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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague Island

4.8

#1 of 86 in Wildlife in Virginia

National Park Wildlife Area Must See

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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 5,670 hectares (14,000 acres) of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest. Before setting off a hike or bike ride, you can visit the educational and administrative center to pick up maps, study exhibits, and talk to staff. As you explore, keep your eyes open for the refuge's famous Chincoteague ponies. Fishing, clamming, and crabbing are all popular activities here; look for specially marked areas. Be sure to bring your bathing suit if you'd like to go swimming at the beach or Tom Cove. You can end your visit with a cozy campfire on the beach; pick up a free fire permit from the Tom Cove visitor center beforehand. If the weather is warm, remember to bring bug repellent. Discover how to plan a Chincoteague Island trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

2,971 reviews

Google

4.8

• By Gerryp84

  I don’t know what I was expecting but this place was really amazing. There is so much to see here. Countless photo ops for yourself, nature, and animals. It is beautiful. We were here as the sun was.....  more »

• By notsogold

  Enjoyed our visit very much - wonderful to get such a close look at the ponies! We went in the afternoon when you can drive on the loop road and were lucky enough to see many snow geese. Took some.....  more »

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Google

• By Stephen Bozeman

  As far as state parks go this is top of the line. If you're looking for nature and wildlife then this is the place for you. Lots of places to pull off and see the sights. So many different kinds of wildlife. Ponies, egrets, gulls, deer, and the list goes on. The beaches are amazing as well. One of the best family outings you can have.

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• By Guest OnthePlanet

  It's never been more important to protect our wildlife refuges and protected lands. We used to go to Chincoteague when I was a kid to watch the ponies swim across...this is a unique Eastern shore refuge..with an interesting history. The wild horses...the marshes..the Bay......the ocean..the natural grasses...dunes...are all under threat. Support this place and the work being done to save our planet.

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