In short
- Maryland offers extensive beach camping and free-roaming horses.
- Virginia features the historic lighthouse and easy access to Chincoteague town.
- Dogs are allowed in Maryland but strictly prohibited in Virginia.
In this article
Choosing between the Maryland or Virginia side depends on how you want to spend your day. Maryland caters to campers and beach drivers. Virginia offers a wildlife refuge, a historic lighthouse, and nearby town amenities. You cannot drive directly between the two sections on the island.
What is the difference between the Maryland and Virginia side of Assateague?
The Maryland side focuses on beach camping, while the Virginia side centers around a protected wildlife refuge.
The Maryland district covers the northern two-thirds of the island. It operates as the Assateague Island National Seashore. The Virginia district covers the southern portion. It functions as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. You must drive back to the mainland highways to travel between the two entrances.
Which side is better for seeing the wild horses?
Both sides have wild horses, but they are managed differently.
In Maryland, the horses roam freely. They frequently wander right through the Oceanside and Bayside campgrounds. You must keep all food in locked vehicles or secured zippered coolers. In Virginia, the herd is restricted to about 150 adults to protect the refuge. You can often see them from the Woodland Trail or during a guided boat tour. Remember to stay at least 40 feet away from the horses in both states.
Can you camp on Assateague Island?
Yes, but you can only camp on the Maryland side.
The Maryland district offers extensive beach camping. You can sleep behind the dunes or along the bay at the Oceanside and Bayside Campgrounds. The Virginia side does not permit camping on the island itself. Visitors to the Virginia side typically stay in hotels or private campgrounds in the nearby town of Chincoteague.
What is there to do on the Virginia side?
The Virginia side features the 1867 Assateague Lighthouse, walking trails, and quick access to Chincoteague.
You can walk or cycle the 3.2-mile paved Wildlife Loop. Vehicles can only enter this loop after 3:00 PM. Stop at the Toms Cove Visitor Center for maps and beach access. Chincoteague Island sits just across the bridge, offering docks for kayak eco-tours. Island Differences explains the town layout.
Are dogs allowed on Assateague Island?
Dogs are permitted in Maryland but banned in Virginia.
The Maryland National Seashore allows dogs if they stay on a 6-foot leash. The Virginia Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge strictly prohibits dogs entirely. Maryland State Park also bans dogs, so pay attention to local signage if you cross boundaries.
How much does it cost to enter Assateague Island?
Maryland charges $25 for a 7-day vehicle pass, while Virginia charges $10 for a daily vehicle pass.
Both entrances accept the $25 Federal Duck Stamp and standard Interagency Passes. If you want to drive on the beach, you need an Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit. The OSV permit costs between $110 and $200 annually.
Questions travellers ask
Can you drive from the Maryland side to the Virginia side on the beach?
No. You cannot drive directly between the two sections on the island. You must return to the mainland highways. The drive takes roughly 1 hour from Ocean City, MD.
Which side holds the annual Pony Swim?
The Virginia side hosts the famous Chincoteague Pony Swim. The event takes place annually on the last Wednesday of July.
Do kayak tours leave from Maryland or Virginia?
Most guided eco-tours depart from docks in Chincoteague on the Virginia side. The Maryland side has a soft launch area near the bayside for basic rentals.
