False Cape State Park

The park is open sunrise through sunset daily. Please note that guests must be out of the refuge within 30 minutes of sunset. Guests may access the park by foot, bike, or paddle craft. The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge interior trails, including East Dike and West Dike trails, are closed from Nov. 1 through March 31, during which park access is restricted to hiking or bicycling along the beach or by boat.

The Environmental Education Center is open.

General Information

Nestled between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape State Park is one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast. As the former home of Native Americans, the historic Wash Woods community and Little Island Coast Guard Station, False Cape honors the hardy souls who made a living from the sea. The park offers an opportunity to experience nature in a unique, primitive setting. Be prepared for weather conditions. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent. False Cape features guided kayak trips, primitive camping, interpretive programs, hiking and biking trails, and 6 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach. The park is accessible only by foot, bicycle, tram or boat. Public vehicular access is not allowed at any time. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge interior trails, including East Dike and West Dike trails, are closed from Nov. 1 through March 31, during which park access is restricted to hiking or bicycling along the beach or by boat. Day-use and overnight visitors should read all recommendations regarding visiting the park to be fully prepared. Visitors must follow refuge and False Cape State Park rules and regulations. While pets are allowed in our Park, you cannot bring them through Back Bay.

The park operates a tram that leaves from the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (4005 S. Sandpiper Road in Virginia Beach) and travels through the wildlife refuge. The tram gives visitors a chance to explore the park's Barbour Hill area and Wash Woods historic site.

Trail access

For day-use visitors, parking is available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge visitor center parking lot. Back Bay has East Dike and West Dike trails that lead to False Cape State Park. Only one of those trails is open at a time. Pay attention to refuge signs indicating which trail is open.

Hours

Dawn to dusk. Those visiting the park through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge must be out of the refuge by dusk.

Location

From Interstate 64, exit on to Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, then turn left onto Newbridge Road, then right onto Sandbridge Road. Next, turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees required Memorial Day to Labor Day. Day use only parking also is available at Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.

From First Landing State Park and oceanfront, turn east onto Shore Drive (Route 60); follow Pacific Avenue to General Booth Boulevard, then left on Princess Anne Road and then straight onto Sandbridge Road. Turn right onto Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Parking fees are required from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The park's latitude is 36.593813. Its longitude is -75.886521.

Drive Time: From Virginia Beach's oceanfront to Little Island city parking lot is about 40 minutes.

Note: Groups of 10 or more are required to obtain a special-use permit from Back Bay Wildlife Refuge two weeks in advance of the trip.

The tram for False Cape operates from April 1 through Oct. 31. Call the park at 757-426-7128 for more information.

Park Size

3,844 acres. Beach Size: 5.9 miles of beachfront, extending to North Carolina line.

Parking at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge fills quickly in the summer. Additional parking and overnight parking are available at Little Island City Park.

Reservations for primitive campsites MUST be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK.

All Tram Tours require a reservation. Please call the park office at 757-426-7128 to make your reservation.