Established in 1943, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge includes more than 14,000 acres of beach, dunes, marsh, and maritime forest.
Here's your hub for maps, fees and all you need to Plan Your Visit! Keep in mind pets are prohibited on our Refuge.
Seen any good birds lately? Head to our recent bird sightings page to see what's on the refuge! The list shows data from eBird Trail Tracker which includes reported sightings over the last 14 days. Keep in mind reports come from all over the refuge so one species may be listed multiple times.
Brochures and permits are now available for our big game, migratory game bird and Wallops Island hunts.
Visitor center and bookstore hours are Thursday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Chincoteague NWR Complex .
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.
Over the past 200-300 years, these modern-day descendants of domestic horses have adapted to the hardships of living near the ocean. Prior to the refuge's establishment in 1943, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company purchased the ponies and continues ownership to this day. The Firemen are allowed to graze up to 150 ponies on refuge land through a Special Use Permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
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