Cultural · Virginia
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2027
Jul 24–31
Tell us your Virginia datesChincoteague Island, VA (Assateague Channel) · Virginia
Starts Jul 24
- Start looking
- by Feb 6
- Arrive
- Jul 23
- Head home
- Aug 1
The 102-year-old wild-pony swim from Assateague to Chincoteague — the 'Misty' tradition, in person.
What you need to know
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2027 runs Jul 24–31, 2027, in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. 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.
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 102-year-old tradition made famous by 'Misty of Chincoteague.' Pony Week runs July 24-31, 2027, with the Pony Swim on Wednesday, July 28 and the foal auction July 29. 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.
Safety rules and an insider tip
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.
Official source: chincoteague.com/pony-swim
Where to sleep in Virginia
None of the Virginia campgrounds we verify is matched to this event's town.
Going to Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027? Tell us the nights.
Local owners list their own rigs here. You get a single email when one is listed for your window.
Around Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027
Frequently asked about Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027
When is Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2027?
Chincoteague Pony Swim & Pony Week 2027 runs Jul 24–31, 2027, in Chincoteague Island, Virginia.
Where is Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027 held?
Chincoteague Island, Virginia (Assateague Channel).
What are the exact 2027 dates?
Jul 24–31, 2027.
What RV should I rent for Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027?
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 102-year-old tradition made famous by 'Misty of Chincoteague.' Pony Week runs July 24-31, 2027, with the Pony Swim on Wednesday, July 28 and the foal auction July 29. 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.
Keep Chincoteague Pony Swim 2027 on your list
- Save a rig search for Virginia, for its dates, to your account.
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State rules, safety and legalLicense + 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 5 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