Berlin, MD – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Assateague Island National Seashore is increasing recreational access to beaches and nature trails. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to gradually increase access on a park-by-park basis.
Beginning May 17, 2020 at 9:30 AM, Assateague Island National Seashore will restore access to:
• Recreational beaches, parking areas and restrooms at North Beach, South Beach, Ferry Landing and Bayside Peninsula
• The Maryland District Over Sand Vehicle Zone (OSV)
Valid OSV permits are required. OSV permit sales will be available at the Maryland District visitor contact/ranger station.
For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/osv.htm
• Nature trails in the Maryland District
With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
• Assateague Island National Seashore Visitor Center in the Maryland District and the Toms Cove Visitor Center in the Virginia District
• All front country and backcountry campgrounds
While most outdoor areas will be accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased in and visitor services will be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, maximize physical distance from each other, avoid crowding in all areas, limit gatherings to less than 10 individuals and practice Leave No Trace principles.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Sick or vulnerable individuals should stay home. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. For Immediate Release: November 7, 2019 Contact: 410-629-6087, liz_davis@nps.gov Assateague Island National Seashore News Release Assateague Island National Seashore 7206 National Seashore Lane Berlin, MD 21811 410-641-1441 phone www.nps.gov/asis National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA ™ The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
For people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time check out the amazing virtual tours at Find Your “Virtual” Park! Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
