Best Campgrounds in Delaware

The second smallest state in the nation might not immediately spring to mind when planning a camping getaway, but Delaware’s diverse landscapes offer surprisingly rich outdoor experiences. From coastal retreats along the Atlantic Ocean to serene woodlands nestled beside peaceful rivers, the First State packs remarkable variety into its compact borders. Delaware’s unique geography—where the Atlantic Coastal Plain meets the rolling hills of the Piedmont—creates distinctive camping environments that change dramatically as you travel from south to north. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore this often-overlooked gem, here’s a guide to the best campgrounds Delaware has to offer.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Number of Campsites: 184
Reservations: Delaware State Parks Reservations
Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958

Where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen State Park stretches across 5,200 acres of pristine coastal landscape. The campground sits nestled among windswept pines, their branches sculpted by years of ocean breezes into natural works of art. As dawn breaks over the Atlantic, golden light filters through these maritime forests, creating dappled patterns on the sandy ground and tent walls.

The sites themselves offer a perfect balance of privacy and convenience. Most are tucked among pine and oak trees that provide welcome shade during summer months while still allowing glimpses of the brilliant blue sky above. The sound of distant waves forms a constant, soothing backdrop—nature’s own white noise machine lulling campers to sleep each night.

What makes Cape Henlopen truly special is its incredible diversity of environments. Within a short walk from your campsite, massive sand dunes rise like miniature mountains, crowned with swaying beach grass that whispers in the constant breeze. Climbing to their summits rewards visitors with panoramic views of the coastline stretching in both directions, from the mouth of Delaware Bay to the Atlantic horizon.

The park’s six miles of shoreline provide endless opportunities for recreation. The main beach offers swimming under the watchful eyes of lifeguards during summer months, while the “Point” at the cape’s tip reveals a more wild, untamed stretch of sand where dolphins can often be spotted playing in the waves offshore. Anglers flock to the park’s fishing pier, which extends a quarter-mile into the bay, offering exceptional catches without the need for a boat.

History buffs will appreciate the World War II observation tower that stands sentinel over the park. Climbing its steep spiral staircase leads to a panoramic view that once helped soldiers watch for enemy submarines but now offers visitors spectacular vistas of the surrounding coastline. The former Fort Miles military installation has been transformed into a fascinating museum where the stories of Delaware’s crucial role in coastal defense come alive.

As evening descends, the park’s maritime forest takes on a magical quality. The setting sun casts long shadows across the campground, while the distant lighthouse begins its rhythmic flashing against the darkening sky. Nights at Cape Henlopen offer extraordinary stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution allowing the Milky Way to shine brightly overhead on clear nights.

Lums Pond State Park

Number of Campsites: 68
Reservations: Delaware State Parks Reservations
Address: 1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701

Centered around Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, Lums Pond State Park offers a serene woodland camping experience that feels worlds away from the coastal environment of southern Delaware. The 200-acre millpond reflects the surrounding forest like a massive mirror, creating breathtaking symmetry that changes with each passing hour as light conditions shift throughout the day.

The campground features 68 sites nestled among mature hardwood trees that provide dense shade during summer months. The forest canopy creates a natural air conditioning effect, making this campground particularly appealing during the heat of July and August. Sites are thoughtfully arranged to provide privacy while still fostering the community atmosphere that makes camping such a special experience.

Morning at Lums Pond brings a symphony of birdsong, as the park serves as an important habitat for over 150 bird species. Early risers might spot great blue herons stalking the shallows of the pond or catch a glimpse of bald eagles that occasionally visit the area. A gentle mist often hovers over the water during dawn hours, creating an ethereal scene as sunlight gradually penetrates the fog.

What sets Lums Pond apart from other Delaware campgrounds is its exceptional range of recreational activities concentrated in one location. The park features Delaware’s only Go Ape treetop adventure course, where adventurous visitors can traverse the forest canopy via ziplines and challenging obstacles suspended high above the ground. The thrilling final zipline sends participants soaring directly over the sparkling waters of the pond—an unforgettable experience combining adrenaline with natural beauty.

The 6.4-mile perimeter trail encircling Lums Pond offers an accessible hiking experience through diverse forest ecosystems. The path meanders between the shoreline and deeper woods, providing ever-changing views of the water through breaks in the trees. Wooden boardwalks cross marshy areas where turtles sun themselves on fallen logs and frogs create a constant chorus during warmer months.

