Chincoteague
Chincoteague Island, VA 23336-2149
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. With 15 miles of hiking trails and a pristine beach, there are plenty of opportunities to seek out the 275+ bird species that call our refuge home throughout the year. Natural wonders abound, so keep an eye out for deer, dolphins and other wildlife as you explore. Connect with the area's rich cultural history during a trip to Assateague Lighthouse or while watching the Chincoteague ponies graze in our saltmarsh. From photography and bicycling to fishing and hunting, there's something for everyone to enjoy on our island.
If you aren't greeted at the entrance fee booth, please purchase your day pass at the self-serve fee station at the refuge visitor center (second left).
Pass options include the Lifetime Senior Pass for U.S. citizens or residents 62 years or older and the Access Pass for permanently disabled U.S. citizens or residents.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.
For more information on volunteering, please contact the volunteer coordinator:
Chase Sands
charles_sands@fws.gov
Services
At this field station we offer the following public services:
- Buy Duck Stamps & America the Beautiful Passes
- Recreation
- Special Use Permits (General, Research, and Commercial)
About
Located on the Indigenous homelands of the Pocomoke and Occohannock people, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge protects beach, dune, marsh, and maritime forest habitats. Established in 1943 to protect migratory birds, this refuge is now one of the most visited in the United States. It is a birder's paradise and home to cultural treasures like the Assateague Lighthouse and the world-famous Chincoteague ponies.