If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Elizabeth City, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Elizabeth City with tent camping. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Elizabeth City's most popular destinations.
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.)
$20 / night
$30 - $100 / night
Guide
Spent a hot & humid week here tent camping. Tent sites are packed in close among live oaks- lending towards a mystical experience, weather depending. RV/camper sites a tight as well. Beach is within walking distance and located near the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Definitely recommend taking a short drive over to The Narrows, also part of First Landing State Park, for a change of scenery.
Guide
North Landing has had quite the facelift since our first visit in 2015. Tons of cottages have replaced the coveted waterfront tent sites. Several configurations are offered including studio, one and two-bedroom. RV sites range include water, electric, pull-through and full amenities. There is a large outdoor entertaining pavilion as well as a smaller, indoor event space with full kitchen. There Is a very nice workout room and a bIllIards room adjacent. A decent-sized pool with outdoor shower, a newly-constructed hot tub, miniature golf, basketball, horseshoes, pickle ball, and playground round off the outdoor fun. Unfortunately, as of this writing, they have decided to eliminate tent camping, which will deter quite a few campers.
GuideUpdated after a second trip (August 2020) This campground is generally really lovely, lots of trees, good Chesapeake beach access, but not very well designed for tent camping. Some of the sites are as I observed on our first trip, but all are not created equal. A lot of them are small and close to the camp road and run right into each other (no privacy) and lack sufficient flat space to pitch two tents. So many of the camper/RV sites have lots of flat private space behind where the RV would be parked, which would be great for pitching tents. The map is not to scale; sites 130, 132, and 133 back on to site 84, for example. Site 83 backs on to site 93, which in turn is open to 94. These three would be nice for a large group camping together. The sites on the east side of the campground back right on to the boundary fence of the neighboring military base (barbed wire fence). Restroom capacity (in COVID times) is supposedly limited to the safe number of 10, but 10 would be way too many. Four stalls and three sinks do not work out to 360+ square feet of space.
Initial review (August 2019) The tent sites at this campground were gorgeous. Deep and private-feeling and well shaded. But so close to the road. I saw the map that clearly indicates Shore Drive running alongside the campground and I thought, “It can’t be that close!” But it is. Four lanes of 55mph traffic running within 25 yards of all the tent sites on the south side of the campground.
We had such a fun time, despite the noise and lack of sleep, that we will almost certainly go back, but will definitely book one of the interior loop sites or maybe even one of the 20’ camper sites instead. Additional points: multiple daily nature programs for all ages in summer, really helpful staff, but the “camp store” doesn’t sell many camp supplies or groceries except ice and firewood.
Traveler
I went tent camping and fishing in the sound they have much to offer. Enjoyed a nice night with a buddy. Polite people and not loud.
Scout
Its nothing fancy. Good place for a natture hike, campfire amd one night tent camping. Plan on bringing your own water as there isn’t always running water (not sure why).
Guide
Went to VA Beach on a whim with no lodging reserved, and saw the sign for this campground on our way out to Sandbridge Beach. We were able to get a campsite here, at a good price, very last minute on a Friday night in June. Check in was quick, friendly, and we were escorted to our site (how nice!). The tent sites are along a waterway to a boat ramp so in the morning boats will go by, otherwise very peaceful and quiet all night. There's a cool little pavilion close to the tent sites with picnic tables. All in all a very good experience!
Scout
Great campground. Very quiet and each tent site is very far from one another. You could have music or a generator going and not disturb your neighbor
TravelerThe campsites were ok. easy to get to. I wouldn’t recommend tent camping in the middle of summer - my husband and i both got sick. The beach was nice and quiet, and the water wasn’t too cold. overall, decent for the price.
GuideAlways love camping here. Try to get as close to the beach as possible, even tent camping. Bath houses are nice, they now have a shuttle that will take you to the strip in Virginia Beach, very inexpensively, great interpretive programs, and of course, the beach!
Traveler
There were a lot of child friendly activities to do here. It’s about 40 mins from the beach. We tent camped and had a blast. The showers were nice and the bathrooms were very clean. The camp store is great. It has ice cream, which my kids loved. Would definitely go again
TravelerFor the price this is a great location - not too far from the beach and the many other attractions in the area. It’s nice for families with really little kids as it’s on the Bay-side, with calmer water, or it’s only minutes from the ocean side. They also have some really pretty campsites, even for tent camping.
Guide
HTP is the closest commrcial campground to the Virginia Beach oceanfront & boardwalk as you can get. This place is huge, has Super Sites, FHU sites, tent sites. They also host an array of musical events through out the summer, 4 swimming pools, game room etc…
GuideThis camp is wonderful but the tent sites are too close to the road. I wish there was a thicker tree line. It didn’t really have the serene setting I was looking for and it’s almost always booked up! I suggest it to beach lovers and beginner hikers.
Traveler
The camp grounds have RV sites and cabins but no tent camping. We have stayed several times as my son and his family live in the area. The staff is very accommodating and friendly. There are no amenities in the fall and winter but in the summer there is a lake with a swimming area and a snack bar. The fishing is year round.
Scout
We camped in the State campground at Pettigrew State Park. It is a small campground with just a few camp sites. We usually overnight there on the way to the NPS campgrounds on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, though it is nice enough to justify a stay if you find yourself in the area. We visited in March, so insects were not a problem, though your experience may be different if you visit during the warmer months, as much of the area surrounding Lake Phelps is cypress swamp.
I little about the campground amenities: it is modest and good for tent camping. Though there is room for RVs, there aren't electrical and water hookups, though most who were there were in RVs. Each site has a fire ring with a grill and firewood is available for a nominal fee. There is a bathhouse with toilet and shower facilities.
The natural beauty is worth the visit. From the campground it is an easy walk to the lake. We were able to see an impressive sunset from the lake shore. There is an out and back 1.5 mile trail, for a total of 3 miles, that follows the lake, taking you through the Somerset Place State Historic Site. The walk passes through the swamp with many large cypress and sycamore trees. At the end of the trail is a walkway to the lake along an irrigation canal.
ScoutNice area on the beach. Only issue is that you can hear the traffic passing on the main road...
Has ability to select your spot, which is nice because you can see how crowded and opt for a far off location.
Tent sites are large & comfy.
Access to plenty of water, showers, beach and shorter hikes. Nice place to chill for a bit
TravelerOur campsite looked super small at first, but then we moved the picnic table a bit to the side, and it was big enough for my 10 person tent. (Site 54)
Other than that, the water supply was right there on our site, and we had a lot of people come over to use it, but it was super convenient or us anyway. We left our tent alone ALL the time and nothing at all went wrong! I would definitely go here again, and plan on it next year for sure!
Traveler
This is our home base camping resort. It’s a deeded membership that allows for 14 day stays with a single deed. We’ve stayed a few times prior to owning with friends who sponsored us. There are both paved and unpaved sites with full hookups, and tent sites that feature water and electricity. Bath houses throughout property, and a laundry, community center, two pools, a large pavilion and ball court. We love having play areas for the kids and a dog park for our fluffy kid.
TravelerThis is an excellent campground with large tent sites that you feel almost as if your the only one camping even when the campground is full. There are multiple points of entry to a beautiful well cared for beach. The park offers a trolley ride for 4.50 a day to the main beach front in Virginia Beach. Camp store is well stocked and is run by an outstanding staff. FT Story is very close so you will hear the Star Spangled Banner at 8am every morning and occasionally you will here helicopters doing night exercises.
LegendOur site (99) ended up being accidentally pull through (I don’t think it was intended to be) but wasn’t level. It seems like it was meant to be a tent site as it had a level tent pad in the back. We were able to get everything on it and were right across from the bath house and a short walk from the beach.
