If a site becomes available you will receive an email notice. But, before you make a reservation, you need to know which campground to choose. . The park?s location on a barrier spit allows visitors to observe beaches, dunes, maritime forests of oak and pine, wooded swamps, marshes and the bay all in one visit. To make reservations for the beach transporter, call 800-933-7275. The internal trails for Back Bay close during this time. Campsite groupings have picnic tables, pit toilets, lantern posts, and a place to hang up food and trash to prevent animals from getting into them. Theres basically one main trail that goes through the park and into North Carolina. Cape Henry about 20 miles north. I've been living in North Carolina since 2007 and love getting out to explore the area. Reservations. Little Island City Park This large park provides access to the beach and Back Bay Lake plus opportunities for fishing, boating and picnicking. Given time limitations of the Blue Goose Tram, many False Cape visitors choose to walk in on the easy, scenic (and very flat) gravel trail from Back Bay. There are no bears at False Cape, but there are raccoons and coyotes. False Cape State Park is located near Chesapeake, Moyock and Virginia Beach. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing can be found at False Cape State Park. Did you find us useful? Theres a pump with non-drinkable water, but I wouldnt use it to shower. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The area is remote with limited access. Sites are shaded and spaced well apart. The sun is immediately due east from the beach. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. You can also make it to the park on a bike and it's a great place to go bikepacking as well. Those hiking to the park through *Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge must be out of the refuge by dusk. In the 1800s, False Cape gained a reputation as a shipping graveyard. Just tell us when youd like to camp at False Cape State Park, and how long you want to camp for. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular amenities or to make a reservation, call (800) 933-PARK. Its as if the sun is rising just for you. Reservations for primitive campsites MUST be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (No same day reservations). Theyre nice and flat with a lot of space. In the fall, use the West Dike Trail. Claytor Lake State Park All four campgrounds have a potable water spigot, as well as a male and female privy. Paper maps are also available at various points in the park and at the visitor center. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. The park is accessible only by foot, bicycle, tram or boat. Boat access is possible from any shoreline. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. #3: Sandy Point Trail: From the visitor center, take the Barbour Hill Trail west to the Sandy Point Trail to enjoy relaxing bayside views (less than 2 miles). Twelve camp sites separated into four remote areas . False Cape State Park, Virginia, United States. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, 4001 Sandpiper RdVirginia Beach, VA 23457. Wash Woods was a town including a church, grocery store, and school built by survivors of a shipwreck. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge This 4,589 acre refuge was established in 1938 to provide a habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, since the area is on the Atlantic Flyway migratory bird route along the East Coast. You must call and receive a registration packet. Since there is some vehicular access on the beach (some North Carolina residents have grandfathered permitted access through the beach from before the Wildlife Refuge closed access), tents should be set up near but not on the dune. Access to the campgrounds are hike-in or boat-in. Settle in on a rocking chair on the covered wrap-around porch. It was named False Cape because ships often mistook it for Highly recommend. Seven Bends State Park For beach transporter reservations, call 800-933-7275. Breaks Interstate State Park To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email, Why Almost Everyone Needs To Visit False Cape State Park, Why ALMOST everyone needs to visit False Cape State Park, Why ALMOST everyone needs to visit False Cape State Park - State Parks Blogs, 01/20/2019 - False Cape State Park & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Winter Tram Tours, 02/03/2019 - False Cape State Park & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Winter Tram Tours, 02/17/2019 - False Cape State Park & Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Winter Tram Tours, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Many campers cancel reservations. However, the caveat is this. The Wash Woods community, which built the church whose steeple remains, was built by survivors of a shipwreck. There are no designated swimming areas along the 6 miles of coastline within False Cape State Park. The park's campsites are another three to six miles further. The fee is the same whether one-way or round-trip. You can use those non-potable water spigots for clothes washing and clean up. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast. The wonderful staff and volunteers that answer the phones will go through all the information and help you choose a site. This section seemed to be pretty buggy though. You will need to hike or bike 4 to 6 miles to your campsite. Whether you hike on the trails or the beach, shade is minimal so consider a high SPF sunscreen. Theres one more way to enjoy False Cape State Park. For camping information, contact the State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-7275; in Richmond dial 225-3867. Youll be on your own with limited resources, including water. Natural Tunnel State Park For those opting for ocean side sites, you can pitch your tent on the beach. Before heading out, make sure you have two copies of your camping registration printed. