Assateague Island ORV Driving and Camping

Summer’s comin!  Time to get out on the beach for some “over sand driving” and beach-side camping.  While we didn’t actually drive the beach or camp, we did have a chance recently to check out Assateague Island National Seashore and have the scoop for you on beach driving and oceanside camping.

The primary residents of Assateague Island National Seashore!

Assateague Island is about 3 hours from the DC Metro area on the eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia (we were on the Maryland side) — the coastal island’s claim to fame is the wild ponies that roam the island, which you’ll no doubt see if you make the trip.  Assateague is also unique in that it is arguably the closest beach to DC that allows 4×4 beach driving access.

4×4 Driving Surf Fishermen on the beach at Assateague

Unfortunately that driving access isn’t just wide open; there are pretty specific requirements and costs involved, which, unfortunately is becoming the norm (The Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina has similar costs these days…sigh).  We did not actually drive the beach on the day of our visit because of the requirements, but likely will take the plunge on a future trip.  The driveable section of the island beach is 12 miles long, so plenty of space.

Here’s how the costs break down to drive on the beach on the Maryland Side of the Assateague Island National Seashore:

• Admission to the National Seashore: $15 weekly for the Seashore or $80 for a National Parks Annual Pass (we’d recommend the pass)
• Assateague Island Overnight Annual ORV Pass: $110
• VA Salt Water Fishing License: $17.50 (VA has reciprocity with MD)

Here are the key rules and regulations you need to know:

• Required Equipment: low pressure tire gauge, shovel, jack, board to support the jack (min 12”x12” and 3/4” plywood), and a tow rope or chain (seriously, please don’t use a chain…)
• Max Vehicle Limit: up to 145 trucks are allowed on the beach at any given time; if the beach is at capacity, you have to wait in line.
• Fishing:  To stay on the beach into the evening or overnight, at least one person per vehicle needs to be actively surf fishing (read: baited line in the water)

Depending on how much you trust us, you might want to check out the Park’s website as well just to double check!)

In addition to the beach ORV driving, the island has some great walk-in camp sites right behind the dunes.  These sites are approximately 100 yards or so from parking and certainly worth checking out.  You can read more about it on the Park Service Site – the Oceanside walk-in sites were the most secluded and the ones we would probably go for.

One of the Oceanside walk-in sites on Assateague

In addition to sand driving and camping, you can have a great time just tooling around the island, taking in the views, finding the roaming ponies, and trying your hand at crabbing if that’s your thing!  We are planning to get back out to the beach later this summer for some sand driving, fishing, and camping — we hope you’ll do the same!