Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is located in Virginia, USA. It lies between Assateague Island and the town of Chincoteague and is situated along the eastern coast on the Atlantic Ocean. The refuge is famous for its wild ponies, sandy beaches, marshes, and diverse bird species.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Location Map,Chincoteague, Virginia
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Top Attractions Inside Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- Assateague Island Beaches – Sandy beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and observing wild horses.
- Wild Pony Viewing Areas – Designated spots to safely observe the famous Chincoteague ponies.
- Beach and Marsh Trails – Hiking and walking trails through dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests.
- Visitor Center & Museum – Exhibits on wildlife, habitat conservation, and the history of the refuge.
- Observation Towers – Elevated platforms for birdwatching and panoramic views of the marshes and bays.
- Kayaking & Canoeing Routes – Water trails through creeks and marshes for wildlife viewing and exploration.
- Wildlife Viewing Areas – Excellent locations to see migratory birds, deer, and other native species.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Facts
| Official Name | Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge |
| Location | Chincoteague Island, Virginia, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 37.9330° N, 75.3777° W |
| Total Area | 14,000 acres (5,665 hectares) |
| Established | 1943 |
| Founder | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Federal protection under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act) |
| Managed By | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
| Region | Eastern Shore of Virginia |
| Address | 8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague, VA 23336, USA |
| Zip Code | 23336 |
| Area Code | 757 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | Wildlife Conservation, Coastal Ecosystems, Migratory Birds, Scenic Beaches |
| Main Features | Assateague Lighthouse - Wild Chincoteague Ponies - Wildlife Loop - Refuge Trails - Pristine Beaches - Marshes & Forests |
| Famous Attractions | Pony Overlook - Assateague Lighthouse - Chincoteague Ponies - Beach Access - Wildlife Viewing |
| Annual Visitors | Over 1.2 million |
| Entry Fee Type | Paid Entry (Vehicle Pass Required) |
| Entry Fee Range | $10 per vehicle (1–7 day pass) / Annual Pass available |
| Activities | Hiking - Birdwatching - Pony Viewing - Biking - Fishing - Beach Recreation - Photography |
| Best Time to Visit | April–October (Warm weather & wildlife activity) — July for the famous Pony Swim |
| Nearby Airport | Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) – 45 miles (72 km) |
| Transportation | Private Vehicle - Bike Trails - Walking - Limited Public Transport from Chincoteague |
| Official Website | https://www.fws.gov/refuge/chincoteague |
Distances from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to Nearby Landmarks
- Assateague Island Visitor Center – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Tom’s Cove – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Wild Pony Exhibit – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Beebe Ranch – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Chincoteague Island – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Chincoteague Bay – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – 3 km (1.9 mi)
- Ocean View Beach – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Maryland/Virginia State Line – 50 km (31 mi)
- Wallops Flight Facility – 20 km (12.4 mi)
- Assateague Lighthouse – 10 km (6.2 mi)
- Pocomoke City, MD – 55 km (34 mi)
- Ocean City, MD – 60 km (37 mi)
- Virginia Beach, VA – 90 km (56 mi)
- Fisherman’s Wharf – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Chincoteague Pony Swim Viewing Area – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – 75 km (46.6 mi)
- Island Nature Trails – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Assateague State Park, MD – 5 km (3.1 mi)
- Oceanfront Boardwalk – 60 km (37 mi)
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