False Cape State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

False Cape State Park is a unique outdoor destination located in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and borders the state of North Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park boasts miles of undeveloped beaches, dunes, maritime forests, and marshes, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts who seek solitude and natural beauty.

Some of the good reasons to visit False Cape State Park include its pristine beaches, unspoiled wilderness, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and camping in the park. The park is also home to the historic Wash Woods Community, which was established in the late 19th century and was inhabited until the 1930s.

One of the main points of interest in False Cape State Park is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 9,000 acres and is home to more than 300 species of birds, as well as a variety of other wildlife. The park also features several hiking trails, including the 6.5-mile False Cape State Park Trail, which winds through the park's diverse ecosystems and offers stunning views of the ocean, dunes, and marshes.

Interesting facts about False Cape State Park include that it is one of the few remaining undeveloped areas along the mid-Atlantic coast and that it was once a popular spot for shipwrecks. Visitors can also learn about the park's rich history and cultural significance by exploring the Wash Woods Visitor Center and participating in ranger-led programs and activities.

The best time of year to visit False Cape State Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the park is less crowded. Visitors should also be aware that the park is only accessible by foot, bicycle, or boat, and that they will need to bring their own food, water, and supplies, as there are no concessions or services available in the park.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks