False Cape State Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
False Cape State Park offers an unparalleled, remote natural escape with nine miles of undeveloped coastline, pristine dunes, and abundant wildlife, often described as more beautiful than some national parks. It's a destination for adventurous families seeking an undisturbed, quiet outdoor experience, far from typical tourist crowds and RV noise.
Key Highlights
- ✓Pristine, undeveloped coastline with beautiful dunes and wildlife, providing a truly wild East Coast experience.
- ✓Well-maintained facilities by dedicated rangers and volunteer stewards, including surprisingly clean pit toilets.
- ✓Opportunities for extensive seashell collecting on the beautiful, undisturbed beach.
- ✓Visitor center/gift shop offers clean, modern bathrooms, a water refill station, snacks, and a relaxing porch with rocking chairs and a charging plug.
- ✓Remoteness ensures a peaceful environment, self-selecting for visitors who appreciate solitude and nature.
- ✓Some campsites, like Barbour Hill Oceanside, offer drinking water and a shower head for rinsing off.
Standout Features
- ⭐Extremely remote and peaceful environment, guaranteeing an experience free from common noises like RV generators.
- ⭐Expansive, undeveloped coastline and dunes for exploration and enjoying nature's beauty.
- ⭐Visitor center provides clean bathrooms, a water fountain, snacks, and a single electrical outlet for charging devices.
- ⭐Well-maintained primitive campsites often include a lantern hook and a picnic table.
- ⭐Knowledgeable and friendly park rangers (with rare exceptions) who maintain facilities and trails.
- ⭐Unique opportunity for extensive wildlife viewing and collecting amazing seashells on pristine beaches.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Strongly recommend biking in (especially with a fat tire or eBike for beach access at low tide), as hiking is a long, mostly unshaded journey.
- →Bring a generous supply of strong bug spray, sunscreen, and consider headnets; be prepared for biting flies that may resist repellents.
- →If planning a winter visit or accessing via the beach, check tide charts meticulously to avoid strenuous travel through soft sand.
- →Pack collapsible water containers and purification tablets or a filter, as while drinking water is available, it helps reduce trips to spigots.
- →Utilize the bike rack located just before primitive campsites; chain up bikes there and walk the final stretch to the beach.
- →Plan for the unshaded sections of trails by wearing appropriate clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- →Do not attempt to cut through the wildlife refuge between November 1st and March 1st to avoid federal trespassing fines.
- →Bring your own lantern for campsite use and a headlamp for nighttime pit toilet visits due to quick-trigger motion sensor lights.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Reviews make no mention of kayaking for kids, despite the business description, suggesting this may not be an available or primary activity.
- ⚠Access to the park and campsites requires significant effort: a long hike (5-10 miles one-way) or bike ride (over 10 miles round-trip), much of which is unshaded and on gravel roads or deep sand.
- ⚠Bugs, especially biting flies on the beach, can be extremely thick and aggressive; reviewers report bug spray is often ineffective against them, leading to numerous bites.
- ⚠Pit toilets have motion sensor lights that turn off after only a few seconds, making nighttime restroom visits challenging and potentially disorienting.
- ⚠No pets are allowed through the wildlife refuge, which is the mandatory access route to False Cape State Park.
- ⚠Access trails through Back Bay are only open from April to September; outside these months, park access is via the beach, which is tide-dependent and can be a difficult slog through soft sand.
- ⚠Most of the access trail is unshaded until the very end, increasing exposure to sun.
Price & Value
There is a parking fee at Little Island City State Park (the main access point) during the busy season, but it's free in the off-season. No specific entry fees for False Cape State Park itself are mentioned, suggesting the value is in the access. The overall value is high for those who appreciate a remote, pristine natural environment and are willing to put in the effort required for access. Hidden costs include potential parking fees, the need for specialized gear (bikes, water filters, intense bug protection), and the significant effort required for transportation to and within the park.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Access is primarily via challenging modes: hiking or biking (5-10 miles one-way) on gravel roads or soft sand, or by paying for a guided tram tour.
- •Trails are generally flat but very long and mostly unshaded, making them difficult for individuals with limited mobility or young children.
- •No specific accommodations for wheelchair users or individuals with sensory needs are mentioned in the reviews beyond the general accessibility of the tram tour.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •The visitor center sells snacks and 'essential trinkets.'
