False Cape State Park Campground

4.46

52 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Virginia State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Virginia State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

False Cape State Park Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Virginia State Parks

Provider

7574260055

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 52 reviews

490 Google reviews

"User reviews for Campground 54 are not explicitly provided, but the primitive nature and limited access suggest it appeals to those seeking solitude and a rugged camping experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

False Cape State Park Campground

36.6299, -75.9001

Driving directionsMust trek through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge via hiking, bicycling, or boating. No vehicular access is available. Access to False Cape State Park’s Campground 54 requires preparation and self-sufficiency due to its remote nature.

No direct vehicular access. The campground is reachable only by non-motorized travel methods through challenging terrain in Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The terrain includes a mix of sandy pathways and potentially marshy areas, depending on the season.

Nearby places

Virginia Beach is the nearest city at an estimated distance of several miles

exact mileage not provided in source materials.

Nearby supplies

No supply stores are directly accessible within the park. Campers must bring all essentials as False Cape State Park lacks nearby grocery or supply facilities.

Best Time to Camp at False Cape State Park Campground

Embrace the dynamic moods of the Atlantic coast, where ocean breezes carry the promise of adventure and sudden weather shifts keep you connected to nature's rhythms. This exposed coastal environment demands respect, with winds that can transform from gentle whispers to powerful gusts, and skies that dance between brilliant sunshine and dramatic storm clouds. Pack for all possibilities—the coast's unpredictable character is part of its wild charm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers beach and paddling access but can be exposed and bug-prone; not explicitly seasonal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely strong for wildlife viewing and milder weather though seasonal reviews aren't provided.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely good for mild temps and wildlife; description implies strong spring appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Exposed coastal winter weather and primitive facilities reduce comfort in winter months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season timing unclear from source material.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round access, but specific seasonal closures not discussed.
Current Alerts: No specific active alerts were mentioned.

About False Cape State Park Campground

Virginia State Parks have nearly 2,000 campsites ranging from primitive hike-in sites to sites that can accommodate large RVs.

Campground 54 offers primitive camping, emphasizing a back-to-nature experience with tent-only sites. No RVs or other vehicles are permitted.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in maritime mystery and human resilience. Known as the dreaded 'ship graveyard' of the 1800s, these treacherous waters claimed countless vessels, earning False Cape its ominous name. From tragedy emerged triumph as shipwreck survivors founded the remarkable community of Wash Woods, transforming disaster into opportunity. Today, their legacy whispers through the wind-swept dunes, reminding visitors of the courage required to carve civilization from this beautiful but unforgiving shore.

Weather and SeasonsEmbrace the dynamic moods of the Atlantic coast, where ocean breezes carry the promise of adventure and sudden weather shifts keep you connected to nature's rhythms. This exposed coastal environment demands respect, with winds that can transform from gentle whispers to powerful gusts, and skies that dance between brilliant sunshine and dramatic storm clouds. Pack for all possibilities—the coast's unpredictable character is part of its wild charm.

ElevationExperience camping at sea level, where the rhythm of the tides becomes your constant companion and the horizon stretches endlessly in all directions.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a breathtaking tapestry of untouched coastal wilderness where pristine beaches meet ancient maritime forests. Wander through diverse ecosystems that seamlessly blend from sugar-white sand dunes to mysterious salt marshes teeming with life. The park's crown jewel—its unique barrier spit—creates an ever-changing landscape sculpted by wind and waves. Here, ghost crabs scuttle across moonlit beaches, sea oats dance in ocean breezes, and the calls of coastal birds echo across wetlands that have remained unchanged for centuries.

Geological RegionMarvel at nature's engineering on this spectacular mile-wide barrier spit, a delicate ribbon of land suspended between the tranquil waters of Back Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. This rare geological formation showcases the constant dance between land and sea, where sandy beaches gradually transition into salt marshes and maritime forests. The undisturbed coastal environment offers a glimpse into what much of the Atlantic coastline looked like before human development—a living museum of coastal geology where dunes migrate, shorelines shift, and nature continues its eternal sculpture work.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

04:00 pm

Check-out

01:00 pm

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit unclear in source.

Guests Allowed Per Site

4guests maximum per site.

Groups

No group-specific sites are detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTent-only camping is arranged in walk-in sites with tent pads; further layout specifics not provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made by directly calling the park or the official call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations appear to be mandatory, and walk-up options are not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyReservations must be made by calling the park or call center, additional cancellation details not provided.

AccessibilityThe campground is only accessible via hiking, biking, or boating, which may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are designed for tent camping and accommodate small groups, as evidenced by the maximum occupancy of 4 per site.

PrivacyThe privacy level of the sites is not explicitly detailed, though the remote location suggests a quieter environment.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesAll sites are walk-in only and tent pads are provided, making them suitable for small groups of up to 4 people.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating activities due to its location within False Cape State Park and proximity to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can also explore the park's historical and environmental features.

HikingHiking is a primary activity, with access to the park and campground limited to walking trails through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

BikingBiking is a key activity since the park can be accessed via bike trails through the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

BoatingBoating is an access method to the campground and can also be enjoyed in the Back Bay area.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers an extensive environmental education program, highlighting the area's undisturbed coastal environment and historical significance.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with local wildlife, challenging terrain, and weather-related risks common to coastal areas.

Active AlertsNo specific active alerts were mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire policies not specified in the provided sources.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours were not discussed in the source.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services location not provided in source materials.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no specific information about trash and recycling facilities. Campers are likely expected to pack out all trash due to the primitive setting.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, offering proximity to water on both sides of the barrier spit.

Camp HostCampground host details not mentioned.

Weather at False Cape State Park Campground

Reviews

4.5

52 reviews

Recommended

False Cape State Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Campground 54 are not explicitly provided, but the primitive nature and limited access suggest it appeals to those seeking solitude and a rugged camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 52 reviews