Beach Activities
Fishing
Fishing is an enjoyable activity at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can choose to fish in designated areas of Toms Cove and Swan Cove. Visitors may also choose fish from the beach, outside of life-guarded areas. A State regulations must be observed. Visitors may fish after hours by procuring an overnight fishing permit from the Toms Cove Visitor Center.
Some of the fish common to the waters around the refuge are bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, Atlantic croaker, spot, and red drum. Clearnose skate, bullfish, and Southern stingrays may be caught, as well as smooth or spiny dogfish sharks. Crabs are notorious bait thieves, and can include lady crab, spider crab, and blue crab.
Fishing regulations are enforced by Refuge Law Enforcement. Please see links below to ensure you know the regulations.
http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/regindex.shtm
Crabbing
One of the most popular activities at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is crabbing. Crabbing is permitted in designated areas in Swan Cove and along Beach Road, as well as from the boardwalks near the entrance gates.
Blue crabs make a tasty meal, and catching these feisty creatures only requires a few tools: a crab line, a net, and a bucket for your catch. Don’t forget bait! Chicken necks are a good choice – the smellier, the better! When crabbing, remember to observe state limits on size and quantity. Each person is allowed one bushel of hard crabs per day.
Crabbing sizes and limites are enforced by Refuge Law Enforcement. Please see link below to ensure you know the regulations.
http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/regindex.shtm
Check out http://www.bluecrab.info for more information and tips on blue crabs and crabbing.
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Clamming
Clamming is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. All you need are a bucket or basket and a clam rake. Look for the tell-tale “key hole” in the mud, or just pick a spot and start digging. There are several different types of clams that can be found in the waters around the refuge, including hard-shell clams (also known as “quahogs”), soft-shell clams, and razor clams, which have a long and narrow shell.
Visitors may take a maximum of 250 clams in one day. There are also multiple commercial and private clam beds in the waters around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. These areas are prohibited for recreational clamming. Resale of clams taken from the refuge is prohibited.
Clamming regulations are enforced by Refuge Law Enforcement. Please see link below to ensure you know the regulations.
http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/regindex.shtm
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Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is allowed along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle zone. The OSV zone may be closed due to hazardous conditions or wildlife management practices, and horses will not be permitted in this area during such closures. Horses are not permitted elsewhere on the refuge, including the trails or on Beach Road. Click here for map. (PDF - 176 KB)
Please check out www.nps.gov/asis for more information about horseback riding at the refuge.
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Shell Collection
Shells can be a beautiful souvenir of your visit to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Each person is allowed to take one gallon or less of unoccupied shells.
Driftwood and sea glass may not be collected.
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Campfires
A cookout, complete with s’mores, hot dogs, and hamburgers, or a bonfire on the beach, are nice ways to end a day in the sun. However, certain regulations must be followed. Campfires are allowed only in designated sites located along the beach. Visitors may obtain a fire permit, free of charge, and a site assignment from the Toms Cove Visitor Center. For more information please contact them at (757) 336-6577.
Fires are not allowed elsewhere on the refuge.
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Boating
Boating is an exciting way to explore Assateague Island and the waters surrounding the refuge. Boats are allowed to land at Toms Cove Hook between September 1st and March 14th. However, there are no boat ramps or docks available for public use at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Boats are not permitted in the refuge’s impoundments and borrow ditches.
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Kayaking
Kayaks can be launched and beached at both the beach and Toms Cove areas, including Toms Cove Hook. If you will be kayaking during your visit, watch carefully for swimmers in both the ocean and the cove. Kayaks are not permitted in lifeguarded sections of the beach, nor are kayaks allowed in refuge impoundments or borrow ditches.
The refuge does not rent kayaks. However, there are many places in Chincoteague that do rent kayaks. Please contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce for suggestions and information at (757) 336-6161 or visit their website at http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com
The National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore also conducts summer kayaking programs from the Toms Cove Visitor Center. Please contact the Toms Cove Visitor Center for details at (757) 336-6577.
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Personal Water Crafts
All waters within the boundary of Assateague National Seashore are CLOSED to personal watercraft except the water between the southern boundary of Little Beach and the northern boundary of Horsehead Marsh. Click here for a map of area of use. (PDF - 606 KB)
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Camping
There are no campsites available at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. If you would like to include camping in as part of your visit, please contact the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce at (757) 336-6161 or visit their website at http://www.chincoteaguechamber.com for a list of nearby campgrounds.
Camping is allowed on the Maryland side of Assateague Island through the National Park Service, Assateague Island National Seashore. Please contact the Barrier Islands Visitor Center in Maryland at (410) 641-1441 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/asis for details.
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