Within False Cape State Park, this primitive campground sits at the end of a 5 to 9-mile trek through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, accessible only on foot or by bicycle. The walk-in access creates an uncommon camping environment where RVs cannot reach and crowds remain minimal even during peak summer weekends.
Campers choose between two distinct camping areas: Barbour Hill sites tucked among live oak trees or oceanside locations where tents can be pitched directly on the beach sand. Site 12 exemplifies this dual option system, offering both a secluded spot in the trees with picnic table and hook for hanging food, plus a designated beach camping area steps from the Atlantic surf. Katie M. found the setup "awesome" for experiencing both environments during a single stay.
The 6 to 9-mile approach deters casual visitors, leaving beach stretches largely empty for fishing and wildlife observation. "All other campers we met were quiet and friendly," notes Tim R., who biked in with young children during a fully booked July 4th weekend. Dolphins appear offshore regularly, while crabs populate the shoreline and ospreys fish in nearby waters. The park's location on the Virginia-North Carolina border provides access to historical sites including the Wash Woods cemetery and church ruins.
Campers must carry all gear and water for the multi-mile journey, though the visitor center offers cold drinks, restrooms, and basic supplies. The facility stays open year-round at $21 per night with advance reservations available. Bug spray proves essential during warmer months, and small camping stoves replace traditional campfires under park regulations.
For those seeking alternatives with vehicle access, Virginia Beach RV Resort provides full hookups several miles north. False Cape rewards the effort with an uncommon coastal camping experience where ocean sunrises and empty beaches define the daily rhythm.
Description
Primitive camping year-round. No cabins. The park does not offer same-day reservations. For information on the availability of overnight accommodations and particular amenities or to make a reservation, call (800) 933-PARK.
All campers must receive their confirmation letter and information packet before camping at this park. Carefully and thoroughly read the information you receive. False Cape is unusual and can be unpleasant for those who are unprepared. The packet is generally sent via email, but if you need it sent by postal mail, be sure to allow enough time to receive it. No exceptions. All overnight guests must bring two copies of their confirmation letter. One must be placed on the dashboard of their vehicle; the other clipped to the site marker.
Because False Cape is very primitive and has unusually restrictive access, reservations are not available online. For safety's sake, please take the time to carefully read and follow the information below.
Parking is never available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge for overnight guests. Campers must instead park at the Little Island City Park, leave a copy of their confirmation letter on the dashboard, and walk from five to nine miles through Back Bay Refuge to the park’s campsites. Pets are not allowed access to the park through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. See below for more information. Beach camping is subject to tides. During significant high tide events, the park may close the campsites. All park guests are subject to Back Bay Refuge and Little Island City Park's 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. They are very common. Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach - the place from which most visitors depart to False Cape - is closed on New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, at noon the day prior to Thanksgiving Day, on Thanksgiving Day, at noon on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. On days when the lot is closed, False Cape staff will meet incoming and outgoing campers at 1 p.m. sharp to let current campers depart and incoming campers enter with enough time to hike, bike and set up camp before nightfall (about 5 p.m.)
Reservation Info
Camping is permitted year-round, but reservations are required. Same-day reservations aren't taken for False Cape. 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. For camping information, contact the Customer Service Center at 1-800-933-7275.
The park accommodates tents-only primitive camping. Drinking water is available at three locations in the Barbour Hill area (one by the contact station and two in the camping areas). False Cape Landing campers must bring their own containers to transport water from the water source. Water that's adequate for washing dishes but not for drinking is available in the False Cape Landing area. There are several pit (i.e., non-flushing) toilets. Open fires are not permitted; camp stoves may be used for cooking. Carry everything in and everything out.
Campers should also be aware that groups of 10 or must get a special-use permit from the refuge at least two weeks in advance of their trip. There's no vehicular access to this park. Passage by foot or bicycle only, and only during daylight hours, is allowed through the refuge. Vehicular access through the refuge and False Cape State Park is prohibited, and violators will be prosecuted for trespassing.
