Facility Rules and Policies

An osprey stands on the sign post for a triangular area closed sign
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Help us protect habitat and keep both you and our wildlife safe by following all rules and policies during your visit. Keep in mind that unless explicitly posted as a nature trail, public road, parking lot, or building, all areas of the refuge are closed to public entry. If you can't find information about your desired activity, give us a call!

What's prohibited?

  • Pets, even in your vehicle.Note that service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are permitted on the refuge. Service dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times! Please pick up after them.

  • Alcohol, marijuana and illicit substance use

  • Feeding or harassing wildlife

  • Collecting or disturbing plants and animals (dead or alive), driftwood or artifacts other than those specified in your hunting or special use permit.

  • Metal detectors

  • Unmanned aircraft, such as drones

  • Fires, except the limited number of open fires authorized by special permits available from the National Park Service's Toms Cove Visitor Center (757) 336-6577

  • Fireworks

  • Camping and overnight parking

  • Skateboards/roller skates/in-line skates/scooters

  • Bicycling on the Beach

  • Mopeds and other motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails designated for bicycles and/or walking

  • Boats and Flotation Devices are prohibited within refuge water impoundments.

  • Climbing onto or digging into dunes. Dunes are considered closed areas.

What's permitted?

  • Wildlife observation and nature photography

  • Interpretation and environmental education

  • Hiking and bicycling

  • Shell collecting: limit 1 gallon of unoccupied shells per-person, per-day. Shells may not be sold or otherwise used for commercial purposes

  • Surf fishing: into the ocean and bay only following Virginia state saltwater fishing regulations

  • Crabbing & shell fishing

  • Hunting: with a valid permit

  • Boating: in Toms Cove and Assateague Channel (non-commercial)

  • Swimming and sunbathing at recreational Beach (lifeguards present seasonally)

  • Over-Sand Vehicle Use (with permit issued by Assateague Island National Seashore)

  • Horseback Riding (in South Over-Sand Vehicle Zone)