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Raccoon hangs are also available to keep the critters out of your food and each of the four camping areas has a privy. Just be sure to register for the program by calling the park directly and letting them know you are camping and will meet at the Visitor Center at the appropriate time. Hang your food high and out of reach of rodents, small animals, and coyotes. Directions The beach is faster and about a mile shorter by my estimation. One letter must be left on the dashboard of their car in Little Island Park, the other must be clipped to the campsite marker. Campsites at the park are in four distinct areas - Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean - which are separated by significant distances. If you started looking into False Cape yourself, the instructions probably sounded complicated. Getting There From Richmond, take I-64 east. Lat / Long: 36.5875, -75.88444. . If you want to enter from Carova beach you have to know a resident and park at their house, be a resident or rent a house. Whether you make it all the way to the border or not, head back via the beach and enjoy the quiet and views. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You cannot make a same-day reservation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The community thrived for quite a few years but was eventually abandoned around 1930 after too many heavy storms made it impossible for them to continue living off the land. Whoops! Phone: 757.426.7128, Website Little Island City Park is roughly 1.5 miles from Back Bay. The park is located in Virginia Beach and borders the North Carolina Outer Banks. I know it is complicated to camp at False Cape State Park, and it is not for everyone, but when you do you'll be able to experience this: Campers can participate in scheduled kayak programs. ran aground. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and lots of insect repellent. Those are the only ways you're going to camp here. Additional and overnight parking is available at Little Island City Park. Since the beach is blocked from Little Island City Park to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to protect nesting birds, youll need to walk down the remainder of Sandpiper Road until you reach the entrance to Back Bay. Renting a bike and cycling through Back Bay and False Cape is a common activity for tourists and locals. Additional parking and overnight parking is available at Little Island City Park. This section has the most sites in one area. Youll find people on bicycles along the trails. You cannot book a camp site online. False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and 6 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach. And when you get home from your False Cape camping adventureyou can brag to your friends that you survived False Cape State Park and are one of the hardy souls who havehad a primitive camping adventure in the park. Even then, I still got bit. Biting insects are a problem in the summer months so have lots of insect repellent. Youll note on the trail map that there are several overlooks that stem off the Sand Ridge Trail. The park can be accessed from the north on foot, bicycle, or seasonally available tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or from the south on foot or bicycle. York River State Park, About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. Privacy Policy|Disclosure|Sitemap Regardless of where youre camping, head to either the Barbour Hill Bay section or False Cape Bay section in time for sunset over the bay. Back Bay is something to be seen with its almost African like vibe on the right side of the trail and lush green on the left-hand side. These can make nice stops, but not all are well-maintained. Youll drive into Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for the Blue Goose Tram (for motor transport) or East Dike Trail (for day hiking or biking) to get into the park. Campsites are in four distinct areas of the park, and those areas are separated by significant distances. Dogs are allowed in the park, but you cannot bring them into the park through Back Bay. No matter when you visit youll be certain to glimpse snakes, frogs, turtles, osprey, ducks and seagulls. *Make sure to bring bug spray and be vigilant in keeping an eye out for ticks and venomous eastern cottonmouth snakes. Machicomoco State Park Also, print two copies of your camping. Share your review of False Cape State Park and help fellow nature-lovers make an informed decision. Here are my favorite hikes in Virginia Beach. Reservations are required to camp at False Cape. Pack clothing to be layered, for protection from the sun, and for protection from biting insects. Did we forget something? Between November 1 and March 31, there is only one option, hike the Seaside Trail to the beach. Email: No vehicular access. Bring your own water containers. It seemed perfect for a September trip. Park Of The Month False Cape Primitive Coastal Camping, Park of the Month False Cape - Primitive Coastal Camping, Park of the Month False Cape - Primitive Coastal Camping - State Parks Blogs, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. No open fires are allowed in the coastal forest or on the beach. Campsite Reservations; Campgrounds. False cape has four camping areas each containing three campsites making a total of twelve campsites in the park. This campground is closed for the season from April 9, 2023 through April 4, 2024. Its very remote. Campgrounds are clean, fair amount of bugs so bring spray, multiple drinking water locations around Barbour. Visitors to False Cape State Park are able to experience nature in a unique and primitive setting while exploring trails, picnicking, observing nature, fishing, boating, swimming and camping. A 1966 study of Virginia's outdoor recreation resources recommended that a substantial ocean beachfront be made available for public use on the Atlantic Ocean south of Virginia Beach. The park does not allow open flames (a campfire), but you can use a stove and fuel to cook. And, the refuge provides public trails and a tram for access into False Cape State Park between April 1 and October 31. The views across Spratts Cove are breathtaking. 