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
No cars are allowed through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge nor False Cape State Park. Violators will be prosecuted for trespassing. There is absolutely no vehicular access to this park. No pets are permitted within Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge at any time. This includes the interior dike trails and the beach. Access to False Cape with a pet is by boat or from the North Carolina entrances only. Federal and state rules are strictly enforced at this natural area.
Groups of 12 or more people must reserve sites 10,11and 12 only. No exceptions. If sites 10-12 are not available the group must reserve at a time when those sites are available. Visitors who violate this rule will be fined and/or ticketed by law enforcement. Sites 10-12 allow a maximum of six people per campsite.
Little Island City Park to Barbour Hill contact station, 6.2 miles; Little Island City Park to Barbour Hill Bay or ocean sites, 6.9 miles; Little Island City Park to False Cape Landing bay sites, 8.7 miles; Little Island City Park to False Cape ocean sites, 8.95 miles
False Cape State Park does not allow same-day reservations.
Cancellations must be made by calling the Park or Customer Service Center by the day prior to your reservation. Cancellations can also be made online for most sites. If you choose to cancel your reservation, the reservation service fee will not be refunded and, once a reservation is paid for, a cancellation fee will be charged. Depending on the facility and/or the length of the advance notice, this fee may be a significant portion of the amount paid. Cancellation fees are as follows:
Standard campsites (up to 6 occupants): $10 per reservation, includes horse stalls.
Group campsites (sites that allow 7 or more occupants): $30 per reservation
Camping Cabins: $10 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $10 per night within the last 30 days.
Yurts and Bunkhouses: $30 if cancelled more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last month.
Cabins and Kiptopeke's EW Yurt: $30 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $30 per night within the last 90 days.
Lodges: $60 if canceled more than 90 days before the scheduled arrival, $60 per night with the last 90 days.
Picnic Shelters: $10 up to 14 days prior to the start of the reservation, no refund within 14 days of the scheduled arrival.
Please verify cancellation fees for other facilities on our website before making your reservation. Once the official check-in time is reached or after a customer checks in (whichever comes first), any reduced stay constitutes an early departure. For camping there is a one night penalty for early departure. For cabin stays, there is a $30 per night penalty ($60 per lodge night) for early departure and the two night minimum is enforced regardless. Due to the week discount for cabins, reducing the stay down from a week will result in a higher nightly fee.
Transfers can be handled by the Customer Service Center or online (most sites). For cabins, lodges, yurts, camping cabins, and bunkhouses, transfers can be requested up until 4 days prior to your reservation start date. Camping transfers can be handled up until the day prior to check-in. Shelter transfers can be handled up until the day before your reservation, or the last day the Customer Service Center is open before your arrival. All transfers are free, but different seasons and sites may incur additional fees.
Our parks are strictly enforcing honor parking rules. To avoid any inconvenience, overnight guests who arrive when the contact station or office is closed are asked to register promptly the next day so park staff will not ticket your vehicle(s) in error. Campers and cabin guests are allowed two vehicles per site. Additional vehicles and visitors are subject to the daily parking fee. If you receive a parking ticket in error, please be sure to report the error to park staff immediately so the ticket can be canceled before it is processed.
Notice for Campers and Cabin Guests:
We're hiring! dcr.virginia.gov/jobs
Linens are not provided, so guests will need to bring their own sheets, pillowcases, blankets, towels, washcloths and dish towels.
Portable showers that do not drain to wastewater storage tanks are prohibited by state law. Collected wastewater must be disposed of properly.
There is a per night per pet fee for cats and dogs in all cabins and lodges (pets are not allowed in the yurts). Customers making reservations via the web are responsible for visiting the park office to pay all applicable pet fees. Customers may also call the reservation center at 800-933-7275 to pay the pet fees in advance.
Play it safe - Leave your firewood at home.
One of the most important things we can do to protect Virginia's trees and forest diversity is to stop moving firewood. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often first found in campgrounds and parks. Why? Because people have accidently spread invasive species when they brought firewood along with them. In Virginia, there are numerous counties under quarantines issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to an invasive insect pest or disease. These quarantines restrict the movement of firewood or wood by products from certain tree species. For more information on areas under quarantine, go to http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/firewood-quarantine. Virginia State Parks recommends that you do not bring firewood from home but buy it at the park or in the parks locality. Any wood brought to the park should be fully burned before leaving.
