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Introduction
        The Assateague Island National Seashore is located on a barrier island off the states of Virginia and Maryland. The island has miles of beaches, with the northern beach popular among nudists (naturists) who enjoy being part of nature as we were intended to be.

Nude Beach Status
        Assateague clothing optional beach is not an officially recognized nude beach. At one time, Assateague used to have a popular nude beach in the Virginia section of Assateague near Chincoteague. A forceful local religious group effectively ended all nudist activity in the Virginia section with Accomack county passing an anti-nudity ordinance in June of 1984.

Conduct
       Several nudist organizations have agreed upon a code of conduct. Please see the beach etiquette guide before making a trip to Assateague MD. Please note, the regulars at Assateague are very protective of the de facto clothing optional status of the beach. Many of them were regulars at the Virginia beach and have no wish for history to repeat itself. Improper behavior will not be tolerated, and you will find yourself being warned, cited or arrested if your actions call for it. Cellular phones provide an effective tool to cooperate with the local NPS rangers.

Law Enforcement
        NPS has the legal authority to enforce Maryland State laws. The Maryland Indecent Exposure law is a very simple document. After numerous meetings with the Assateague National Seashore Management, we have decided that we can neither encourage nor discourage use of the north end of Assateague Island as a clothing optional beach..

        An important fact has been pointed out by the Assateague National Seashore (ANS) Management, namely that ANS federal law enforcement has been operating under Concurrent Jurisdiction in Maryland since May of 1996. As we understand it, this means that on the federal portion of the Maryland section of Assateague Island, Maryland laws will now be enforced by National Park Service Rangers. We also know that the ANS federal management operates under the assumption that Maryland law makes simple nudity on the beach illegal under Maryland law. We also understand that tickets for nudity are invariably given out every year. Users of the beach there should be aware that not all NPS rangers are involved in law enforcement. The fact that NPS uniformed maintenance personnel might ignore you does not mean that an NPS enforcement ranger might not come by 5 minutes later and issue a $250 ticket..

Practical Tips
        When a textile individual, a family group or an NPS ranger comes into the north beach area, please show them courtesy and provide a positive example of nudist behavior and cover up.

General Comments
        The NPS rangers do get very alarmed when they find someone in the restricted Piping Plovers areas. The Piping Plover is local bird that is an endangered species, so pets are restricted from the north beach. Please keep off the small dunes that are in the big open area, just for Nature's sake. Bring plenty of fluids, it is a good walk back to the concession stand at the bath house.

Directions
        Take RT. 50 east, as if you are going to Ocean City. As you get near the bridge going into Ocean City, Maryland route 611 will be on your right. Turn right onto 611 and follow the signs to Assateague State Park. After going over the bridge, go straight to the state toll booth. An alternate way is to take Rt. 50E to 113S, then Rt. 376E, then Rt. 611S. The turn off of Rt.113 is marked with an Assateague Park sign. The alternate way is quicker and bypasses much of Rt. 50 traffic, especially if the Rt. 50 draw bridge is up.

Park Fees and Directions within the park
        The state park charges $2.00 per person, or a yearly vehicle pass is available for $25.00. The bath house alone is worth the money. You should bring your supplies with you and use the restrooms prior hitting the sand. It is a long way back for a drink or to use the bathroom. The concession stand is well stocked and all you need. From the bathhouse, go the beach, turn left and walk north for about 40 minutes. How long it takes you to get to the nudist section depends on your walking style. Keep going till you are well passed the end of the fenced dune and until you see other nude people. The boundary line between the CO area and the textile area is fuzzy. The ascii map provides a pretty good indication of what to expect. Obey the Park Rangers! Use good judgment!

The People
        You will not find large groups of people like at Sandy Hook. People usually just scatter all up and down the beach. Stop by say hello, and ask for the quicker way back to the parking lot. As you go farther north you will see fewer and fewer people. You can go so far that you will not see a soul, it seems like the beach goes on forever.

The Local Sites of Interest
        Assateague is home to a nice assortment of wildlife. The wild ponies are the most well known, they make for a unusual and pleasant sight along the beach. Do not feed or pet them, they are wild animals and are unpredictable. In addition to the nude beach, Assateague is ideal for other activities such as camping, hiking, rollerblading and bicycling. Just recently a bike bridge was built that parallels the main bridge onto the island. At the top of the bridge is a observation post to see the island from an elevated view. Nearby Ocean City and other communities compliment the national seashore with recreational activities, modern lodging and plenty of restaurants and night clubs. The Assateague's National Park visitor center is a good place to get maps and information about the wildlife and recreational opportunities.

Enjoy yourself and act responsibly to
preserve this naturist and natural treasure.