False Cape State Park Barbour Hill Campground

About

False Cape State Park's Barbour Hill Campground offers one of the most remote camping experiences on the East Coast. Located on a barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the campground requires traveling 5.6 miles to the visitor center and 6.9 miles to reach the campsites from Little Island City Park. Access is exclusively by foot, bicycle, or boat. The primitive campsites are divided between Barbour Hill Bay and Barbour Hill Ocean areas, each accommodating up to six people or one family with a maximum of two tents per site. Drinking water is available at three locations throughout the Barbour Hill area, and pit toilets are provided. Each site includes bag poles for hanging food away from wildlife. Open fires are strictly prohibited due to the sensitive coastal forest environment; campers must use propane stoves or Sterno for cooking. The park operates year-round with reservations required by phone. Beach camping may be subject to temporary closures during significant high tide events. Interior trail access through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is closed November 1 through March 31, limiting land access to beach hiking or biking during winter months.

Directions

Park at Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach. From there, hike or bike 5.6 miles to the Barbour Hill Visitor Center, then another 1.3 miles to reach the campsites. Total distance to Barbour Hill Bay or Ocean sites is approximately 6.9 miles. There is no public vehicular access to the park. Alternatively, access is available by boat.