Trail Overview

This is the full Assateague Island OSV route. This is a relaxing drive where you will get to see a beautiful beach, wild horses, and many other types of wildlife. Two offshoots provide a fun drive with some decent-sized puddles, a view of the bayside, and more wildlife. As you travel further down the beach, the sand will get softer and the ruts will get deeper; it may become less boring than you think. At the end of the trail, there is a burned-down building that used to be a ranger station and a fence that blocks you from entering the Chincoteague side of the island. You can only get across this fence by hiking a nearby trail. Please note that the full length is seasonal and for much of the summer, you won't be able to go far enough to access the offshoots due to nesting birds. These dates can be somewhat variable. There are air pumps when you leave, so don't worry about not being able to air back up. Please air down your tires--20 psi is a good number for most vehicles. The majority of beach driving problems are due to tires not aired down.

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Difficulty

Beaches are always easy, however, not airing down or driving in the water can really ruin your day.

Technical Rating

Katie and Jeff Donoway

May 17, 2026

Open

Waited in line about an hour. Please please air down regardless of size or type of tires. It’s not just about getting stuck, it helps to preserve the beach.

Kevin Clasing

Sep 06, 2025

Open

Deep sand. Must drive on ocean side and keep off the dunes. Would not recommend 2wd. Lots of fun with a ton of people surf fishing.

Brendon Mellinger

Aug 25, 2025

Open

Closed due to overwash.

Jeff Beach

Aug 03, 2025

Open

The OSV is limited to only 145 vehicles on the beach at a time. There is a counter at the gate. When the counter hits 145, it then becomes one vehicle off, on vehicle on. There is an OSV app you can download. It will show the current count, temperature, tide, and even a report on how bad the flies are. Just thought you could add this to the information or description section for Assateague island OSV.

ed torralba

Aug 03, 2024

Open

usual traffic. you need an OSV ( over sand vehicle ) permit before you can use/ enter trail. these can be purchased at the park office. $110 good for a year. camping permits are another fee

Gabriel Green

Jul 13, 2024

Open

Lots of ruts to drive in, soft deep sand towards end of the beach.