Posted May 3, 2017 | Updated January 16, 2019

There's a very good reason False Cape State Park is one of the least visited of all Virginia State Parks. With it's abundant beauty, Atlantic Ocean access, seagrass covered sand dunes and teeming wildlife not found at our other state parks, it really is a Virginia gem.

False Cape State Park is a nature enthusiast's playground, with wildlife sighting and photography opportunities at every turn. But not everyone appreciates "certain wildlife" found at this park, nor the pre-planning involved to make the trip in, since there is no public vehicular access allowed.

Dolphins feeding in the surf at False Cape State Park

False Cape State Park offers guided paddling programs

A visit to this unique Virginia State Park may not be for everyone, read on, or maybe just a click on the video below will provide a better explanation.

Don't worry, we want you to visit, in fact we'd love for you to come out and experience False Cape State Park. 

LOCATION AND ACCESS

False Cape State Park is 3,844 acres and offers 5.9 miles of beachfront, extending to North Carolina line. Those hiking to the park through *Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge must be out of the refuge by dusk. Pets are not allowed through the Refuge so unless you boat from the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach to the park or come in from the south (North Carolina), pets are not allowed.

There is no public vehicular access. Tram transportation is available April 1 through Oct. 31 through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where there is an entrance fee. Between Nov. 1 and March 31, access to the park is restricted to hiking or biking along the beach, by boat or by the park's tram.. To make reservations for the beach transporter, call 800-933-7275. 

The TRAM departs from and returns to the *Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Parking Lot. Tram seating is first-come, first-served.

Going in this way, once in False Cape, visitors can spend two hours exploring trails and the natural beach. This unique park - among Virginia's least visited state parks - is primitive and has few facilities. It's not recommended for those unaccustomed to strenuous outdoor activities. Soft sand on the trail and beach makes walking difficult. The park has a visitor center with exhibits, flush toilets and a gift shop.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and lots of insect repellent. Throughout the year, False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and six miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach.

 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Blue Goose Express - Wildlife Tram Tours 

This is a fun and educational scenic wildlife observation and land conservation interpretive trip. The TRAM tour provides access to False Cape State Park with a unique opportunity to view and learn about the array of wildlife found in the area, from mammals to birds to reptiles.

Join Park and Refuge staff for a scenic ride to observe numerous flocks of wintering waterfowl such as Snow Geese, Tundra Swans and dozens of different waterfowl species in addition to the various other wildlife found within. Then, continue to the heart of False Cape for a one-mile (round trip) hike to the remnants of the Wash Woods Methodist Church and cemetery site.

Don't forget your binoculars and camera, (and bug spray, sunscreen and water).

Cost: $8/Per Person. Reservations are required. To make a reservation please call (757) 426-7128.

EVENTS

Click here to search for more park events and activities by date or theme. Reservations will be required so be sure to contact the park to check availability, and for more information at (757) 426-7128.

OVERNIGHT ACCESS

Definitely the most restrictive overnight primitive camping at our parks is found at False Cape. There is limited camping access for seasoned back-country campers, and there are specific requirements to do so. Click here for details on camping at False Cape State Park. Campers must hike, bike or boat into the park. There are four separate camping areas and while there are assigned campsites, campers are also allowed to camp on the beach. Since there is some vehicular access on the beach (some North Carolina residents have grandfathered permitted access through the beach from before the Wildlife Refuge closed access), tents should be set up near but not on the dune.

If this Virginia State Park is not for you, that's okay because we have more than three dozen other parks to choose from, but we'd be pleased to have you visit False Cape. 

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Posted May 3, 2017 | Updated January 16, 2019