Parks, Marinas & Harbor
Chincoteague is a water-loving community where scenic parks and vibrant marinas blend coastal beauty with outdoor recreation. Whether you are launching a kayak, strolling a trail, or mooring your boat with bay views all around, you will find plenty of spots to unwind, explore, and enjoy the natural charm of the island. To reserve a pavilion or space to host a family gathering or special event, call the Town Office at 757-336-6519 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. There is no fee for reserving the pavilions but a Town approved permit is required.
Chincoteague Veteran's Memorial Park is located at 7427 Memorial Park Drive on the Assateague Channel. The park has playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, fishing/crabbing pier, open field space, boat ramp & kayak launch, pavilion and public restrooms.
Robert N. Reed Downtown Waterfront Park at 4083 Main Street located in the heart of downtown offers recreational opportunities and sites for festivals and events. There are currently 10 boat slips available for rent to transient boats that are in excess of 26' to 50' in length. The park is ADA accessible, inclusive of boat slips. required). Fish from the designated fishing pier, which is built on the pilings of the old Chincoteague Drawbridge. Rocket launch viewing and sunset views are at a premium here and photo ops in our oversized LOVE chairs are a must!
Donald J. Leonard Park is located on N. Main Street across from the Chincoteague Combined School. It protects an open view of Chincoteague Bay with approximately 600 feet of water frontage. Over 2.7 acres of waterfront land has been left in its natural state for the enjoyment of the citizens and visitors alike. Park facilities allow for off-street parking up to 10 cars, picnic tables, and kayak access to the Virginia Seaside Water Trail. Rocket launch viewing and sunset views are wonderful here too. This is our pet-friendly park!!!
Island Nature Trail is located on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive and offers two paths to leisurely enjoy Chincoteague's nature. The south 0.7 mile paved trail is pet-friendly and provides opportunity to walk, bike, run or bird watch. Discover ponds and wetlands and cross a wooden bridge. To the north is a natural surface trail that extends 0.45 miles through pine forest and glade. The north trail is not pet-friendly.
Chincoteague Dog Park is located next to the Island Nature Trail on Hallie Whealton Smith Drive and is open dawn to dusk. Purchase a weekly or annual permit, with valid dog license and proof of vaccinations, from the Town of Chincoteague Office (weekdays) or Police Department (evenings and weekends) at 6150 Community Drive.
Learn more about dog park permit requirements, rules, and etiquette.
Brianna's Kindness Park is located on School Street and offers a children's sensory playground, adult fitness equipment, pavilion, soccer field, chess tables, and public bathrooms.
Do you play pickleball and want to stay active while on vacation? Pack your paddles and enjoy some court time at the Donald J. Amrien Recreation Center, just across the street from Brianna's Kindness Park, which offers three indoor and four outdoor courts, Drop-in games are available, too.
Chincoteague is a boater’s haven with multiple launch points, docks, and harbor services that connect you to the wide waters of Chincoteague Bay and beyond. Whether you are arriving by water, bringing your own, or renting while here, the town maintains several public boat ramps and facilities perfect for boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards alike.
Boat Ramps and Launching Facilities: Click here for map
Curtis Merritt Harbor of Refuge is located at 2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Drive at the southern end of the Island off Main Street. The Town leases 25′, 30′, 40′, and 50′ slips. There is typically a waiting list for slips, however, when leaseholders are not using their slip, there may be opportunities for short-term sublease of slips through the Town. Boat launching facilities are available with ample parking.
Harbor amenities include transients 22 transient slips, water, fuel (non-ethanol, regular, and diesel), 24-hour bathrooms, 24-hour security surveillance, pet-friendly, and fish cleaning facilities.
Veteran's Memorial Park Boat Ramp is located at 7427 Veteran's Memorial Park Drive. Boat ramp and kayak launch facilities are available.
The Town Dock is located in the 4000 block of Main Street across from the old firehouse and behind the American Legion building. Boat ramp and kayak launch facilities are available.
The Eastside Boat Ramp is located in the 7500 block of Eastside Road and Fir Landing is located at the end of Fir Landing Road off of Deep Hole Road. Boat ramp and kayak launch facilities are available.
Boat and kayak launch permits are available for both annual and short-term use from the Curtis Merrit Harbor of Refuge, Town of Chincoteague Office (weekdays) or Police Department (evenings, weekends, and holidays) at 6150 Community Drive. A fee of $20.00 is charged for an annual permit which is valid from April 15 of each year to April 14 of the following year. A temporary pass valid for seven consecutive days from purchase is available for $5.00.
Note: Boat ramp/launch permits are for any use of the boat launch such as boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, etc.
Marina Operations Owner/Manager:
Vernon Merritt
Harbormaster
Town of Chincoteague
757-894-1349 (day or evening)
The Town of Chincoteague has expanded its blanket fishing license for license-free fishing to now include: Robert Reed Downtown Waterfront Park & Fishing Pier, Town Dock, Curtis Merritt Harbor, and Veteran's Memorial Park. The public does not need a license to fish from any of these locations, but all fishing activities do require registration through the VA Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) or by calling 800-723-2728. Check with local bait and tackle shops for fishing license regulations regarding recreational fishing from all other locations, including private piers, surf fishing, and fishing tournaments.
