The state park is bordered on both its north and south sides by Assateague Island National Seashore and is reached via the Verrazano Bridge which carries Maryland Route 611 across Sinepuxent Bay.

The park was finally created in 1956 when the state Board of Public Works accepted a gift of 540 acres from North Ocean Beach, Incorporated.

It subsequently became an annual tradition, with the 40th iteration taking place in 2020,[6] and became very popular over time, with people driving from various other parts of the state to join in with up to 300 others.

The Ilia Fehrer / Judy Johnson Memorial Beach Walk, named after the two women who started it, is now part of Maryland's roster of the nationwide offering of First Day Hikes in state parks.

[6][7] Wildlife found in the park's marsh areas include deer, waterfowl, and feral Assateague horses.