Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2026
The 101-year-old wild-pony swim from Assateague to Chincoteague — the 'Misty' tradition, in person.
2026 dates · concluded
Jul 25–Aug 1
Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel) · Virginia
See what's coming up in Virginia →Where to sleep in Virginia
Virginia campgrounds we keep verified — rig limits, fees and booking windows straight from the operator. Distances to Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel) vary, so check the map before you commit.
- Big Meadows Campground (Shenandoah NP)Nearest town: Stanley · National Park Service$30/nightRigs to 35 ftBooks 6 months ahead via recreation.gov
- Mathews Arm Campground (Shenandoah NP)Nearest town: Luray · National Park Service$30/nightRigs to 35 ftBooks 6 months ahead via recreation.gov
- First Landing State Park CampgroundNearest town: Virginia Beach · State Park / State Forest$28–$50/nightRigs to 50 ftBooks 11 months ahead via va state parks portal
- Grayson Highlands State Park CampgroundNearest town: Mouth of Wilson · State Park / State Forest$28–$45/nightRigs to 50 ftBooks 11 months ahead via va state parks portal
Going to Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026? Tell us the nights.
Local owners list their own rigs here. Pick your nights and we'll email you when one is listed for them.
What you need to know
Every late July the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company drives the wild ponies of Assateague across the channel at slack tide to Chincoteague Island, where foals are auctioned — the 101-year-old tradition made famous by 'Misty of Chincoteague.' Pony Week runs July 25-August 1, 2026, with the Pony Swim on Wednesday, July 29 and the foal auction July 30. It draws tens of thousands to a small barrier-island town, so RV planning matters: Chincoteague Island's private campgrounds (Maddox Family Campground, Tom's Cove Park) and Toms Cove in Assateague Island National Seashore put you minutes from the swim and the wild beach — book many months ahead, this is the island's biggest week.
Official source: cvfc3.com
Safety + legal
Marsh-edge summer crowd at dawn: bring bug protection and sun cover, arrive hours early for the swim viewing at slack tide, and follow fire-company and NPS marshals — never approach the wild ponies.
Insider tip
Chincoteague Island campgrounds (Maddox Family Campground, Tom's Cove Park) and the Toms Cove area of Assateague Island National Seashore are the closest RV bases — reserve 6+ months out; Pony Week fills the island.
Concluded · Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2026 has ended
This edition ran Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026. Next year's dates have not been published yet. Nothing on this page can be booked for the dates above any more.
- Dates
- Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026
- Status
- Concluded
- Location
- Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel)
Own a rig near Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel)? List it now and be on the map for the next edition.
List your rig →This edition is behind us
The window on this page is closed. What is still live: the next edition, and the campgrounds that take bookings year-round.
Ran
Jul 25–Aug 1
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2026 is over for this edition.
Next
Not yet dated
No published dates yet. The Virginia calendar has what is confirmed.
Best rigs for Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026
First pick first — each row opens the class's browse page.
Plan it by rig
Each class above has its own planning page for Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026 — class fit and booking guidance in one place.
Frequently asked about Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026
When is Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2026?
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2026 runs Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026 in Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel), Virginia.
Where is Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026 held?
Chincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel), Virginia.
What are the exact 2026 dates?
Jul 25 – Aug 1, 2026.
What RV should I rent for Chincoteague Pony Swim 2026?
Best categories: rv, trucks-vans. Every late July the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company drives the wild ponies of Assateague across the channel at slack tide to Chincoteague Island, where foals are auctioned — the 101-year-old tradition made famous by 'Misty of Chincoteague.' Pony Week runs July 25-August 1, 2026, with the Pony Swim on Wednesday, July 29 and the foal auction July 30. It draws tens of thousands to a small barrier-island town, so RV planning matters: Chincoteague Island's private campgrounds (Maddox Family Campground, Tom's Cove Park) and Toms Cove in Assateague Island National Seashore put you minutes from the swim and the wild beach — book many months ahead, this is the island's biggest week.
How early should I book an RV?
Recommended lead time: 24 weeks. Event windows book up early, so search and lock your dates as soon as your plans firm up.
What safety and legal guidance applies?
Marsh-edge summer crowd at dawn: bring bug protection and sun cover, arrive hours early for the swim viewing at slack tide, and follow fire-company and NPS marshals — never approach the wild ponies.
What's an insider tip?
Chincoteague Island campgrounds (Maddox Family Campground, Tom's Cove Park) and the Toms Cove area of Assateague Island National Seashore are the closest RV bases — reserve 6+ months out; Pony Week fills the island.
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Cross-discover same-state events you can stack with your trip, plus cultural events in other states.
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Plan around the event · 3
Hub state · nearest city · nearest park · recommended rig category — one click each.
State rules, safety and legalLicence + towing rules, insurance basics and the non-affiliation notice.
Important: travel + safety + insurance disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only. PickRV is not an insurer, legal advisor, or vehicle-safety authority. Trip planning, route selection, rig suitability, weather, and emergency decisions are the renter's responsibility. Always consult the rig manufacturer's owner's manual, your insurance provider, the U.S. National Park Service (nps.gov), NOAA / NWS weather alerts (weather.gov), state and local emergency-management agencies, and current local regulations before and during travel. Cost figures, season windows, road conditions, and fee references on this page are estimates as of May 2026 and vary by season, location, rig, carrier, and operator. Mentions of brand names, state-tourism marks, national-park feature names, or third-party programs are informational only and do not imply affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement.
Before you rent in Virginia — key local rules
No CDL is needed for motorhomes under 26,001 lbs — Virginia DMV
Boating Safety Education Certificate required (phased rollout complete) — VA DWR — Boating Safety Education
Spearhead Trails connects to Hatfield-McCoy, but permits do not transfer — Hatfield-McCoy Regional Recreation Authority — Trails connection announcement
0.08% BAC; driver may not drink — no passenger open-container ban — Va. Code §18.2-323.1 — Drinking while driving
Editorial summary, not legal advice. Verify with Virginia DMV before relying. Reviewed in the last 4 months (as of 2026-05-24).
Virginia rules · last verified 2026-05-10
- State rental tax
- 7% · not collected by PickRV
- Min driver age
- 21+ std · 25+ Class A
- Gravel roads
- Allowed — disclosure required
- Generator quiet
- 22:00-07:00