- •For campers and day visitors, it is implied that you bring your own food and drinks due to the park's remote location and lack of commercial services, beyond the small snack offerings at the visitor center.
🚗Parking Info
- •Requires parking at an access point such as Little Island City State Park, which incurs a parking fee during the busy season (free in off-season).
- •No direct vehicle access to False Cape State Park's main areas or campsites; visitors must hike, bike, or take a tram from the parking area.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The park's challenging access means it 'self-selects for hardy individuals,' implying it is generally not overly crowded.
- •Its remoteness is cited as a key reason it is a favorite park, suggesting a quiet and uncrowded experience.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Park rangers and volunteer stewards are noted for maintaining facilities and trails, contributing to a managed environment.
- •Federal property patrols on roads (hourly between Nov 1 - Mar 1) deter trespassing in the wildlife refuge, which aids in overall security.
- •No explicit safety features like staff-monitored play areas or dedicated first aid stations are mentioned, beyond the presence of rangers.
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families specifically seeking kayaking activities for children, as no reviews mention this offering.
- • Families with very young children or those not accustomed to long-distance, self-powered travel (5-10+ miles of hiking/biking).
- • Bringing pets, as they are strictly prohibited through the necessary wildlife refuge access points.
- • Accessing the park via the beach after September without checking tide charts or if you do not have a fat tire/eBike.
- • Attempting to cut through the wildlife refuge between November 1st and March 1st due to legal consequences and patrols.
- • Expecting paved roads or easily accessible facilities; this is a remote, rugged experience.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Let's Go Kayaking
$15 per personDuration: 4-hour class
Covers the basics of paddling skills, including how to select and fit a PFD, different types of kayaks, planning and safety, and proper paddling strokes. Participants will practice in-water rescues and should be prepared to get wet.
Includes:
- •All paddles
- •PFDs
- •Boats
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Sunset Kayak Paddle
Oct. 2, 2025. 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Not specified, regular park admission fees likely apply.
The waters around False Cape State Park provide some of the most breathtaking views in Virginia Beach.
Blue Goose Wildlife & History Tram Tour
Oct. 3, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Not specified, regular park admission fees likely apply. Reservations required.
A 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!
False Cape Beach Clean-Up
Oct. 4, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Not specified. Registration is full.
Event Registration is full!
Blue Goose Wildlife & History Tram Tour
Oct. 4, 2025. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Not specified, regular park admission fees likely apply. Reservations required.
A 4-hour guided tour through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park!
🍎Food Policy
- • Open fires are not permitted; camp stoves may be used for cooking.
- • All trash must be packed out when you leave (Carry everything in and everything out).
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Day-use and overnight visitors should read all recommendations regarding visiting the park to be fully prepared.
- • Visitors must follow refuge and False Cape State Park rules and regulations.
- • Campers must be out of the refuge before sunset when arriving and departing False Cape State Park.
- • Be prepared for biting insects during summer; insect repellent is a must.
- • Not recommended for young children, inexperienced campers, or those who need access to emergency medical care.
- • Only experienced boaters familiar with Back Bay should attempt to access False Cape by boat due to shifting winds and water depth.
- • Interior refuge access (Nov. 1 - March 31) allows only daylight hours.
- • Beach access allows only daylight hours on refuge property.
- • Beware of venomous eastern cottonmouth snakes.
- • Participants in 'Let's Go Kayaking' should bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen and a change of clothing, and wear comfortable clothes and close-toed shoes that can get wet/muddy.
- • Valid Virginia Fishing License is required for 'Let's Go Fly Fishing' participants 16 and older.
📅Booking Policy
- • Reservations for primitive campsites MUST be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK.
- • All Tram Tours require a reservation.
- • The park does not offer same-day reservations for primitive camping.
- • Reservations for primitive camping are not available online due to primitive and restrictive access.
- • All campers must receive a confirmation letter and information packet before camping; bring two copies (one for dashboard, one for site marker).
- • Groups of 10 or more camping must get a special-use permit from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at least two weeks in advance.
- • Professional photography requires a Special Use Permit; apply via email.
- • Programs may be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance due to inclement weather or low registration.
🚗Parking Information
- • Day-use parking available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge visitor center parking lot.
- • Parking at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge fills quickly in the summer.
- • Additional parking and overnight parking available at Little Island City Park.
- • Parking is never available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for overnight guests; campers must park at Little Island City Park.
