False Cape State Park Campground requires a challenging 5-7 mile trek from the Little Island Park parking lot, with no direct vehicle access possible. Campers must hike or bike in through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge along Virginia's southern coastline. This restricted access creates an uncommon coastal camping experience where visitors won't encounter RVs or large crowds. Summer temperatures typically range from 80s during day to 60s at night with moderate humidity.
What to do
Wildlife watching opportunities: False Cape State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing with numerous species visible from campsites. "We saw dolphins playing in the ocean! The beach alive with crabs! Osprey catching fish!" notes Katie M. who documented over 30 miles of hiking during a weekend stay.
Beach fishing: The coastline offers productive saltwater fishing options for anglers. According to Sam M., "the saltwater fishing in the area was great. My cousin even caught a few baby sharks." The remote nature of the beach means significantly less competition for prime fishing spots compared to more accessible coastal areas.
Historical exploration: Several trails within False Cape State Park Campground lead to historical landmarks worth exploring. "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," shares Katie M.
What campers like
Beach camping options: Oceanside campsites at False Cape offer a unique dual camping system. Tim R. explains: "If you camp on the ocean side, you are permitted to set up your tent on the shore (in a designated strip) as long as you let them know at the visitors center." This flexibility allows campers to adjust to weather conditions.
Abundant wildlife sightings: The relatively undisturbed habitat supports diverse wildlife. Julie A. reports, "Wildlife is in great abundance. Shorebirds and waterfowl with the setting or rising sun make for beautiful pictures!" The park's limited access contributes to wildlife preservation.
Trail variety: False Cape State Park features multiple hiking trails beyond the access routes. "There's tons of hiking, interesting things to see, beautiful nature," according to Katie M. Trails connect various ecosystems and historical sites throughout the park, allowing for multiple days of exploration.
What you should know
Access restrictions: No direct vehicle access exists to the campground. Jesse S. advises, "have to hike or bike minimally 4mi from Back Bay NWR to get to the park. Bring plenty of water for hike in during summer, hardly any shade hiking in."
Bug preparation essential: Insects can be problematic, particularly during warm months. Stephanie J. warns, "Bring bug spray—we went in May and the bugs were already overwhelming—including many, many ticks." Most reviews mention insects as the primary challenge of camping in this location.
Limited amenities: False Cape State Park Campground provides basic facilities only. Jesse S. notes, "Campgrounds are clean, fair amount of bugs so bring spray, multiple drinking water locations around Barbour Hill Bay and Ocean Side." Campers should pack all necessary supplies, though the visitor center does offer cold drinks and ice cream.
Tips for camping with families
Bike transportation: Families with young children can use bicycle trailers for transport. Stephanie J. reports success with this approach: "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."
Kid-friendly environment: Despite the remote location, False Cape State Park works well for children. "This was 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," notes Stephanie J.
Water planning: Families need to carefully consider water needs. Tim R. explains his solution: "We brought a collapsible 5 gallon jug that I had to ride back to the visitors center (about 2 miles from our campsite) to fill up."
Tips from RVers
No RV access: False Cape State Park Campground does not accommodate RVs due to access restrictions. Sam M. notes the benefit of this limitation: "This was a great way to get away from civilization for a bit and enjoy the beach. Definitely better than going to a touristy beach town."
Visitor center amenities: Though not RV-friendly, the park does offer limited amenities at its visitor center. Tim R. describes it as "a great spot to stop and rest for a while. It is air conditioned, and they have a small gift shop with cold drinks and ice cream available."
Pet restrictions: For those traveling with pets, Tim R. shares important information: "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."
