Assateague Island Entrance Will Cost More in 2020

Visiting Assateague Island National Seashore is going to cost most in 2020, as the National Park Service (NPS) increases park entrance fees.

Beginning January 1, it will be $25 per car instead of $20 per car for a seven-day pass, or $15 per person when entering in a commercial vehicle. An annual pass will go from $40 to $45.

NPS says the $5 increase is happening “to align with standardized rates being implemented nationwide for similar national park areas,” and the additional funds will go towards infrastructure and maintenance to “enhance the visitor experience.” It’s the second rate increase since 2015.

Feee increases will take effect at all of the national parks that currently charge entrance fees. (112 national parks charge a fee; the other 307 will remain free to enter.)

Assateague Island National Seashore breaks down the fee change in the table below:
 

An entrance pass provides seven consecutive days of access to the National Seashore and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The park annual pass provides twelve months of access from the month of purchase.  There will be no increase to camping fees or Oversand Vehicle Permit fees.

NPS notes that active-duty uniformed military can get free annual passes, and so can fourth-grade students under the “Every Kid Outdoors” program, and individuals with a permanent disablity. The annual senior pass will stay at $20. And the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass and Lifetime Senior Pass remain at $80. 

Assateague Island National Seashore is known for its beaches, trails, picturesque camping spots, and its world-famous wild ponies.

–Meg Walburn Viviano