- • Overnight campers must leave a copy of their confirmation letter on the dashboard at Little Island City Park to avoid towing.
- • Little Island Parking fees are collected from May 1st - September 30th.
- • Overnight parking at Little Island City Park must be paid via the 'ParkWhiz' app.
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 5 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Marne Miani
3 weeks agoThe east and west dike paths are best on bike, since I learned the hard way that my round-trip was over 10 miles and mostly on gravel roads. The scenery is gorgeous and there were some waterfowl but not much else. The gift shop at False Cape has lovely bathrooms and water refill station, in addition to a line of rocking chairs out front. The path to the ocean is dirt for a bit then deep sand, but there is a bike rack on the left just before the primitive campsites; if you bike, I recommend chaining up there and walk to beach a little farther over dunes. Beach is lovely and has amazing seashells!
waveali P
3 weeks agoProbably my favorite park in the VA system due to the remoteness. You can only get to the park via Hike, Bike, or paying for the guided tour on the tram. The trails though Back Bay are only accessible from April - Sept so after that you have to hike or bike to the park via the beach. Pretty easy if you have a fat tire bike eBike at low tide.
David Foote
5 months agoWe love the undisturbed coastline, dunes, wildlife, and the adventure of getting out to this state park! These are the best 9 miles, of undeveloped coastline on the east coast. They are truly breathtaking! I promise you won't hear an RV generator when you nestle into your tent for the night. In my opinion this park is better than many national parks for its unique pristine beauty. Biking in is by far the most fun and most common mode of transportation. There are shuttle tours but I've never used them. The facilities are extremely well cared for by the rangers and volunteer stewards. Thank you all for maintaining the privies, rugged authenticity, and trails. Your efforts are noticed! The main office is beautiful and there are snacks/essential trinkets there, plus the porch has nice rocking chair, a water fountain and 1 plug to juice up the electronics while the bugs deplete your blood. The bugs can be thick but that's nature. If you're still reading this you want to experience all this, and you should! Don't expect to drive right to your campsite. You have to walk/bike/boat at least 5 flat miles (on dike roads in summer or on the beach in winter, so check the tide chart or it'll be a slog through soft sand). No pets are allowed through the wildlife refuge (which you must go through) so don't bring them. Don't try to cut trough the wildlife refuge when you're going after November 1st to March 1st because you'll be trespassing on federal property which is a huge fine and they patrol both roads hourly. There is a parking fee during the busy season at Little Island City State Park but not in the off season. The best part about this park is that it self selects for hardy individuals to come under their own power! It's worth the effort. See you there!
Ben Batman
10 months agoCamped here beginning of June with a group of 5 of us. We were on the beach side at campsites 12 and 13. Getting to the campsite: you do have to hike 7 miles (flat ground) to get to the campsite. The trail is very bike friendly so I recommend biking if you have the means. You can either walk on one of the Dikes or on the beach. We walked on the West dike (only one is open at a time). Most of it is not shaded up until the end. Campground: well-maintained and campsites were very private. The toilets are pit toilets but they are about as nice as pit toilets can get. Note of caution: the light is a motion sensor light in there and turns off after a couple seconds which can make your restroom experiences…interesting in the night. We camped at the campsite the first night and on the beach the second night. Camping on the beach was really nice minus the biting flies there. Lots of them and they don’t care about bug spray. Park staff: most were friendly minus one guy. Other than the one, all rangers were knowledgeable and very nice. Bugs: so many of them!! I had probably over 100 bug bites by the end of the weekend. Bring lots of bugspray and sunscreen. They have drinking water, but I would still recommend bringing some purification tablets or a filter with you. I would also recommend bringing some collapsible water containers to fill up so you’re not walking back and forth so much to the spigots. They have a shower as well you can rinse off at. There is also a visitor center that has snacks, and whatnot plus real bathrooms and AC. Overall. Highly recommend! Just being bug spray.
Genovi Jones
10 months agoThis park was truly a beautifully experience!!! I would definitely recommend biking in, the hike is quite long and unshaded for the most part!! The campsite has a lantern hook and a picnic table; and while shaded, has lots of bugs. The beach is beautiful, and the pit toilets are pretty nice!! Be prepared to hike through the sand, and if you’re going beachside; Barbour Hill Oceanside campsite has drinking water and a shower head to rinse off!