Late Cabin/Lodge/Yurt/Camping Cabin/Bunkhouse Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your last name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center or park office. Claytor Lake and First Landing will leave your packet at the cabin. Your last 4 digits of your confirmation number will be your access code. Please take your confirmation letter with you.
Late Camping Arrivals:
A sealed packet of information with your name will be left for you. This packet will be at one of the following places: contact station, visitor center, park office or the campground camp host site. Please take your confirmation letter with you. If you have a site specific reservation please look for your site highlighted by the yellow post along with your site number. If you have a non-site specific reservation please look for your site type to set up your equipment.
False Cape State Park does not allow same-day reservations.
The renter is responsible for any damages or excess cleaning created during their visit. The renter agrees to being charged the full cost to cover such damages and / or excess cleaning. A letter will be mailed giving details of the damages / cleaning and break down of the cost involved to rectify the problem. Should a credit card be on file, it will be charged. If not, an invoice will be included with the letter for immediate payment.
Guarded lake swimming is generally available at the designated swimming beach during scheduled hours between the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. One day of swimming is free for each night reserved for overnight guests. During this time period the weather and other issues beyond our control may reduce the availability of guarded swimming. No refunds will be given if guarded swimming is not available. Outside of guarded swimming times, park guests may swim at the designated beach within marked areas. Swimmers using these areas do so at their own risk. Swimming anywhere else in the park at any time is prohibited.
Reservations only guarantee the facility or site being rented. Programs and park amenities may be cancelled or closed for various reasons and do not constitute a refund.
Pursuant to the Code of Virginia, all open fires (including wood and charcoal) are prohibited between February 15 and April 30 annually (except between the hours of 4PM to midnight). Camping stoves that are self-contained are permitted (ex. Coleman Stove). We have received permission from the Department of Forestry to allow open fires between midnight and 4 p.m. in our campgrounds if we have a camphost. Failure to observe the burning law could result in a fine of up to $500.00.
As part of your trip planning, before you arrive at the park, check out our events database to see the programs scheduled at your park. You can find the database here: http://bit.ly/vspevents. The events are sometimes added as late as the start of the month they will occur, so check back right before you leave. Another way to keep in touch with programs and offerings is to subscribe to our weekly enewsletter. It takes just a few minutes to sign up here: http://bit.ly/vspenews. You can also follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/virginiastateparks) and Twitter (@VAStateParks).
Campers cannot be assured of access to reserved sites before 4 p.m. on their arrival date, but early check-in is often available. Camping check-out is 1 p.m. Generators are not permitted in the campgrounds.
Cabin/Lodge/Camping Cabin/Camping Lodge/Trailer/Yurt check in time is 4:00 p.m. Check out is 10:00 a.m.
State law prohibits state employees from accepting gratuities. If you are so inclined, you may direct gifts or donations to: The State Park Projects Fund, c/o The Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 E. Main St., 16th Floor; Richmond, VA 23219. These funds will be used for the development, maintenance, and operation of Virginia State Parks.
Customer satisfaction is a priority with State Parks and our Reservation Center. Please feel free to call the Operations Director, Nancy Heltman, with your compliments or concerns regarding your treatment by our staff. Nancy can be reached at 1-800-933-7275 (786-5057 if local Richmond). For changes to your reservation, please call 1-800-933-7275 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Please tell us what you think. Fill out our online survey for your chance to win a $50 gift certificate and other prizes in our monthly drawing. http://bit.ly/surveyvsp
Virginia State Parks offer numerous opportunities for volunteers. If you are interested, please contact vspvolunteer@dcr.virginia.gov.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundFalse Cape State Park Campground is located in Virginia
Directions
From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge
Address
4001 Sandpiper Road
Virginia Beach, VA 234564347
Coordinates
36.6208055279622 N
75.9087816712416 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
