Overview
You must bring your own horse—Assateague does not offer rentals or riding tours. Riding is allowed on the beach in Maryland and Virginia OSV zones, east (ocean side) of the black-and-white posts. Dunes, dune crossings (except designated access), trails, boardwalks, and paved roads are off-limits for riding.
Maryland day-use riding is seasonal (typically mid-October through mid-May—confirm current dates). All MD day-use riders check in at the ranger station, park at the south end of North Beach Parking Lot, and use the marked dune crossing to reach the beach, then ride south into the OSV zone. There is a cumulative daily horse limit; large groups need a special use permit.
Virginia riding is permitted year-round in the South OSV zone and limited sections of Toms Cove Hook when open—summer nesting closures are common. Proof of a current negative Coggins test is required for each horse.
