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Roadtrip with RVshare Baltimore to Chincoteague

When you travel from the bustling metropolis of Baltimore to the peaceful island of Chincoteague, the distance is short, but the contrast is huge. On this trip, you'll take the scenic route from Baltimore to the famous Chesapeake Bay Bridge. You'll then drive through Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore region on the other side of the bay. Just as you approach the Maryland-Virginia border, you'll arrive at the island that is the famous home of the Chincoteague wild ponies and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of acres of natural land are preserved for the plants and animals that call the island home, and visitors from all over the country treasure the tranquil beauty that's found there. Your Baltimore to Chincoteague road trip will be unforgettable.

Baltimore to Chincoteague Road Trip Itinerary

  • Trip Length: 3.25 hours
  • Mileage: 171 miles
  • Fun Fact: It's still a mystery how the legendary ponies first arrived at Chincoteague, but popular theories include stories of Spanish shipwrecks, Chesapeake Bay pirates, and colonial fence laws.

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Nearby National Parks

Shenandoah National Park

Although it will make your Baltimore to Chincoteague road trip longer, you may want to take the time to include Shenandoah National Park in your plans. In the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, you can enjoy stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and fascinating wildlife whether you hike, bike, or drive through the park.

First State National Historical Park

If you have time to drive through Delaware on your Baltimore to Chincoteague RV road trip, be sure to stop at First State National Historical Park. The park is actually a collection of six individual historical sites. At these sites, visitors can hike, picnic, experience colonial history, and learn about some of the traditions of early America.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Because a road trip from Baltimore to Chincoteague could easily be completed in a single morning, you may want to expand your road trip by visiting Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. As home to one of the longest biking trails in the country, the park is loved for biking, hiking, and a variety of watersports. Along the way, you can experience interesting pieces of history that are connected to the canal and to famous Americans from the area. Be sure to take a look at other national parks that you can add to your itinerary.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, which is at the junction of the borders of Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. This site will be a little off of your main route, but it’s still worth visiting. You can take a guided tour or a hike, and you can even go rock climbing. History is rich at Harpers Ferry with exhibits, museums, and battlefields.

Nearby State Parks

Smallwood State Park

On your Baltimore to Chincoteague road trip, Smallwood State Park isn't exactly on the way; however, with an otherwise short road trip, it would certainly be easy to include it. In addition to camping areas and trails, Smallwood State Park has demonstrations where you can experience history, boat launch ramps for your time on the water, and other seasonal sporting options. 

Tuckahoe State Park

Along your trip route, you can visit Tuckahoe State Park. The park includes a lake for boating and fishing, an arboretum with over 600 plant species, camping, cabins, hunting, and more. The park offers free family activities, equestrian trails, camping, and more.

Janes Island State Park

As you get near Chincoteague, you may be interested in visiting Janes Island State Park. This unique park offers camping, cabins, and other park amenities on the mainland. The wild and tranquil island portion of the park is only accessible by water, so you'll want to plan for a little boating, kayaking, or canoeing. The wilderness areas are home to a variety of plants and animals in a natural setting.

Assateague State Park

Located on Assateague Island is Maryland's only oceanfront state park, Assateague State Park. Since the park is on a barrier island, visitors enjoy the oceanside beaches and the bayside coves. Watersports and wildlife watching are popular visitor activities at Assateague. The area is known for the presence of its wild ponies, and visitors enjoy the calm setting.

Pocomoke River State Park

Visitors come to Pocomoke River State Park to experience the cypress swamps along the Pocomoke River. Fishing and boating are popular, and many outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers enjoy hiking and biking along the trails.

Along the Way

National Aquarium

While you're in the Baltimore area, you'll probably want to take the time to visit the National Aquarium, which is one of the area's well-known attractions. Since 1981, the aquarium's award-winning exhibits have been delighting visitors from near and far. The thousands of fish, marine mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds at the aquarium can be appreciated and enjoyed via tours, films, and special events. 

USS Constellation

The USS Constellation is an American warship that was in service for 100 years. This historic landmark is located in Baltimore's inner harbor. Visitors can come aboard to tour the ship and to relive a piece of history. The associated museum gallery provides an extensive collection of artifacts and displays. 

Annapolis Sailing Tours

Annapolis is known as America's sailing capital. Well-known for sailing tours, boat races, and watersports traditions, the area offers a variety of sailing tour options. The Chesapeake Bay is perfectly situated for the enjoyment of watersports, so its sailing options come as no surprise. If sailing is your sport, you'll want to be sure to visit Annapolis and to make time to visit the Maritime Museum, boat shows, and more.

Assateague Island

The 37 miles of Assateague Island National Seashore offer great views of wild horses that have lived in the area for generations. Along Assateague's eastern shoreline, you'll often find wild ponies grazing in the salt marshes. Hiking trails and beaches are popular attractions as well. The ponies on Assateague and nearby Chincoteague are legendary, and a visit to the area would hardly be complete without getting a picture of the famous wild horses.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is home to migratory birds, various waterfowl, wild ponies, and other fascinating wildlife. Its 14,000 acres of beaches, sand dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests are preserved as habitats for the animals that have lived there for generations. The refuge also has programs for threatened and endangered species. Exhibits, displays, and other educational programs are available for visitors to the refuge. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Millersville, Maryland

When you travel your Baltimore to Chincoteague road trip itinerary, you'll pass through the town of Millersville. Be sure to check out the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail that runs through the area. This 13-mile trail is a popular, paved, scenic route for hikers and bikers. Historical markers along the way will add some history to your scenic trip. You'll also find various campgrounds in the Inner Harbor area

Annapolis, Maryland

Whether you're just passing through, sailing, or attending a boat show, you'll get the chance to see why Annapolis is called America's sailing capital. If you're staying in the area, you'll want to check out our list of Annapolis-area campgrounds, which offer a variety of RV amenities and conveniences. 

Easton, Maryland

Along your trip route, you'll pass through Easton. It's a great place to visit museums, natural sites, and area golf courses. While you're in the area, be sure to keep in mind our list of Eastern Shore campgrounds to make your RV trip go smoothly. 

Cambridge, Maryland

In the Cambridge area, be sure to visit the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center and the Choptank River Lighthouse. While traveling in the area, you'll find that some of the Eastern Shore campgrounds are convenient to the Cambridge area as well.

Salisbury, Maryland

When you drive through Salisbury, you'll find interesting museums and historical sites, including the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art and Pemberton Historical Park. While traveling near Salisbury, you'll find several RV dump stations located in the area for your RVing convenience.

Find Adventure from Baltimore to Chincoteague

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Baltimore to Chincoteague, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Baltimore or Chincoteague.