Location
United States
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
About Assateague Island
Assateague Island National Seashore spans Maryland and Virginia on the Atlantic coast. The historic unofficial nude beach was on the Virginia side, at the northern end of the Virginia district. Accomack County passed a no-nudity ordinance in 1984, the summer before that year's National Nude Weekend, and more than 50 naturists were arrested that year, according to a 1985 Virginia Living article. Naturists challenged the ordinance on the ground that the beach is federal property, but the challenge was dropped. A 1991 National Park Service policy memo says the Park Service will neither encourage clothing-optional use nor designate areas for it. A 2005 report describes a nudist lobbying effort for a Maryland-side beach, which a local delegate opposed. The coordinates stored for this place point to the Maryland side. The sources we read do not describe a tolerated nude area on the seashore today, and the NPS page we opened does not mention nudity.
Getting there
The sources we read do not describe current access to the former nude area on the Virginia side. They give no parking, transport or walking distances for it. The stored coordinates for this record point to the Maryland side, which the sources we read do not link to nude use. Visitors should check with the National Park Service before planning a trip to any part of the seashore for clothing-optional use.
Legal context
Accomack County, Virginia, passed a no-nudity ordinance in 1984. A 1985 article reports fines of up to $1,000, or up to a year in jail, and more than 50 arrests that year. We did not confirm whether the ordinance is still in force. NPS policy says it does not designate clothing-optional areas, and the 1991 memo says there is no federal regulation prohibiting nudity.
Naturism at Assateague Island sits under United States's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 38.0870, -75.2102
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is there a current nude beach at Assateague?
We found no current source describing a designated or tolerated nude area. The National Park Service says it does not designate such areas.
Where was the nude beach?
On the Virginia side, at the northern end of the Virginia district of the seashore.
Why did it stop?
An Accomack County ordinance banned nudity in 1984. Arrests followed that year, and the reason it was not renewed or revoked is not documented.
Is nudity illegal there now?
We could not confirm whether the 1984 county ordinance is still in force.
Is the Maryland side nude?
The sources we read do not link the Maryland side to nude use.
Sources
- Assateague Island National Seashore - NPS planning page Official
- NPS policy memo SD 91-3 on clothing-optional use (seen in search results) Official
- Flop Goes a Nude Fest (Virginia Living, 1985 article, seen in search results)
- Nudists lobby for a return to Maryland shores (CNS Maryland, 2005, seen in search results)
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…