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You could say we saved the hardest for last. No vehicles are allowed into this unique park. Since we were doing our own camping version of Trail Quest, this park was going to be the most adventurous in our minds. However, for those planning a day visit to False Cape State Park and taking the guided tram ride into the park, the experience is quite different. But I highly recommend camping here. There is so much to explore in this secluded gem just north of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. And the 7 to 8-mile trek into the park through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, along with the primitive camping tucked into the coastal live oaks or on the beach, is incredibly rewarding!
We chose to bikepack this trip, and that is definitely the way to go! I'm very thankful that we did not get rid of the bike trailer I used to pull my kids in when they were a fraction of the size they are now. It was the perfect way to transport camping gear for our family of four. While we did not have ideal weather the entire weekend, the rain did hold off enough for a full day of exploration on Saturday.
And for our Master Hiker ceremony! We did it. What a way to end a 7-year journey of visiting all 43 state parks (as of September 2025) and camping at all 28 parks with campgrounds (besides the couple that only offer group camping or paddle-in camping). Check out my article on the Virginia State Parks blog: 10 ways to take on the Trail Quest challenge. Ranger Nathan presented us with our certificates, medallions, and pins, and gifted us with so much fascinating information about the area. It was truly a special last stop on our journey.
Tips:
Read all of the camping instructions before heading to this park! False Cape is very different from the other parks. There is a reason why you must call and make your reservation, rather than book it online.
Bring bug spray. There may be seasons where the flies and mosquitoes are worse, but we were told that it can really vary from day to day, sometimes hour to hour. We shared our bug spray with other campers who did not bring any. It is definitely a must.
Bikepack it. You can backpack it and hike in, but since the trails are wide and flat, it's perfect for biking. The trip in is much faster on two wheels, allowing for more time to explore the park. Bring extra bike tubes. The visitor center does not carry bike tubes; however, there is a bike repair station.
Be prepared to pay a parking fee via an app for overnight parking in the Little Island City Parking in Sandbridge, right outside the wildlife refuge.
Pay attention to the sign in Back Bay where the trail splits. There is an East Dike and a West Dike, and only one is open at a time. Don't waste time and energy like we did and arrive at a closed gate, and have to turn around.
Be prepared for no campfires. Open flames are not permitted in this park due to its sensitive and highly flammable nature. Backpacking stoves are allowed for cooking, however.
Watch out for cottonmouths! We saw one on the side of the trail on our ride out–my first one to see in the wild.
Fast Facts (and Opinions)
Location: False Cape State Park, Virginia Beach, VA
Equipment: Tents (bikepacking)
Date: September 2025
Weather: Warmer than expected, some sun mixed with cloudiness, heavy rain both nights
Kid-Friendly: It depends on the adventure level (ours were ages 13 and 11, but it would be difficult with really young kids)
Dog-Friendly: It depends on the way you enter the park (pets are not allowed to travel through Back Bay, so even though they are allowed in False Cape, there is no way of bringing them in unless you were to paddle in)
Site: Barbour Hill Oceanside 14
Primitive - no water or electricity
Shady with plenty of trees
Tent pad, picnic table, and lantern pole/food hang
Not within sight of privy but not too far away
About a half-mile walk to the ocean
Nice and shaded with several good hammock trees
Bathhouse:
No bathhouses
Privies (pit toilets) available with light
Visitor center (approx. 1 mile away from campsite) has a restroom with running water available during business hours
Cell Service: None
Park Highlights:
Click here to watch highlight reel.
6 miles of beautiful, pristine, undeveloped shoreline on the Atlantic Ocean - we had the beach to ourselves!
Hiking and biking trails
Historic Wash Woods area with restored church steeple and cemetery
Visitor center
Hearing a pack of coyotes (or coywolves) at our campsite during the night
Area Highlights:
Park Bike Rides:
Sand Ridge Trail to Wash Woods Church and Cemetery - 9.5-mile out-and-back
Flat, sand trails
Mostly shaded
21 feet elevation gain
Easy
Area Hikes:
None that we explored
Other Campsites:
Most of the campsites in Barbour Hill Oceanside area (best in our opinion) seemed fairly similar
With four different areas, there are many sites to choose from
Things to Do Next Visit (Because There's Just Never Enough Time!):
Camp during cooler weather without rain
Take the tram tour
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