Water enthusiasts have numerous options at Lums Pond. The boat rental facility offers canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards—all perfect ways to explore the pond’s hidden coves and inlets. Fishing is particularly rewarding here, with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and pickerel abundant in the nutrient-rich waters.

As evening approaches, the pond’s surface becomes perfectly still, creating mirror-like reflections of the sunset that double the visual spectacle. The campground quiets as families gather around fires, sharing stories of the day’s adventures as stars begin to appear overhead.

Trap Pond State Park

Number of Campsites: 142
Reservations: Delaware State Parks Reservations
Address: 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, DE 19956

Deep in southern Delaware lies a camping experience that feels transported from the Deep South. Trap Pond State Park harbors the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees in the United States, creating a landscape more commonly associated with Louisiana bayous than Mid-Atlantic forests. These majestic trees rise directly from the water, their knobby “knees” protruding from the pond’s surface and their broad bases tapering into straight trunks that support a lacy canopy high overhead.

The campground sits on higher ground adjacent to this unique wetland ecosystem, with 142 sites distributed among several loops. Many sites back up to small streams or wetland areas, providing front-row views of the rich biodiversity that makes Trap Pond so special. The camping area strikes a perfect balance between natural immersion and modern convenience, with wooded sites that still offer amenities like electric hookups for those who prefer camping with some comforts.

Each morning brings new discoveries at Trap Pond. Mist rises from the water’s surface, wrapping around the cypress trunks and creating an atmosphere that feels almost primeval. Great blue herons wade methodically through shallow areas, while prothonotary warblers—brilliant yellow birds nicknamed “swamp canaries”—flit among branches overhead. The chorus of frogs and insects creates a constant natural soundtrack that ebbs and flows with the changing temperature.

The absolute must-do activity at Trap Pond is exploring the cypress swamp by water. The park’s boat rental facility offers canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats, but the most magical experience comes from paddling the designated water trails that wind through the cypress stands. The Baldcypress Nature Trail, a water trail marked with informational signs, takes paddlers beneath a cathedral-like canopy formed by trees that have stood watch over this swamp for hundreds of years. In spring and summer, wildflowers emerge from floating vegetation, adding splashes of color to the predominantly green landscape.

Hikers can explore the 4.6-mile Bob Trail that circumnavigates the pond, offering alternating views of open water and dense cypress stands. Boardwalks extend into the swamp at strategic points, allowing visitors to stand surrounded by this unique ecosystem without disturbing its delicate balance. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with patient observers often spotting river otters, beavers, and an incredible diversity of birds.

As sunset approaches, the cypress trees are silhouetted against the colorful sky, their reflections doubling the visual impact on the pond’s still surface. Sitting by a campfire at Trap Pond as barred owls call “who-cooks-for-you” from the surrounding forest creates the kind of immersive natural experience that camping enthusiasts treasure.

Killens Pond State Park

Number of Campsites: 66
Reservations: Delaware State Parks Reservations
Address: 5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton, DE 19943

Nestled in the heart of central Delaware, Killens Pond State Park centers around a 66-acre millpond that dates back to the 1700s. This historic body of water, originally created to power a gristmill, now serves as the scenic centerpiece for one of Delaware’s most family-friendly campgrounds. The park’s location makes it an ideal base camp for exploring the entire state, while its own attractions provide plenty of reasons never to leave the grounds.

The campground features spacious, well-maintained sites arranged in several loops, each with its own character. Some sites are situated in open, grassy areas perfect for family games and activities, while others are tucked among tall pines and hardwoods that provide cooling shade and natural privacy screens. The thoughtful layout creates neighborhoods within the campground, fostering a sense of community while still allowing for peaceful retreats.

Morning light at Killens Pond filters through the trees, creating ever-changing patterns on the forest floor as wildlife begins stirring. The pond itself comes alive with activity—turtles emerge to bask on logs, fish create ripples across the otherwise still surface, and occasional river otters make playful appearances along the shoreline. Following any of the park’s hiking trails in these early hours offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and the chance to spot some of the 70+ bird species that inhabit the area.

