I was there many years ago (many!) but Jim's cousin went there from here last fall, in their RV. They camped very close in and enjoyed themselves. Apparently there are a couple of round-ups every year, and one is a larger festival. That's when there are crowds. There are not a huge amount of things to do, so it may be best for a short visit, perhaps in conjunction with a trip to the larger area.

I've wanted to go ever since reading the books as a young girl. Of course, I wanted to bring home a pony.

Do you want to be there for the pony swim at its end (Chincoteague VA in July) or just to see the wild ponies in Assateague? Assateague MD ( starting point for the pony swim) is close to Ocean City MD and Fenwick DE. The beaches in Assateague are great, but the only amenity is public bathrooms. You might try rentals in Assateague Point if you want to be there. You’ll be able to see the wild ponies easily any time. However, Ocean City MD has a lot more rentals, activities and restaurants than Assateague. Chincoteaque has very little to offer other than the pony auction after the swim from Assateague.

Thank you Delilah! We would be traveling in early June. I'd definitely prefer to avoid the busiest tourist times, which I understand coincide with the swim(s) you & Sushipup refer to. If the swim is in July, I'm assuming they'll still be around Assateague for viewing in June? Maybe that's a ridiculous question... I guess I don't really understand the concept of the 'swim' - where do they go to, and from where? Once they're gone, is viewing over for that summer? Or do they just move to another area?

Here's info about the swim.

Chincoteague is lovely. My paternal grandfather and all relatives of his generation and earlier lived on the island (from the 1620s!). Granddaddy was the first to leave. My great aunt Annie was the first to have a flush toilet on the island.

The last time we went, we stayed in a little motel at the edge of the wildlife refuge. Not fancy at all, but we spent practically no time there since we went for a beach clean-up. If you go for Pony Penning Day, be prepared for huge crowds, The ponies are free to roam on Assateague year round, but tourists are not supposed to go near them or disturb them in any way. For the swim, the Southern herd are driven to cross the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague where they are penned temporarily. The foals are auctioned off. The rest return to Assateague. It usually takes place in July.

There are also wild ponies in North Carolina on the northern outer banks.

Assateague Island is a barrier island that borders both Maryland and Virginia. There are wild ponies on both the northern (Maryland) and southern (Virginia) parts of the island. You can enjoy amenities such as beaches, bathrooms and nature centers at either place. Depends on what else you want. If you want a beach resort try the Maryland end, Assateague and Ocean City are close and you could partake of both easily during your stay. If you want a funky, vintage beach town, visit Chincoteague on the Virginia end.

When you go depends on what you want. Quiet nature and fewer people, fall is great. More people, activities etc, summer works. Ponies are around year round. Best viewing in am and after dinner when it cools down. Prices for hotels, etc will rise from Memorial Day until Labor day and drop after. Both are lovely areas and you absolutely should visit.

If you want more information, message me. This are both in my area and its what I do.

For Virginia information: www.chincoteaguechamber.com or for Maryland information :www.nps.gov/asis or www.dnr.maryland.gov

You guys are awesome - thank you for all this great information. I might have more questions after I start doing more research. I do know for sure that I definitely wouldn't want to be there for the pony swim!

We stayed in Ocean City, MD and took a boat from Ocean City to see the ponies on Asssateague (it was like a day tour excursion).

We liked Ocean City well enough and would probably go back, although it wasn't really anything special. We also rented a house one year in Fenwick DE and hated the state of Delaware with a passion. VERY crowded, traffic, rude people, overstuffed beaches. We would never, ever go back.

Have you thought about the Outer Banks for the wild mustangs?

The person who mentioned the bugs wasn't kidding-- lots of biters! It's well known for the biting flies or fleas or whatever they are.

Also, know that Ocean City, Md (and the Jersey Shore) are were graduated seniors congregate early to mid June for Sr Week (which is actually multiple weeks). For many 18 yos this is the first time they are way from parents and it can get loud and rowdy.

Also be aware there are limits to your access to the ponies - they roam free and no telling where you'll find them at any given time. The best place at Assateague is the parking lots. Also about the only thing you can do is look at them. They have gotten too friendly with people trying to feed them etc and in some cases aggressive so no contact is allowed. Mosquitoes are a big problem and you need heavy-duty bug spray. We were there a couple of years ago and saw a number of them. Depending on how far you are traveling - going just to see the ponies might not be as satisfactory as you anticipate. We always combine it with a beach trip - preferably before or after school is in session. We're on the Maryland side. Going for the round-up in Virginia is supposed to be more exciting but also the crowds are very large