Tent campsites near Powells Point, North Carolina are accessible throughout the year due to the region's mild coastal climate. The Outer Banks area features a mix of maritime forest and coastal terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 10 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with high humidity, while winter camping sees temperatures averaging 40-55°F with strong Atlantic winds.
What to do
Kayaking and wildlife viewing: False Cape State Park offers extensive paddling opportunities through Back Bay's wetlands where campers can spot diverse shorebirds. "Wildlife is in great abundance. Shorebirds and waterfowl with the setting or rising sun make for beautiful pictures," notes Julie A., who frequently kayaked at False Cape.
Shoreline exploration: Walk the border between states at Virginia's southernmost point. "We walked to the North Carolina border. There's a Loveworks and a buoy that marks the southernmost Virginia State Park," mentions Katie M., who documented hiking over 30 miles during a weekend trip to the area.
Sunset photography: Capture remarkable Atlantic sunsets from beach campsites. Sam M. describes the experience: "The most stunning part was definitely the sunsets. No two looked the same... Nothing better than a beach sunset. Plus there are a ton of different types of birds out there if you like wildlife."
What campers like
Remote beach access: Campers appreciate having minimal crowds even during peak season. "Really there wasn't hardly anyone else out there, so it felt like we had our own private beach... 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," reports Sam M. after visiting False Cape.
Multi-site options: Each reservation at False Cape provides two potential camping locations. "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 if 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!"
Fishing opportunities: Saltwater fishing directly from camp provides unique angling opportunities. "The saltwater fishing in the area was great. My cousin even caught a few baby sharks," shares Sam M. about his camping experience.
What you should know
Access challenges: The journey to False Cape requires substantial preparation. "We hiked in on the East Dike trail through Back Bay, about 5.4 miles, with everything for the weekend on our backs. The trail is a rock/gravel road, probably more suited to bikes as it was pretty hard on our feet," explains Katie M. from her experience at False Cape State Park Campground.
Water logistics: Plan water needs carefully, especially during summer months. "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," reports Tim R., who visited with his family on Fourth of July weekend.
Seasonal pest considerations: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. "Bring bug spray--we went in May and the bugs were already overwhelming--including many, many ticks," warns Stephanie J., who camped with young children.
Tips for camping with families
Child transportation: Bike trailers work well for bringing young children to remote sites. "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 rode 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. from his experience at False Cape State Park.
Child-friendly environment: The natural beach setting provides built-in entertainment. "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," explains Stephanie J., who camped with 2 and 4-year-old children.
Pack light but adequately: Minimize gear while ensuring essentials for children. "We took our 9 month old and 2 year old children. We towed them in a trailer and they loved their time at the beach," adds Tim R. about managing the challenging hike with young children.
Tips from RVers
No vehicle access: False Cape does not accommodate RVs or vehicles of any kind. "The park is a serene oasis away from traffic, no RV's, not a lot of people," explains one camper, highlighting the tent-only nature of these remote sites.
Alternative camping setups: Some campers use bike trailers to transport gear typically used with vehicles. "My husband and I each hooked a trailer to our bikes, and I towed the kids and he towed our gear," explains Stephanie J., describing how they managed camping gear typically associated with car camping.
