Assateague Island, Virginia and Maryland
More than 60 years have passed since writer Marguerite Henry brought fame to Assateague and Chincoteague islands with her equestrian tale "Misty of Chincoteague." Small wild horses still graze the island's low, salty grasslands, and careful government management has shielded the area from commercial exploitation, making it one of the most alluring stretches of coastline in the mid-Atlantic region
Assateague is accessible by car from the north near Ocean City, Maryland, or from the south through Chincoteague. Once there, however, much of the undeveloped Atlantic seashore can be reached only by foot or off-road vehicle (permit required).
Camping is permitted on the Maryland side of the island, while the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge lands on the Virginia side are open only to day use, with lodging available across the bridge on Chincoteague.
Information
Assateague Island National Seashore, 757-336-6577 or 410-641-1441
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, 757-336-6122
Assateague State Park, 410-641-2120
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