Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Around the Refuge

Open 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. Daily

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Here's your hub for maps, fees and all you need to Plan Your Visit! Keep in mind pets are prohibited on our Refuge.

Start Planning!

Refuge Visitor Center Open!

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The refuge visitor center and bookstore are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday – Sunday. We will also be open the same hours on Monday, September 6th.

Plan Your Visit during COVID-19

Pet Policy

Pet Policy

Please leave your dog at home. All pets are prohibited (even in your vehicle). Service dogs as defined by the ADA permitted on a 6 ft leash.

ADA Service Animal Information

Recent Bird Sightings

Wildlife Viewing

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.

Recent Bird Sightings
What's Happening on the Refuge?

It's Nesting Season!

Nesting AMOY 150x118 Jim Duffy

You can help us give birds a chance at survival during your visit! We create nesting sanctuaries by setting aside sections of critical beach nesting habitat. To do your part, just watch for closure signs and rope-lines and be sure to obey them. You'll see these closures west of the recreational beach, along Toms Cove Hook and on Assawoman Island. All of these areas close seasonally (March 15-September 15) to help coastal birds like piping plovers, least terns and American oystercatchers raise their young.

Piping Plovers - a Federally Listed Threatened Species

About the Complex

Chincoteague NWR Complex

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Chincoteague NWR Complex .

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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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.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online