Assateague Island National Seashore (Maryland district)
Leashed dogs are allowed on the Maryland district's ocean beaches — but banned from the lifeguarded beach, the state park section, all trails, and the entire Virginia side (Chincoteague NWR).
The rules, verified
- Maryland district only: leash no longer than 6 feet at all times
- Prohibited on the lifeguard-protected beach and nature trails
- Prohibited in Assateague State Park sections and north to the Ocean City inlet
- Entire Virginia district (Chincoteague NWR) closed to pets — even inside vehicles
- Hot sand warning: harder on paws than on you
Set by National Park Service. Rules change — posted signage and the current ordinance always take precedence over this page.
More like this: dog beaches without a summer ban
Map & directions
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors — loads on demand.
Nearby & related beaches
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Ocean City beach & boardwalk
Seasonal access Seasonal — check dates✓ Town of Ocean City · verified 2026-08
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Delaware Seashore State Park
Seasonal access Seasonal — check dates✓ Delaware State Parks · verified 2026-08
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Dewey Beach
Timed off-leash Seasonal — check dates✓ Town of Dewey Beach · verified 2026-08
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Corson's Inlet State Park
Seasonal access Seasonal — check dates✓ NJ Division of Parks & Forestry · verified 2026-06
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Verified against: National Park Service — official source (checked 2026-08-30).
Rules change between checks. Spotted an update, or want this listing corrected or removed? Tell us — actioned within 7 days.