False Cape State Park

Love the remoteness and primitive feeling of this place. Took the historic tram tour and enjoyed every moment of it. The visitor center is new, clean, and well lit. Bring plenty of water and trail snacks if you are hiking.

We didn’t go too Deep in False Cape since we hiked in the Back National Wild Life Refuge. We had a late start, and knew our time was limited.
First, start early and carry 2 – 3 bottles of water each. May not need it but if it’s a hot day you will be happy you listened to Uncle Paul. You can refill at the well at Ranger Station but you will want to save it as your last resort. Trust me, you’ve had better water. It’s not bad but you’ve had better.
Second, campers why are you carrying all that gear down the beach? Enough said.
Third, a bike is a good choice for this adventure.
Fourth, from what we saw this place looks pretty cool and wish we had more time to see things.
Have fun and be safe!

Couldnt be better than this.

I’m a local Hamptom Roads resident. I absolutely love False Cape SP, along with Back Bay NWR for their solitude and wildness. One butts up against the other. Only in the SP are you allowed to camp, swim, sunbathe, etc. The NWR limits these activities, as wildlife is the priority there. However, one can go there, walk or bike along the beach or interior and not see another soul for hours. Literally, hours. Most folks youll see are on the north end, within a mile or two of the gate and visitors center, either fishing on the beach or bicycling the roads/​trails in the interior of the NWR. Only the more adventurous and hardy go deeper into the nine mile long wilderness which ends at the NC border. The trails in the NWR are gravel. However, the trails in the SP turn to loose sand fairly soon after entering and quickly become suitable only for two legged transport. I have introduced several friends to this place. Invariably, we wind up refreshing ourselves with a skinny dip in the ocean. How wonderful! If you go, bring plenty of your own water, water and food. And water. The beautiful SP visitors center (4 miles from the parking lot) has some, but its limited. There is a well water hand pump in front of and across the road toward the south of the Visitors Center. The well water isn’t half bad either. Nothing like some of the rock juice I’ve had from wells before. They will help you with free snacks if you get into a pinch for food to get you back to your car. Enjoy!

I hate to give away the secret of the best beach in the area, but here goes. I would guess that 99% of the people who live in Tidewater have never gone to False Cape. It is pretty out of the way, and you have to drive through Sandbridge and then hike 4 miles through Back Bay to get here. But one you are here the beach is all yours! I went beach camping here a few weeks ago on a weekend, no less, and after 4pm I didn’t see another person (except the park ranger one time) until 10 the next morning.
The mosquitoes come out in the evening when the sun goes down, so be prepared for that. If you go in the winter it is pretty much bug free.
If you are looking for solitude, this is the place. Careful though, I have also accidentally startled some nude bathers in the past.