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    False Cape State Park

    4.7 (21 reviews)

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    The blue waters. You can walk to NC from here
    Jessie B.

    I am still in "awe@ over my day trip to this state/federal park, beach and camp ground. It is one of Virgo's best kept secrets. I went with a few of my sorority sisters. We rode our bikes to the beach. I kept asking myself why did I go to Costa Rica with access to a beach like this less than 3 hours away? The water was so clear. The sand was nice and clean. There was hardly anyone there. I didn't want to leave. I can't wait to go back on a romantic date or to camp overnight with friends.

    Map
    John B.

    One walks to this park through the neighboring wildlife reserve, which takes some time (unless you get a ride in, which seems to defeat the point and which didn't seem available when I dropped in). The predominant trails are gravel roads shared by occasional park vehicles, so it's not like you're trudging through the swamp. The scenery around is pretty impressive, and more diverse-from what I saw-than the wildlife reserve. While there was plenty of black water in this park, there was also some fairly thick forest. Surprisingly, there are actual facilities; even though the visitor center was closed for corona, the bathrooms with running water were still open. Signs nearby warn of cottonmouth snakes, and if you are Indiana Jones, I would recommend avoiding this park. One nasty-looking snake was blocking a path but I was fortunate to be escorted past it by the driver of one of the rare park-approved vehicles on the road. I also saw a fairly large snapping turtle and something that looked like a paddlefish, but unfortunately neither of them liked me very much and photographing things in dark water is not easy. I didn't get to anywhere near all of the sites, and it would take a full day or more to walk them, but the diverse topography, chirping birds, and pleasant sea breeze would make it a very nice day.

    Anne F.

    Living in Coastal Virginia has turned me into an "outdoorsy person." Having places like False Cape State Park within reach is a big reason for that. I visited yesterday for a 20-mile bike ride that took us from the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge through False Cape and down to the Wash Woods Settlement. The path was well maintained and not too bad to take on riding beach cruisers. Although several spots of soft sand required us to walk a few sections. Most of these were in the areas near the abandoned settlement grounds and indicated on the trail map. You can visit the site and check out the old church steeple and the cemetery with graves over 100 years old. They used to lay seashells on the graves like we typically do with flowers. The steeple has been preserved in a glass enclosure. Most of the ride is shaded. We didn't see any snakes, but keep your eyes out and keep your distance. The visitor's center was open for window service and even had a little bike maintenance spot. I can't wait to return to check out more of the Park! Next time we want to make it down to the NC border! Want to check it out too? Here is a helpful set of directions I copied from a website: False Cape State Park is located adjacent to the Sandbridge section of Virginia Beach, Virginia. There is no private vehicular access to the park. Directions to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge from Interstate 64.: Exit to I-264 East ( Towards the Oceanfront) Take Birdneck Road Exit (Exit 22) Turn Right onto Birdneck Road Travel Approximately 3-4 miles to the intersection with General Booth Boulevard Turn Right onto General Booth Blvd. Travel approximately 5 miles After crossing Nimmo Parkway, pay close attention to road signs. Get into the left hand lane so you can turn left at the next traffic light. Turn left onto Princess Anne Road at the light A 7-11 store is on the left at this corner* At the next traffic light, proceed straight through the light(middle lane). Note: When you have traveled through the light the road turns into Sandbridge Rd. A Bloom Grocery Store should be on your right when going through the light Follow Sandbridge Road until you enter the Community of Sandbridge Make a right turn onto Sandpiper Road just past the Fire Station Follow Sandpiper Road for approximately 4 miles. You will pass Little Island City Park on the left. The entrance to Back Bay NWR is at the end of Sandpiper Road

    Dead sting ray
    Janice T.

    I am a pretty perseverant person and when I'm on a mission, in this case- geocaching there was no stopping me. No lack of preparation, no lack of others' failure to cover all bases for employee training or lack of knowledge of services provided by the parks/refuge stopped me. Not even the 8 mile plus bike ride round trip from Back Bay Refuge was going to deter me. After all, it's the things we work the hardest for which are the one things that are worth the struggle. Or so I hoped. It definitely was. If you enter False Cape through VA, please note you can ONLY hike or bike to get there. Or if you take the tram it's an actual tour that costs $8. Bring EXACT change or something they can exchange for less than a $50. Your best bet if you don't have anything smaller than a $100 bill go break that Benjamin at any of those stores before you reach Sand bridge, otherwise you won't be making the tram ride. Should you forget to break that change your last promising chance for change will be at the Sandbridge market which is the mini mart when you first make a right onto sandpiper. It's a LONG ways from the Back Bay gate ( 7 minutes drive if you're fast). The tram that leaves at 9am and returns back at 1pm will not drop you off to venture on your own like I originally thought. This was my fault to think so. I read it the way I wanted to interpret it subconsciously, which was the WRONG way. The visitor center is very clean and looks new. The employees that assisted us were friendly and nice. An older gentleman and a young lady. However, it was a bit frustrating because neither of them really had much knowledge of geocaching and use of their gps equipment. The young lady stated she just started two weeks ago. Save your money and just use your smartphone to geocache. Sprint seems to have better service out there than Verizon. If you go geocaching at FAlse Cape, I strongly recommend long pants. The brush out there gets dense and there are prickly plants that will tear you up, as well as poison ivy. Also watch out for snakes!

    A Few More Miles
    Paul G.

    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!

    Igor B.

    If you decide to take a break from busy life and you vacation in Sandbridge you will be able to lower the stress one notch down with the visit to tranquil and serene False Cape State Park. No need to go out too far, as the area at the entrance has a lot to offer. I felt that my progress in the park was reciprocal with number of flies landing on me so my pictures captures the beauty within a mile from the entrance. After 6 and before sundown the entrance is free.

    AL K.

    Couldnt be better than this.

    Beautiful Dragonflies everywhere
    Karen L.

    I have been to this beautiful State Park a few times over the years. Very relaxing and a nice place to hike. Remember to bring water and stay hydrated. It can get pretty hot. I love dragonflies so there were many subjects to chose from. Great place to bring your camera and just get lost among the little trails.

    Our nightly sunset from primitive campsite 3.  Spectacular!

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    They don't take debit/ cards. And the attendant said there are tons of poisonous snakes..

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    Ask the Community - False Cape State Park

    Are we allowed to have camp fires?

    No open fires are allowed at the park. You will have to use a propane stove for cooking.

    Are pets allowed in the state park?

    Yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - False Cape State Park

    Only the more adventurous and hardy go deeper into the nine mile long wilderness which ends at the NC border.

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    Path to beach

    False Cape State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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