State parks are really one of America's best ideas! Parks are fun and beautiful places to visit and offer great outdoor activities for the entire family. The adventures you and your family can experience are endless. Whether you're hiking or biking, kayaking or camping, visiting a park is one of the most fun things you can do with your family.

One my favorite places to go is False Cape State Park. It has been one of my family's favorite places to visit; we've been camping there since I was a little boy. Located in southern Virginia Beach, False Cape State Park is a mile-wide barrier spit between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. I love that the only way to access this remote paradise is by foot, by tram, by bike or by boat (across Back Bay). Car access is not permitted. I also like the interesting history of False Cape. It used to be known as a ships graveyard because navigators would mistake the land mass as nearby Cape Henry. This false cape would lure ships into the shallow waters where they would run aground. One of the first communities was actually settled by survivors of a shipwreck; they used the wood from their hulls to build the homes and other buildings in the community.

You can pretty much do all things outdoors at False Cape - you can hike, bike, fish, kayak, canoe, animal and bird watch, play games and go camping. "Primitive" camping (tents only) is definitely for the more adventurous since you're spending the night in a tent outside. But there is something so amazing about sleeping under the stars in the summertime after a day out hiking or kayaking. Stargazing is especially great out here since there are no city lights to obscure the night sky. We have a blast every year and you will, too. Camping is permitted year round but you must make reservations. Also, the park no longer offers same day reservations so reserve in advance. You can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Camping in False Cape park costs $11.

Please support our parks - they are beautiful retreats for us and for animals and they need to be protected for future generations. Here's a great article highlighting the value of state parks in Virginia!

Also, check out this video of Governor Kaine talking about going camping.

Not really up for "primitive" camping but would like to visit False Cape? Check out a list of upcoming events at False Cape State Park.