Ranger-guided programs

Join a ranger program to learn how dunes, marsh, forest, and surf connect, and how to watch horses and wildlife responsibly.

Assateague guide Official NPS

Summary for Ocean City visitors based on National Park Service Assateague guidance. Fees, hours, closures, and permit prices change—confirm on nps.gov/asis before you go.

Overview

Ranger-guided programs help visitors of all ages learn more about the barrier-island environment—marine life, dunes, marsh, horses, and stewardship.

Maryland programs often stage from the Assateague Island Visitor Center (11800 Marsh View Lane, Berlin, MD). Virginia programs stage from the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center on Beach Road in Chincoteague.

Schedules change with staffing and season. Use the Maryland and Virginia program schedule pages and the park calendar rather than assuming a printed brochure is current.

Highlights

Arrive early; popular programs fill or meet at specific trailheads.
Bring water, sun protection, and insect repellent for outdoor walks.
Ask rangers about current wildlife hotspots, nesting closures, and the best short trails for your group.
First-time Assateague visitors from Ocean City get the most from a morning program plus an afternoon beach block.

Official National Park Service links

More Assateague topics

Plan your visit

Directions, fees, hours, weather, visitor centers, and what to pack from Ocean City.

Camping

Oceanside and bayside campsites, reservations, and backcountry options on Assateague.

Wildlife & wild horses

Feral horses, birds, and viewing tips—keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Hiking

Short paved and unpaved loops plus 37 miles of beach—heat, insects, and tides matter.

Biking

Several miles of bike trails wind through Maryland and Virginia districts of the island.

Swimming & surfing

Swim at your own risk—strong surf and currents. Read beach and surf safety first.

Canoeing & kayaking

Launch from designated areas; respect weather, tides, and currents. Seasonal rentals in Maryland.

Surf fishing

Surf cast for flounder, drum, blues, and more—Maryland license required; no fishing in lifeguard beaches.

Crabbing & clamming

Blue crabs and bay shellfish—check size limits and seasons at the visitor center.

Horseback riding

Seasonal riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV)

Beach-driving permits via recreation.gov—equipment rules, density limits, and nesting closures.

Safety

Surf, sun, insects, ticks, lightning, wildlife distance, and emergency basics.

Shell collecting

Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells so beach life keeps its habitat.

Hunting

Regulated hunting opportunities exist—confirm seasons, permits, and safety zones with NPS.