False Cape State Park is an incredible place and camping overnight in the park can be a magnificent experience. 

Because of the park's complex operating partnership with Little Island City Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and its unique resource management issues, it can be complicated to camp in the park, but don't let that stop you. This step-by-step guide will help you book your stay and have a very successful, peaceful, and incredible experience during your overnight stay at False Cape State Park:

1. If you are relatively new to the outdoors, new to Virginia State Parks, or have never gone primitive camping before, visit False Cape State Park first by attending one of their kayak trips, archery programs, history tours, or special events. Click here for a current schedule.

2. Start a walking or biking and practice walking or biking with your backpack. Invest in a bike stroller to carry more gear. In order to camp at False Cape State Park, you have to park your car at Little Island State Park and hike or bike 6 miles just to get to the park entrance. The park's campsites are another three to six miles further. On your departure day, you will have to do the reverse hike or bike trip out of the park so be sure to conserve your energy or book an extra day so you can hike or bike out when you are rested and ready for the workout.

3. Read information about camping at the park on the Virginia State Parks' website. No open fires are allowed in the coastal forest or on the beach. That means that you cannot burn charcoal or firewood. But you can bring a propane stove or sterno to heat water and cook food. These rules are specific to False Cape State Park. 

4. Call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 1-800-933-PARK to book your camping reservation. Reservations are required to camp at False Cape. Have a notepad handy when you call since the reservation counselor will go over some of the camping regulations. Remember, Virginia State Parks practices Leave No Trace principles. Pack out your trash.

Marine debris and trash are a serious problem for marine life and shore birds. Pack your trash out and leave no trace.

5. Download the False Cape State Park map and the Virginia State Parks Pocket Ranger app to your mobile device. Don't just bookmark the page, but download the actual map. Paper maps are also available at various points in the park and at the visitor center.

6. Check your gear. You'll want to make sure that you have all your tent stakes, tie down ropes, and a rain tarp. The weather changes quickly on the coast with wind gusts and coastal breezes. Bring an extra rope to act as a clothesline if you do get caught in a downpour.

Be sure to pack a rain fly, tent stakes, and tie downs 

7. Wear appropriate footwear. Wear hiking boots when on the trails. It might be tempting to walk the sandy trails in flip-flops, but don't do it. Ticks, snakes, and insects may feast on your feet. Instead change to flip-flops when you are actually on the beach. 

8. Pack clothing to be layered, for protection from the sun, and for protection from biting insects. Wear loose fitting light colored clothes with long sleeves and long pants if possible  In certain months, the biting flies can leave painful reminders of your camping trip. Bring some anti-itch medicine.

Use the bag poles at each campsite and hang your food bags high enough so that animals can't get into your food supplies

9. Pack lightweight, portable food, bring empty water jugs or water bags. There are drinking water spigots at the Visitor Center and near the camp sites. Do not drink water from spigots that say "non-potable water."  You can use those non-potable water spigots for clothes washing and clean up. Be sure to use the bag hook poles at each campsite. Hang your food high and out of reach of rodents, small animals, and coyotes.

10. Pack your camera, a solar charger for your camera and phone, sunscreen, insect repellant, a fishing pole, and some lures. Bring an extra bike inner tube and small bike tool kit.If you forget something, the camp store inside the Visitor Center has a variety of snacks, gear, first aid supplies, and clothing. It is usually open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

I know it is complicated to camp at False Cape State Park, and it is not for everyone, but when you do you'll be able to experience this:

And this:

And this:

And this: 

Campers can participate in scheduled kayak programs. Just be sure to register for the program by calling the park directly and letting them know you are camping and will meet at the Visitor Center at the appropriate time.

And when you get home from your False Cape camping adventure you can brag to your friends that you survived False Cape State Park and are one of the hardy souls who have had a primitive camping adventure in the park.