false cape state park

Tranquil little bus trip through nature. Moccasins were out, but shy. It was chilly, but fall color was still prevalent, and the migratory birds, like heron, were plentiful, though binoculars helped. Very knowledgeable nature and historic guides!

Two weeks ago on a beautiful October day, we decided to take our bikes down to the south end of Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach. At that point you are able to enter the Back Bay National Refuge and False Cape National Park. From the entry you start on a paved road for approx 1.5 mi. to the visitor center and onto a crushed gravel/sand/dirt road that will take you into False Cape. We road 7.2 miles to the soft sand, walked our bikes over the sand path to the beach, then road our bikes on the beach back to the visitor center. Imperative that this be done at low tide!! Total ride was 18 mikes. Absolutely breathtaking! There are two visitor centers within the combined parks, plenty of bathrooms. The only fee is a $2 entry fee to the National Park.

Plan to spend most of the day as hiking and exploring the trails may lead to discovery of beautiful reptiles and sea birds.

False Cape Park is beautiful! It can be hard to get to, because you can't drive your car there. It's only accessible via the occasional tram tour or by foot/bike/boat. Nonetheless, it's worth the effort to get there. Unspoiled beaches with nary another person in sight. Beautiful bayside views. Campsites among the beach pines. Go!

If you can hike or bike 3 miles this state park is a fantastic place to visit. Camping is permitted and access to the state park is through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Expect a small fee to enter refuge and no fee to enter state park. A TRAM service is available to ride to the park from the refuge for an additional cost. The state park offers events such a kayaking, nature programs and more. If you contact them to attend their event transportation is provided from Little Island City park. During the summer the city charges a nominal fee to park. Please check the state parks website and Back Bay National Website for lots of more info.

We took some mountain bikes to the park. Our goal was to ride to the old site of "Wash Woods", which was an old community that was vacated in the 50's-early 60's. All that remains is the church steeple and cemetery.It was about an 8 mile ride to Wash Woods....my butt and legs were screaming but it was such a great ride I'll do it again. We actually didn't need mountain bikes...the gravel road would have supported our beach cruisers...... which would have been more comfortable.We came across a brown water snake and 2 cottonmouths on the way there. The water snake almost looked like the cottonmouths but had a much less aggressive attitude. Those Cottonmouths did not like me getting close to them! They stood their ground..... and laid there with the mouths open...... in typical Cottonmouth fashion.....I let them be.This area would also be great for hiking since the road is so smooth. But be sure to bring water since their facilities are few in this park!

Took 2 tram tours of the state park. Wonderful trip. 7 passengers each time with three staff (mostly volunteers). Lots to see and learn about. Cost is next to nothing - $8.

We did an 18 mile bike ride from Sandbridge and had a blast. I don't think I would want to hike in to camp as the few people we saw looked miserable packing in their gear. The beach we visited was stunning, untouched and deserted. The visitor center's store was well stocked with fair prices, staff was beyond friendly!

This is a wonderful park, but remember to plan time for your hikes as the visitor's center is 4 miles from the parking area in Back Bay.

Where else can stay on the beach ocean front for $13 a night? I loved FCSP. I liked the fact that I could sleep on the beach in my tent, but I could eat in my site in the woods out of the sun. If you are not looking for the comforts of home and don't mind going to the bathroom in an outhouse, this place is great.

We rode our bikes on the trails and were impressed with the conditions. There is plenty of shade which made our late July bike ride not nearly as hot as we were anticipating. It still gets warm and the park is rather remote, so it is a good idea to bring bottled water. The visitors center is air conditioned and had very clean bathrooms. Bike racks were included at convenient places along the trails. Some of the trails turn pretty much into very loose sand, but those areas were marked accordingly on the trail maps. We didn't have to pay to get in, but he did have to pay to get to the park because we entered via the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge just North.

Great biking location. Lots of wildlife and plants to see. We have gone on several "Wild Edible Plants" adventures there. Look for the wild horses in this park. Also be aware or snakes. In 8 hours we saw 10 poisonous snakes.

Went to the park to do some relaxing swimming in the calm bay area. It is a great area for small children or older adults of if you want to get away from the crowds at VB. I would love to camp here sometime in the future.

I am just returning to the East Coast after many yrs out West. My biggest fear was not being able to find any remote beaches. I no longer have to look any further. Coupled with the fact that you can camp on the beach (make your reservations early as spaces are very limited) and when you do need a teeny dose of civilization you can get all you need from the Visitor's Center, this is now on our list of locales to frequent any time we can make it to this area. We are "allergic" to crowds so we were in heaven during our entire trip. p.s. The State Park's directional signage was great for the biking/hiking trails!

Our parks are great. This one is beautiful, wooded and near everything, with rental cabins and other options for the more adventurous. Near the ocean and very popular with our guests through the summer. Well maintained and reasonable rates. Book way ahead.