Only major downside was that there were some loud drunks across from us, right next to the host, and they were obnoxious and foul mouthed late into the night. However it was Memorial Day weekend so I half expected it 😔
Traveler
I love this little place in Elizabeth City. There is a little tiny beach nearby & it provides a beautiful view in during sunrise/sunset. There is not much else to do in the area but it is about an hour drive to the OBX so not too bad. I would suggest visiting at least once.
Traveler
We spent 2 night at North River in August to attend Coast Guard Day in Elizabeth City. I was pleasantly surprised how nice and clean the facility was. I was expecting in the Dogs Day of August to be buggy, but place was wonder and I want to return again the fall when it is cooler.
GuideStayed here for a few nights. The sites vary widely in size and access so make sure you know where you are staying. We had great dune side site right next to a boardwalk to get out to the beach. Be careful of the tent sites, while many were under the cool and unique trees, others were partially flooded due to rain and time of year. The trail system across the road that is also part of the park is extensive and offers lots to do. Be mindful that if your site is not on the road that runs along the beach side you will likely have a good amount of road noise. You want to be picky about your site.
ScoutI have stayed at this campground countless times for years! They have bathrooms/shower houses that look like they belong in 5 star hotels! A huge game room, 4 or 5 swimming pools, with one pool having a stage for live bands while people are swimming at night. They have a trolley that takes you to the Virginia Beach oceanfront and back so that once you're set up for camping, you don't have to drive at all. And if you choose to drive, you get to park in a designated parking lot near the beach for no extra charge. They have 2 awesome camp stores, cabins and amazing tent sites! They continuously have events going on at the campground for all ages. The USO Patriotic Festival the first weekend of June every year is the ultimate time! Best camp ground in the southeast!
GuideThe 12 trips in 12 months’ progress well. February’s outing was Merchants Mill Pond. What a great place. It probably helps that the bath house had just been redone with fresh paint. But that wasn’t the only thing. The park staff was friendly and the camp sites are nice and spaced well apart. Each site had a fire pit, tent site and picnic table. I am not sure that all the tent spaces were leveled, but if you pay attention when you set your tent up you should be fine.
I happened to be a glorious weekend in February and the temperatures were good enough for a hike in shorts and tee shirts. The trails were well maintained and it was a day well spent on the Lassiter Trail. The park also rents kayaks and there are marked water trails as well. Next trip will include a boat ride and a search for alligators (from a safe distance).
Good hikes, good campground and evenings by the campfire. Definitely on the places to return to list.
TravelerWe used to be VA Beach Oceanfront partners, but now with three small kids that side of the city has become really hard for us. We tried first landing this year with the camper and LOVED it. We were booked for four night but were evacuated today because of the hurricane, spent three nights total and we already plan on booking at least a week next year. The beach is CALM and uncrowded. Tons of wildlife, lots of hiking opportunities, but when you decide you want to have someone else cook you a meal, the strip is a 10 min drive and many places offer free valet parking if you dine there.
There is laundry on site, lots of space between sites (massive tent sites, RV sites are all separated by trees and shrubbery) and a store with ample supplies. Bring newspaper for campfires, they sell wood but no newspapers.
GuideWe went here on our honeymoon and had the best time! The tent sites are mostly succluded with woods around you. The campground is right down the shore from Virginia beach. And you have beach access right in the campground so you don't have to worry about fighting the crowds at the beach, because it's mostly people swimming there from the campground. The facilities are very clean. The park rangers close the bathrooms and showers once a day to clean them! Cleanest camp ground I've been to so far. The staff and Rangers are very friendly. They also have a general store on site incase you need ice or any other necessities. Across the street is a learning center and a bunch of hiking trails. We hiked some and the trails were great. Some of the trails leaded you over marsh and through woods great activity while you are camping there! I love this place and can't wait to go back!
Tent camping near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elizabeth City, NC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elizabeth City, NC is False Cape State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.
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