False Cape State Park Campground

Open — Open year-round for primitive camping. Reservations required and must be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK; same-day reservations not available. From November 1 through March 31, interior trails of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge are closed and park access is restricted to beach hiking/biking or boat only. The visitor center is closed Monday through Wednesday during this period. Campers must be out of the refuge within 30 minutes of sunset.

About

False Cape State Park Campground offers a unique primitive camping experience in one of the last remaining undeveloped areas along the Atlantic coast. Located on a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the campground features four distinct camping areas: Barbour Hill Bay, Barbour Hill Ocean, False Cape Landing Bay, and False Cape Landing Ocean, separated by significant distances along the 6-mile stretch of pristine beach. Access to the campground is exclusively by foot, bicycle, or boat, with no vehicular access permitted. Most visitors hike or bike 6-9 miles from Little Island City Park through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to reach their campsites. The journey offers opportunities to observe beaches, dunes, maritime forests, wooded swamps, and marshes. Experienced paddlers can also access the park via Back Bay, with boat docks at Barbour Hill and False Cape Landing. The campground provides only the most basic amenities: pit toilets, limited drinking water at Barbour Hill (False Cape Landing campers must transport water), and picnic tables. Open fires are prohibited; campers must use camp stoves for cooking. All trash must be packed out. The primitive nature and remote location make this campground best suited for experienced campers prepared for challenging conditions, including summer biting insects and weather exposure.

Directions

From I-64, exit onto Indian River Road East. Go 13 miles, turn left on Newbridge Road, right on Sandbridge Road, then right on Sandpiper Road to Little Island City Park. Park here (overnight parking required via ParkWhiz app). Hike or bike 6-9 miles through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to reach campsites. No vehicular access to campground.

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