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False-Cape-State-Park

False-Cape-State-Park: No vehicular access. Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Access is through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is limited to hiking, bicycling or boating. The park features primitive camping and an extensive environmental education program in one of the last undisturbed coastal environments on the East Coast.

Vehicular access to False-Cape-State-Park is prohibited because the park is land-locked on the southern end of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Those wishing to visit the park for the day must either bike or hike through the refuge (via beach or interior trails, and the interior trail is closed from November 1 through March 31), or boat or canoe in down Back Bay. You can also take the Terra Gator, a specially designed vehicle that minimizes impact to this special environment, during this period.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Primitive camping year-round. No cabins. The park no longer offers same day reservations. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call (800) 933-PARK.

False-Cape-State-Park camping

Camping is permitted year-round, but reservations are required. Campsites are in four distinct areas of the park, and those areas are separated by significant distances. The camping areas are Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay and False Cape Landing Ocean. For camping information, contact the State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-7275 ot reserve online.

False-Cape-State-Park has four primitive campgrounds.

•No more than four people per site are allowed at Barbour Hill Bay Side, Barbour Hill Ocean Side and False Cape Ocean Side campgrounds (up to 12 total in each campground).
•Up to six people per site are allowed at the False Cape Bay Side campground (up to 18 total in the campground). This campground also accommodates group camping.
•Campers may reserve as many sites as desired so long as the maximum capacity is not exceeded.
•Camping at False-Cape-State-Park is not recommended for young children, inexperienced campers, or those who need access to emergency medical care.
•There is no electricity. Pit toilets only; no showers.
•Access to the park is by boat, interior or beach trail through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.
•Boat access: You can launch your canoe from Little Island City Park. Boat docks are provided at Barbour Hill and False Cape Landing, near the Back Bay sites. Only experienced boaters familiar with Back Bay, which is large, should attempt to access False Cape by boat. In particular, shifting winds can dramatically affect water depth and navigation, making it unsafe for many boaters. The park charges those unable to paddle out a fee to transport their boats out of the park.
•Interior access: Cannot be used November 1 through March 31 because of wildlife management. Hikers and bikers must pay $2 or more each to travel through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. You can only be on refuge property during daylight hours. Groups with more than 10 members must obtain a special use permit from the refuge. Fees are subject to change.
•Beach trail: Plan to travel near low tide for easiest access. Hikers and bikers must pay $2 or more per person to travel through Back Bay Wildlife Refuge from April through October. You can only be on refuge property during daylight hours.
•Pets are allowed at False Cape but not allowed through the refuge, except from October through March. From November to March, pets can be brought in only by boat or via the beach trail. From April through September, pets can be transported to the park only by boat.

CABINS / CAMPING: Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, offering and park. Online Reservation.

TRAILS: Hiking, bicycle trails, self-guided trails. Five trails, including the Barbour Hill self-guided interpretive trail, total 15.3 miles. They are available for hiking, biking and exploration. The park’s location on a barrier spit allows visitors to observe beaches, dunes, maritime forests of oak and pine, wooded swamps, marshes and the bay all in one visit.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS: Astronomy, bus tours, birding hikes, night hikes, canoe trips and seining programs. The park also offers special programs in conjunction with Virginia Marine Science Museum, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

WILDLIFE: Virginia State Parks are great places to discover and reconnect with the wild world. Bring a camera and share your captures with the world. But please don't disturb or get too close to the animals. The park is, after all, their home. Here are a few recent natural encounters others have had at False Cape.

SWIMMING: None.

FISHING, BOATING: Fishing - Freshwater and saltwater fishing with a valid Virginia fishing license. Boats - Motorboats permitted. Get the fishing license online

HUNTING: Each year in October, False Cape State Park hosts a hunt for deer and feral pigs.

False-Cape-State-Park Location: From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.

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First Landing State Park - Holiday Trav-l Park - Sandy Bottom State Park - Virginia Beach Campgrounds - Virginia Beach KOA - York River State Park - North Landing Beach Campground

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