The following regulations apply to Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use. Upon signing the application for the ORV permit, operators accept responsibility for knowing and following all ORV regulations. Failure to comply with these terms may result in revocation of ORV permit and/or Federal prosecution. Motor vehicles are permitted only on established roads, parking areas, and designated off-road vehicle (ORV) areas. They are prohibited elsewhere on Assateague Island. These regulations and conditions are established to provide enjoyment of the park while protecting the fragile resources of this barrier island.
ORV Zone: . All sand dunes and vegetated areas are considered closed even though they may occur within a designated ORV zone. All vehicles must stay to the east of the black and white posts. In Maryland, designated bay access points are marked with orange and white striped numbered posts.
ORV Permits: Permits cost $70 and are valid for a twelve-month period, beginning with the month of purchase and continuing through the end of the same month in the following year. All vehicles using the ORV zone must display a valid permit that is permanently affixed on the driver's side of the front bumper. Any previous permit must be removed or covered by the new permit. The permit is issued to a specific vehicle in the name of the registered owner. Sale or transfer of the vehicle voids the permit. A replacement permit will be issued only if enough of the original permit including any serial numbers and month sticker is produced. It is not sufficient to only produce a receipt. Lost permits are nonrefundable.
In Virginia, permits may be obtained at the Toms Cove Visitor Center, the ORV Closure Booth (summer only), or the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center or Fee Booth. In Maryland, permits may be purchased at the Ranger Station. Permits may also be acquired by mail. Call (410) 641-3030 for an application and send it to the appropriate address with a check made payable to: Department of the Interior-NPS. Please allow up to three weeks for receipt of the permit.
Vehicle Specifications:
Maximum number of
wheels per axle 2
Maximum number of axles 2
Maximum vehicle length 26
feet
Maximum vehicle width 8 feet
Minimum vehicle ground clearance 7
inches
Gross vehicle weight rating may not exceed 10,000 pounds
In addition, all two-wheel-drive ORV's must have a minimum of 8" of tread width in contact with the ground. Tires are not acceptable unless they meet the width requirement.
Equipment Checklist : ORV operators in designated zone must carry and be able to display upon request:
- A shovel with a blade at least 6" square and a handle at least 18" long.
- A vehicle jack sufficient to lift one wheel clear of the sand.
- A jack support at least 12" x 12" of non-bending steel, 5/8" plywood, or 1 ½" hardwood.
- A tire gauge with a minimum reading of 15 pounds or less.
- A tow rope or tow strap, chain, or cable with a minimum pulling strength of
6,000 pounds and at least 10 feet long.
· ¾" minimum diameter for ropes (except nylon or dacron)
· ½" minimum diameter for nylon or dacron ropes
· ¼" minimum diameter for carbon steel cable
· 5/16" minimum diameter for chain links
ORV Use Limits: Purchase of the permit does not guarantee access to ORV zones. Access may be reduced or curtailed due to vehicle density limits (especially in the summer season), emergency conditions, or management constraints. ORV use limits: Maryland - 145; Virginia - 48 (18 when hook area is closed due to nesting). When these limits are reached, a closure is in effect and vehicle access is managed on a one-off-one-on basis.
Vehicle Operation : Vehicle speed in ORV zones may not exceed 25 miles per hour, which must be reduced to 15 miles per hour when within 100 feet of vehicles, wildlife, pedestrians, or people on horseback. Driving on sand dunes or vegetated areas is prohibited. Cutting circles or needlessly defacing the beach is also prohibited.
Right of Way: When two vehicles approach in the same track, both operators must slow and the operator with the ocean on his right shall yield the right-of-way.
Passenger Safety: Passengers shall not ride on the fenders, hood, roof, sides, tailgate, or in any other position outside of a moving vehicle. No vehicle shall be used to tow a person or any recreational device over land, over water, or in the air. Use of safety belts is required by law.
Licenses: All ORV's must bear valid state license plates and must be properly insured and registered to operate over public highways. ORV operators must possess a valid state driver's license.
Inspection of Vehicles: Authorized personnel may inspect ORV's at any time to insure compliance with licensing, registration, permits, vehicle specifications, and equipment requirements.
Fires on the Beach: Campfires are allowed on the beach below the high-tide mark. Fires may not be left unattended and must be extinguished with water, not sand.
Other
Regulations: All other applicable State and Federal laws are
enforced.
You are responsible for knowing the regulations. When in doubt,
check with uniformed Seashore or Refuge personnel.
Refuge
Hours in Virginia: Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is open
during the following hours: May 1 to September 30, 5 a.m. - 10 p.m.; October 1
to October 31, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.; November 1 to March 31, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.; April 1
to April 30, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Only those with a valid overnight fishing
permit may remain in the area after hours.
Park Hours In Maryland: Assateague Island National Seashore does not close, although parking on the beach at night is permitted only for those who are actively engaged in recreation. Sleeping is strictly prohibited. Self-contained vehicles (except travel trailers) are allowed to park overnight in the "Bull Pen" area if they are equipped with a toilet and permanently installed waste storage tank capable of holding 2 days volume of waste for all occupants.
Sanitation: Litter or waste may not be buried or discarded. It must be disposed of at an established collection station or removed from the area. Wastewater (including graywater) from self-contained vehicles must be kept in a holding tank while in the ORV zone and may only be emptied at dump stations in the developed area.
ORV Update: At Assateague Island National Seashore we strive to provide you with a safe and enjoyable off-road vehicle (ORV) experience. Regulations and equipment requirements are necessary for your safety and the safety of National Park Service staff.
Changing beach conditions, vehicle breakdowns, and human judgement errors may occasionally result in off-road vehicles becoming stuck and needing assistance. In these instances,
National Park Service staff can:
•Assist with removing
sand from around the tires
•Deflate tires
•Use traction devices such as
boards
•Make a phone call on your behalf to friends/family
•Provide
information regarding local towing services
National Park Service staff cannot:
•Winch or pull the
vehicles out
•Recommend a towing company
Please be prepared when using the ORV zones on Assateague Island. Carry the required safety equipment; adequate food, water and clothing; and know the park rules and regulations.
 Tracks in the sand... 13 miles of open beach. |
 Famous pirates like Black Beard sailed the Eastern Atlantic Coast, using Assateague and Chincoteague for refuge. A large piece of a sunken vessel, whose fate could have been from a nor'easter, hurricane, pirates plunder, or dangerous shoals. |
 Moon scapes! |
 More wreckage visible on very low tides. |
 Solitude! |
 Fin |
Ocean
City Maryland