Following the $11 million state-invested modernized improvements and renovations to Delaware State Parks, RV and tent campers are turning out in higher numbers year-round.
So where do visiting guests stay when they travel by RV or are seeking alternate lodging options? At one of Delaware’s picturesque state parks. For those loving the outdoors and preferring camping over anything else, the choice is a nearby campground instead of overnighting in a hotel. The camping lifestyle can be quite comfortable and satisfying; even more so, with numerous parks across the state surveying campers to get their opinions then following up to make the requested improvements and renovations.
With the recent updates RV and tent camping lodgers—both local and out-of-state campers—have taken notice and the sixteen state parks are seeing record numbers in attendance since the state invested $11 million to modernize and upgrade the parks and campgrounds. Statistics are consistently showing increases in popularity the past five years with an average of 104,469 overnight stays in 2017—a number that’s doubled since 2011. According to Delaware State Parks records, the sixteen state parks annually host an average of five million visitors.
State park camping experiences come with a diverse lineup of enjoyable activities for campers to do ranging from waterparks, canoeing, and ziplining to horseback riding on the trails, hiking, fishing, and numerous nature trails perfect for photography buffs or those desiring to get closer to nature.
Delaware Campgrounds Offer Diverse Experiences
Visitors can choose from inland park campgrounds or beach parks depending on where they prefer to stay. The state park staff and volunteers do an outstanding job of providing educational programs, historic sites, hiking and horseback riding trails, nature walks, and outdoor recreation. Seasonally park goers may even take part in a festival or fundraiser such as the annual Trap Pond’s Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival. Check out one of these parks if you looking for some suggestions:
Cape Henlopen State Park
15411 Campground Park, Lewes, DE
This park has both campsites and camping cabins as well as a 24-hour, year-round fishing pier. Amenities include a bathhouse on the Atlantic Ocean, an area for surf-fishing, a disc golf course, and bicycle and walking paths. The newly renovated improvements include back-in, pull-through, and walk-in campsites; a new camp store; sites with 50- or 100-amp electric service and water hook-ups; a new playground; a laundry area; and a paved one-way road system. Reservations encouraged by calling 302-645-8983.
Delaware Seashore State Park
39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE
This park features two campgrounds on the north and south sides of the Indian River Inlet within walking distance to the Atlantic Ocean. Select sites are open year-round. Each campground offers a bathhouse and laundry facilities. The campsites can accommodate RVs and tents with 30- and 50-amp electric and water/sewer hook-ups. The camp store is found on the south side and sells convenience items as well as souvenirs. To make a reservation call 302-227-2800.
Killens Pond State Park
3015 Paradise Alley Road, Harrington, DE
Select sites are open year-round. The campground features electric and water hook-ups for both tents and RVs. Seventeen walk-in sites can be found in the primitive camping loop for tents only. For reservations call 302-284-4526.
Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE
The park is open year-round. Visitors revel in fishing, boating, hiking, and the very popular Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course. For additional information call 302-368-6989.
Trap Pond State Park
15702 Goose Nest Road, Laurel, DE
Select sites are open year-round. The park hosts 142 campsites with 130 of the sites equipped with water and electric hook-ups. The campsites can accommodate both RVs and tents with two primitive camping areas available for youth groups by reservation. For reservations call 302-875-2392.
In the past two years, additional cabins were added at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes and a $5 million investment at Lums Pond State Park in Bear brought full hook-up sites and new bathrooms to campers. Trap Pond, Sussex County’s unique cypress swamp, had the addition of a new kayak launch and winterized campgrounds to better appeal to year-round camping enthusiasts.
Regardless of which campground you choose, we’re positive you’ll find it pleasurable. After visiting one of the parks and experiencing what Delaware has to offer if you’d like to relocate to Delaware or purchase a second home, reach out to us. We’re here to help. Be sure to request our free Relocation Guide filled with information on each of the counties in the state and many resources.
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