harsh environment.
Other points of interest on the island include the Assateague Lighthouse, the Chincoteague Bay Trail, and the Tom's Cove Visitor Center. Visitors can also take a guided kayak tour or go birdwatching to see the diverse array of wildlife that inhabits the island.
Interesting facts about Assateague Island include that it is home to two distinct ecosystems: the beach and dunes on the eastern side of the island and the marshes and forests on the western side. Additionally, the island is constantly changing due to erosion and storms, with some parts of the island disappearing and others forming over time.
The best time of year to visit Assateague Island depends on the activities you plan to do. The summer months are popular for beach-going and camping, while spring and fall are ideal for hiking and birdwatching. Winter is the least crowded time of year but can be cold and windy.
Overall, Assateague Island National Seashore offers a unique outdoor experience with its wild horses, diverse wildlife, and beautiful natural scenery.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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