Best Tent Camping near Kill Devil Hills, NC
The coastal region near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina offers tent campers access to pristine beach camping experiences, with False Cape State Park Campground being a notable option approximately 30 miles north in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This primitive tent campground sits along the Atlantic coastline and requires significant effort to access, creating a secluded tent camping experience away from typical tourist areas. The park features both oceanside and bayside tent campsites, allowing campers to choose between sites tucked among live oak trees or directly on the beach.
Tent campers must prepare for a substantial hike or bike journey to reach the campground. Access requires a 5-7 mile trek through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge from Little Island Park parking lot, where overnight vehicles must remain. The tent-only sites feature basic amenities including picnic tables, drinking water stations, and pit toilets. No campfires are permitted, though small camping stoves are allowed. Sites are set on either soft sand or among trees, with some offering hooks for hanging food and trash. Summer temperatures typically range from 60s at night to 80s during the day, with insects requiring proper protection.
Primitive tent camping at False Cape provides exceptional solitude compared to other coastal camping options. According to reviews, even during holiday weekends when fully booked, the campground remains quiet and uncrowded. One camper noted that "even with every campsite booked, this place was quiet and felt very removed from the beaches several miles north." The unique dual-site system allows tent campers with oceanside reservations to choose between a sheltered forest site or a designated beach location for the same reservation. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers regularly spotting dolphins, shorebirds, and crabs. Backcountry tent camping enthusiasts appreciate the extensive trail network for day hiking, with routes leading to historical landmarks and the North Carolina border.