Chincoteague Island FAQs

Q. How bad are the mosquitoes?
A. Always bad. The town office posts notifications when the plane flies. The aerial spraying is contingent on weather. Prepare yourself with appropriate bug spray or protective clothing. Many locations do sell bug sprays but as supplies are limited, they may not be in stock.

Q. Is the laundry mat on the island open? Where can I do laundry?
A. No, the laundry mat on the island is not open for business. It has been closed for years. The closest laundry mat is located in Oak Hall in the Food Lion shopping center.

Q. When is trash day and where are the dumps?
A. Weekly household waste is picked up based on your zone.* Bulk collection (scrap metal, appliances, and furniture) are available monthly and Brush Collection is offered quarterly. If you wish to use the Bulk Collection service, citizens must contact the town office 48 hours in advance to schedule the pick up.
Dumps are located here on the island on Deephole Rd. or on the mainland in Atlantic, off Greta Rd.
*All other information, including your zone may be found here.

Q. Where can we buy groceries and household supplies while on the island?
Are there any fresh markets or seafood markets?
A. On the Island:
Grocery: Island Foods on Cleveland St.,
Dollar General on Pensions St., Family Dollar on Maddox Blvd.
Fresh Market: Church Street Produce on Church St.;
Whiteraven's Nest Farmer's Market on Maddox Blvd.
Seafood Market: Gary Howard Seafood on Deephole Rd.,
Ricky's Seafood & Produce on Beebe Rd,
Seabest Seafood Market on Cleveland St.,
Tom's Cove Aquafarms on Lighthouse Ln.
On the mainland:
Grocery: Food Lion on rt. 13 at T's Corner
Fresh Market: T's Corner Produce Stand, Shore Flee Market on rt. 13
Seafood Market: Ray's Shanty

Q. Can I go to the waterpark if I am not staying at Jellystone?
A. Yes it is open to the public. Just have to purchase a ticket and enjoy!

Q. Where can I fish on CI?
A. We have several locations available for public fishing. The town pier and piers located at both the Robert N. Reed Waterfront Park and Veteran's Memorial Park are all suitable locations for day and night fishing.

Q. Do I need a fishing license to fish around CI? If so, how much are the fees? Where can I get one?
A. Yes, you do. Licenses can be purchased at Capt. Steve's Bait and Tackle.
All information pertaining to obtaining a fishing license,
including regulations and fees, can be found here
You do not need a license to fish at Veteran's Memorial Park.

Q. What is there to do when we have inclement weather?
A. There is more to do on CI than you think when the weather doesn't cooperate. Local dining and shopping are the first things on the list. Discover all the cute little shops CI has to offer. Catch a movie at The Island Theater. Check out the Museum of Chincoteague (on CI) or The Bateman Center (on AI). Visit the CI Library or one of the Art Galleries.

Q. Where can I run my dog?
A. CI has a dog park located at the nature trail next to the combined school. More information to come on this topic including any fees associated with the dog park.

Q. Where can I launch my boat or kayak?
A. There are launches at several locations.
Curtis Merritt Harbor, Veteran's Memorial Park,
Town Pier/Dock at the American Legion Post #159.

Q. Is the beach on Chincoteague? Do I need to drive a car or can I walk or bike?
A. There is no beach on Chincoteague Island. The publicly accessible beach is located on Assateague Island otherwise known as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. No you do not need to drive, however the bike/walking path is a long hike. If you do choose to bike or walk the horseflies and mosquitos will love you.