4. The camping areas are Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean. Join Park and Refuge staff for a scenic ride to observe numerous flocks of wintering waterfowl such as Snow Geese, Tundra Swans and dozens of different waterfowl species in addition to the various other wildlife found within. To Make Reservations Call 1-800-933-PARK Location False Cape State Park Campground Photos. Remember, Virginia State Parks practices Leave No Trace principles. I camped out on the beach and it was amazing. Its a scenic ride through the wetlands. As noted above, its about four miles to the False Cape Visitor Center. Back Bay has its own hours and rules which you can read about on their website. False cape has four camping areas each containing three campsites making a total of twelve campsites in the park. We'll text you when a suitable spot opens up! Reservations are required to camp at False Cape . In my opinion, the Barbour Hill camp sites are the best, both ocean side and bay side. 757-426-7128 Visit Website False Cape State Park Virginia Beach is a must-see for all active vacationers in the area. On arrival, snap a photo of the gram-worthy Southernmost Virginia State Park buoy. The next part is the least fun portion of the trip. The park ranger who drove the tram will share the history of the Wash Woods Settlement, which had a population as large as 300 in the early 20th-century. As part of ensuring campers know what theyre getting into, campsite reservations are only done via phone, and same-day reservations are not allowed. Do not drink water from spigots that say "non-potable water." Each campsite has a tent pad that can easily fit two 2-person tents and a picnic table. No open fires are permitted but camp stoves may be used. Thanks for all the tips from parking to sites! The path (a service road, really) begins to the left of the Back Bay Visitor Center. The park is long and narrow. Dont worry though, the park will provide a lot of information to help you prepare. I was looking to stretch my wings and find some new places to explore. The wonderful staff and volunteers that answer the phones will go through all the information and help you choose a site. To Make Reservations Call 1 . Belle Isle State Park Camping is permitted year-round and campsites at the park are in four distinct areas - Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean - which are separated by significant distances. Hungry Mother State Park The TRAM departs from and returns to the *Back Bay National Wildlife RefugeParking Lot. Youll be more on your own in this section. Youll follow a trail that takes you to the Visitor Center. Be prepared for weather conditions. Wilderness Road State Park Help! Using interior trails it can be 6 to 9 miles. This Virginia park, on the Currituck Banks Peninsula between the Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is only accessible by foot, bicycle, beach transport, tram or boat. False Cape State Park, 4001 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23456. I know, its a bit restrictive. Otherwise youll have to bike or walk 15 miles up the 4WD area (Carova Beach) to get to the entrance. False Cape Beach sites are in the section with the fewest tent spots, only three. Nice isolation, wonderful clean beach, have to hike or bike minimally 4mi from Back Bay NWR to get to the park. The park can be accessed from the north on foot, bicycle, or seasonally available tram through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or from the south on foot or bicycle. The wildlife management area covers over 5,000 acres of mostly marsh but the aforementioned small beaches making paddle camping possible. Sailors Creek Battlefield Historic State Park, Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park. False Cape State Park is located at 4001 Sandpiper Road Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Required fields are marked *. The tram provides a round-trip ride and is not available for overnight guests. This notifies the city park staff youre not missing and prevents them from towing your car. You can check times on the Little Island City Park website. Marine debris and trash are a serious problem for marine life and shore birds. These were my least favorite camp sites. False Cape is open every day from dawn until dusk. False Cape State Park includes hiking and biking trails, a visitors' center, environmental educational and primitive camping facilities. All camp sites have a picnic table and a lantern post. Atlantic Ocean. Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks camping, Arapaho Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee Ng camping. Ticks, snakes, and insects may feast on your feet. We can help! There is no shade as you hike along the beach or the internal trails of Back Bay. Its now one of my favorite places to go backpacking in the southeast. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Thats by spending the night in a camp site at one of four primitive campgrounds in the state park. Pit toilets are also available for your comfort. Lake Anna State Park It is a large two story air-conditioned facility that has bunk beds for 26 people. There's no vehicular access . 7. From April to Memorial Day and from Labor Day through October, the tram runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There'sa very good reason False Cape State Park is one of the least visited of all Virginia State Parks. Grayson Highlands State Park Call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK to book your camping reservation. Use the fields below to create a notification alert. False Cape State Park has a total of 15.3 miles of trails for hiking, biking and taking self-guided and guided tours. There is also a $5/car fee to enter Back Bay. From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Sky Meadows State Park Both lead to entrances, and only one is open at a time. Check out the Trail Finder feature or send Erin a message. . Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. *If staying overnight Be sure to leave a copy of your confirmation letter on your dashboard*. Call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK to book your camping reservation. There is no parking on the North Carolina side at all. False cape has four camping areas each containing three campsites making a total of twelve campsites in the park.