What could be better than RVing amid wild horses and wild landscapes? Discover the untamed beauty of the Eastern Shore's wild horses on Assateague Island, where these majestic creatures have roamed for centuries, and on Chincoteague Island, which helped make the ponies famous with its annual festival and auction.
Chincoteague and Assateague are neighboring barrier islands on the Atlantic Coast. While Chincoteague is located in Virginia, Assateague spans Virginia and Maryland. Both islands welcome RVers with a variety of public campgrounds and private RV parks. No matter where you opt to park your RV, both areas are worth a visit for wild pony viewing and so much more!
Assateague Island’s Wild Horse History
A lot of people associate Chincoteague with wild ponies, thanks to the 1947 classic children’s book Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry; however, the herd of horses actually runs wild on neighboring Assateague Island.
Wild horses have been known to roam Assateague for centuries, likely descended from domesticated horses freed in shipwrecks. To this day, you can see the ponies sauntering on the sands and grazing in the grasses. They might even wander through your campsite if you set up your RV at a campsite on Assateague Island.
Bringing the Ponies to Chincoteague
Each July, the “Saltwater Cowboys” herd a group of approximately 100 mares and their foals across the waters between the barrier islands for the Chincoteague Island Pony Swim. This kicks off an annual weeklong celebration that includes a carnival, pony parades, and more festivities.
While on Chincoteague Island, the horses don’t actually run wild and free, as they do on Assateague. Instead, they are kept in pens and brought out for the special events and annual pony auction, which raises money for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company and helps thin the wild herd. Keeping the herd more manageable ensures the horses can continue to thrive in the habitat available on Assateague.
RVing to Chincoteague to Bring a Pony Home
Of course, many people dream of owning one of these iconic Chincoteague ponies. The Feather Fund helps make those dreams come true. Founded in 2003, the Feather Fund provides financial assistance to deserving young individuals who demonstrate a passion for horses and a commitment to their care.
One Feather Fund recipient, Shelby, and her mother, Robin Krutke, traveled to the annual Chincoteague Pony Auction with their Class A motorhome. Not only did it provide a comfortable place to stay while camping on the island, the motorhome was properly equipped to pull a trailer, allowing them to bring Shelby’s new foal home.
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Five Tips For Viewing The Ponies on Chincoteague And Assateague
Even if you aren’t planning to purchase a pony, it’s fun to see them at the Chincoteague Pony Swim and exhilarating to view them in their natural habitat on Assateague Island. If you want the full wild pony experience while visiting Chincoteague and Assateague, keep these tips in mind:
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If you want to see the horses roam wild year round, you’ll need to visit Assateague since they only visit Chincoteague during the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and other special events.
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The Chincoteague Pony Swim brings thousands of visitors to Chincoteague, so book your campground early and plan for crowds at the festivities.
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It’s difficult to view the horses while they are penned up for the Chincoteague Pony Swim. You have to do a 6-mile round-trip hike (you can bike approximately 4 miles of the journey). Shuttles may be available.
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If you can’t buy a pony for yourself but still want to join the auction fun, bid on a “Buy Back Pony.” These specially selected foals are “auctioned off” but have been designated to return to Assateague with the herd. The winning bidders get naming rights and can feel good knowing they’ve helped to maintain the herd.
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Want to see the ponies visit Chincoteague without the crowds? Check out the fall and spring round ups, during which some horses are brought over for vet checks.
Four Things To Know When You Go RVing On Assateague and Chincoteague Islands
Before you plan your RV trip to Chincoteague and Assateague, check out these tips:
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The ponies aren’t the only attraction. These barrier islands offer so much natural beauty. Take a boat tour for dolphin viewing, rent a kayak to hit the bay waters, or spend a day on the sandy shores for a true beach vacay.
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Assateague Island is largely uninhabited, so take everything you need if you’ll be staying on the island, or plan to trek to Berlin or Ocean City for restaurants, shops, and entertainment
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Chincoteague Island offers a small town vibe, with shops and restaurants. In addition to the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim festivities, the town also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year.
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A number of state parks, national parks, and wildlife refuges help protect the barrier islands’ natural landscapes and wildlife. Check out Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to find hiking and biking trails, ranger programs, public beaches, boat launches, and more.
Campground And RV Park Options In Assateague And Chincoteague
Camping on the barrier islands offers the best views and access to the wild ponies, seaside, and more. Here are five options for camping on Assateague and Chincoteague:
- Assateague State Park: For magnificent views of the ocean and wild ponies, the state park can’t be beat. You’ll find huge sites, well-maintained facilities, and one loop with electricity.
- Assateague National Seashore: If you want a bit more primitive experience, check out the NPS campground. It’s open year round.
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Chincoteague Island: This is a great pick for RVing with kids, thanks to the onsite pool, children’s activities, and neighboring waterpark.
- Sun Outdoors Ocean City: The maintained grounds and landscaped sites earn high reviews. A complimentary shuttle makes it easy to visit the Ocean City boardwalk without worrying about parking.
- Pine Grove Campground: This campground offers a quaint atmosphere and towering trees. A number of ponds attract wildfowl, and a menagerie of animals live onsite, making this a fun choice for animal lovers.
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Who knew you could go RVing and come home with a horse? Whether you're drawn to the wild ponies, the pristine beaches, or the rich coastal culture, there's something for every traveler on Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Pack up your RV, hit the road, and prepare for an adventure amid the wild horses of the Eastern Shore.
