False Cape State Park provides the primary primitive camping option in the vicinity of Duck, North Carolina. The park's remote location requires significant planning as all campers must travel 5-7 miles from the nearest parking area at Little Island Park through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. The journey can be made via hiking, biking, or boat, with no vehicle access permitted to the campground areas. Seasonal considerations are critical, as summer brings intense heat, humidity, and biting insects while winter offers solitude with cooler temperatures.
What to do
Saltwater fishing: At False Cape State Park Campground, anglers can fish directly from the beach with minimal competition. "The saltwater fishing in the area was great. My cousin even caught a few baby sharks," notes camper Sam M., highlighting the diverse catch potential.
Wildlife photography: The remote setting creates exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities not typically found at more accessible beaches. "Wildlife is in great abundance. Shorebirds and waterfowl with the setting or rising sun make for beautiful pictures!" shares Julie A., who frequently visited the park.
Historical exploration: Several hiking trails lead to historical sites within park boundaries. "We saw an old graveyard and church steeple at Wash Woods, that's definitely worth the hike. We walked to the North Carolina border. There's a Loveworks and a buoy that marks the southernmost Virginia State Park," reports Katie M. after logging over 30 miles of hiking during her weekend stay.
What campers like
Beach solitude: The effort required to reach tent campsites near Duck, North Carolina creates an uncrowded environment even during peak periods. "Really there wasn't hardly anyone else out there, so it felt like we had our own private beach," writes Sam M., emphasizing the contrast with typical beach destinations.
Dual camping options: Oceanside campers receive access to two distinct sites. "What we didn't know when we made reservations here is that you actually have two sites to choose from at this campground. There is the #12 in the live oaks site and then is you walk a short distance to the Beach, you have a designated #12 spot on the beach that you can choose to camp at as well!" explains Katie M.
Consistent tranquility: The restricted access ensures peaceful camping conditions year-round. Tim R. notes that "Even on the fourth of July weekend, with every campsite booked, this place was quiet and felt very removed from the beaches several miles north in Virginia Beach."
What you should know
Access restrictions: Planning for entry through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge requires understanding specific regulations. "Pets are allowed, but they are not allowed through Black Bay. You either have to bring them in via boat, or coming up south from North Carolina," explains Tim R., highlighting an important consideration for pet owners seeking tent camping options near Duck, North Carolina.
Water management: Limited access means careful planning for hydration, especially during warmer months. Jesse S. advises, "Bring plenty of water for hike in during summer, hardly any shade hiking in," while another camper describes bringing "a collapsible 5 gallon jug that I had to ride back to the visitors center (about 2 miles from our campsite) to fill up."
Wildlife precautions: The natural environment includes potential hazards requiring awareness. "Snakes can get pretty bad along the right trail starting from the parking lot in Back Bay down near the fishing pond so watch your step. We usually stomp our feet and the vibrations make them move off of the trail," suggests Julie A.
Tips for camping with families
Transportation strategies: Families with young children can successfully navigate the challenging access. "We're both in good shape, and on bike we made the trek in less than an hour. I rode my mountain bike, and my wife road her hybrid commuter bike without issue. We brought a collapsible 5 gallon jug that I had to ride back to the visitors center," shares Tim R., who brought his 9-month-old and 2-year-old children.
Kid-friendly environment: The natural setting provides built-in entertainment for children. Stephanie J. found the experience "exceptionally kid-friendly as there is plenty of sand for kids to play in right at the campsite, and there are very few hazards for small children aside from the ocean itself."
Trailer logistics: Bike trailers can accommodate both children and gear for the journey. "My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear. The kids loved riding through Back Bay," explains Stephanie J., who successfully camped with 2 and 4-year-old children.
Tips from RVers
Not RV compatible: The primitive tent-only camping near Duck, North Carolina does not accommodate recreational vehicles of any size. The access restrictions through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge make RV camping impossible at False Cape State Park, requiring RV users to seek alternatives further from Duck.
