Assateague and Chincoteague exposed by Slava Olchevski Part 1. Preparations Part 2. Lodging Part 3. Items you will need Part 4. National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System. Part 5. Crabbing Part 6. Clamming Part 7. Fishing Part 8. On the beach Part 9. Wild Ponies Part 10. Other places of interest Discussion Forum

Since the Assateague island is divided between National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge System, the island is gated and guarded. The weekly entrance fee is $5.00 and you have to present the pass every time you enter the island.

One can entry the island between 5 AM and 10 PM but it is possible to stay there during the night if you are a fisherman (no proof necessary) and obtain a free permit from a NPS visitors center (a house close to the beach). There is one permit per car, but every person who is going to participate in the nightly... fishings, should sign in the book. Thus, if you enter the island before 10:00 PM, you could stay there and fish. To do anything else is prohibited ! There are some other things that you are not supposed to do on the grounds of Assateague island. Specifically, metal detecting, gold digging and other activities of that kind. You are not supposed to stray from the roads and paths. There are areas that are fenced to protect birds who nest on the ground. Though, you are permited to do clamming there if you staying in the water.