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Camping
In addition to commercial campgrounds near the resort area, like KOA and Holiday Trav-L-Park, Virginia Beach is home to state
parks where the true nature enthusiast can set up camp. First Landing State Park has sites and cabins complete with all the
amenities you need. And the true naturalist can find peace and quiet at False Cape State Park with primitive, hike-in
camping.
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Parks & Waterways
Virginia Beach offers something for everyone in the over 4,000 acres in neighborhood parks, community parks, district parks, and
other open spaces. Find out more about everything from playgrounds to picnic shelters and ball fields!
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Waterways
Virginia Beach has 16 different access sites to the various bays, creeks and rivers in the area.
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Tread Softly
We welcome visitors to our state parks, wildlife refuges and natural areas so that your family and friends may see, interact with,
and enjoy our natural heritage. As the parks are kept as close to pristine as possible, we ask that you work with us to protect
and preserve the natural areas. To protect yourself and the environment, it's important to stay on designated trails. As trails
may change due to weather conditions, it's advisable to check with the visitor centers for updated maps. Harming or unauthorized
collection of plant / animal life is strictly prohibited.
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Safety & Protection
As there is some risk involved in outdoor activities like hiking, biking and kayaking, we ask that you take preventive measures
to protect yourself and your family.
Bikers and hikers are urged to stay on designated trails to protect the environment.
Helmets are strongly recommended for all bikers, and personal flotation devices are required for all kayakers and canoeists.
Please familiarize yourself with what special requirements you may need for your visit and plan accordingly. Check to see what
special provisions you may need, whether it be drinking water for False Cape, or insect repellent, which is strongly recommended
at many of the reserves.
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False Cape
This 4,321-acre area is a mile-wide barrier split between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, in the extreme southeast corner of
Virginia Beach. It has 6 miles of unspoiled beaches, 12 primitive campsites, and 9 miles of hiking/biking trails.
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Back Bay
Back Bay Refuge contains over 9,000 acres, situated on and around a thin strip of coastline typical of barrier islands found
along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Habitats include beach, dunes, woodland, farm fields, and marsh. The majority of refuge
marshlands are on islands contained within the waters of Back Bay.
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First Landing
On April 26, 1607, some 100 English settlers landed here and established the first elective government in English America before
pushing up the James River to establish Jamestown. This historic event is reflected in the name of Virginia’s most visited state
park.
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North Landing River Preserve
The nature Conservancy’s North Landing River Preserve encompasses 7,348 acres of wetlands and uplands along the West bank of the
North Landing River in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. The North Landing River Preserve provides a refuge for migratory waterfowl,
rare plants and animals, and protects four of Virginia’s rarest natural communities: freshwater-brackish tidal marshes, canebrakes,
pocosins, and Atlantic white cedar forest.
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Birding Trails
Grab a board and paddle out to the breakers for a natural thrill ride like no other. Whether you're already shredding or need a
lesson or two to get going, Virginia Beach has all the waves you need to get in on the action. So drop in and get the fun started.
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