What makes Killens Pond particularly appealing for families is its outstanding water park, featuring multiple slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and splash zones ideal for younger children. After a morning of hiking or paddling on the pond, the water park offers a refreshing change of pace—the excited shrieks of children racing down waterslides providing a joyful soundtrack to summer afternoons.

The pond itself invites exploration by canoe or kayak, with rentals available at the park’s boat launch. Paddling along the shoreline reveals hidden coves and inlets where wildlife congregates, particularly in early morning and evening hours. Anglers appreciate the pond’s healthy populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, with fishing piers providing access for those without boats.

The nature center at Killens Pond serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about the pond’s ecosystem through interactive exhibits and live animal displays. Ranger-led programs throughout summer months cover topics from owl prowls to pond ecology, adding an educational dimension to the camping experience.

As evening approaches and campfires begin glowing throughout the campground, the day’s heat gives way to comfortable temperatures perfect for gathering with family and friends. The night sky at Killens Pond, while affected by some light pollution from nearby towns, still offers good stargazing opportunities, especially compared to more developed areas along the East Coast.

Delaware Seashore State Park

Number of Campsites: 347 (including RV sites)
Reservations: Delaware State Parks Reservations
Address: 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Straddling the narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, Delaware Seashore State Park offers a camping experience defined by water in all directions. This unique geographic position creates one of the most distinctive campgrounds in the Mid-Atlantic region, where ocean waves crash on one side while gentle bay waters lap the shore on the other—both just steps from your tent or RV.

The campground is divided into two main areas—North Inlet and South Inlet—positioned on either side of the Indian River Inlet Bridge. Both offer extraordinary waterfront camping, but with distinctly different atmospheres. The sites themselves are arranged in an open, beach-camping style, with few trees but extraordinary views compensating for the lack of shade. Morning light arrives in spectacular fashion, with sunrises over the Atlantic visible directly from many campsites—nature’s alarm clock at its most beautiful.

What makes Delaware Seashore truly special is the incredible diversity of water-based recreation available within walking distance of your campsite. The park encompasses six miles of ocean beach and 20 miles of bay shoreline, creating endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, fishing, clamming, and boating. The jetties extending from the inlet provide some of the best fishing in the state, with anglers regularly pulling in striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and many other species depending on the season.

The beach areas near the campground offer the full Atlantic Ocean experience—waves crashing against the shore, the rhythmic sound of surf creating a constant backdrop to your camping experience. Unlike many oceanfront destinations, these beaches remain relatively uncrowded, particularly during weekdays, allowing for more peaceful enjoyment of the coastal environment.

For those who prefer calmer waters, the bay side of the park offers protected coves perfect for swimming and paddling. The contrast between the powerful ocean and serene bay creates two completely different aquatic experiences within the same park. Sunset over Rehoboth Bay creates a nightly spectacle, with colors reflecting off the still waters and silhouetting the boats returning to nearby marinas.

The iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge soars 45 feet above the water, creating not just a stunning visual element but also a functional connection to nearby beach towns. The inlet itself forms a navigable passage between bay and ocean, with currents that bring nutrient-rich waters attracting an abundance of marine life. Watching boats navigate this channel provides endless entertainment from the comfort of your campsite.

For those interested in coastal ecology, the park’s Burton Island Nature Preserve offers a trail system through undeveloped barrier island ecosystems, showcasing the natural communities that once dominated this coastline before development. Interpretive signs explain the critical role these barrier islands play in protecting mainland areas from storms and providing essential habitat for specialized plants and animals.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Delaware

Delaware may be small in size, but its campgrounds showcase remarkable diversity—from the cypress swamps of Trap Pond that feel transported from the Deep South to the oceanfront sites at Delaware Seashore where the Atlantic stretches to the horizon. Each park offers its own unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and distinctive environments that make camping in the First State a surprisingly rich experience.

What connects all these destinations is accessibility—Delaware’s compact size means you’re never more than a few hours from any of these campgrounds, making them perfect for weekend getaways or longer explorations. Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of forest camping, the excitement of ocean waves, or the unique ecosystem of a cypress swamp, Delaware’s state parks deliver experiences that challenge preconceptions about this small but ecologically diverse state.

Pack your tent, reserve your site, and discover why Delaware’s campgrounds deserve a prominent place on any East Coast outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. From the northernmost cypress swamp to some of the Mid-Atlantic’s most beautiful beaches, unforgettable natural experiences await in the First State.