Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Delaware

Welcome to your ultimate guide to the best state parks in Delaware! The Diamond State is small but packed with natural beauty and adventure, offering a wide range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and fishing. We will explore everything you need to know, including their locations, amenities, and activities, to help you plan your next outdoor adventure!

Most Popular State Parks In Delaware

Explore DE’s top state parks, featuring everything from pristine beaches to diverse trails, bass-filled waters, and historical estates. Fenwick Island, White Clay Creek, Brandywine Creek, and Bellevue offer a variety of outdoor experiences. Whether you crave coastal tranquility, extensive trail systems, or angling adventures, these spots have something for everyone.

Fenwick Island State Park, DE-1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944, USA

Patrick Nouhailler's…, CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: Fenwick Island, DE

Wow Factor: Within Fenwick Island State Park stands a fire control tower from the World War II era, which played a vital role in safeguarding the coastline.

Need To Know: One of the best state parks in Delaware in summer - the beaches along the Atlantic provide a spacious swimming area with lifeguard patrols. The park offers a modern bathhouse, beach umbrella, chair rentals, and wheelchair access from the boardwalk with Mobi-Mat equipment.

Fenwick Island State Park, a 344-acre state park between Ocean City and South Bethany, is open year-round. Established in 1966 and renamed in 1981, it's a slice of natural beauty on Fenwick Island, mostly untouched compared to its bustling neighbors.

Things to do in Fenwick Island State Park? Oh, there's a lot! On the Atlantic beach side of the state park, dive into swimming, surfing, and beach fishing. Get a fishing permit at the gift shop and even drive onto the beach for some angling action. On the bay side, the fun continues with fishing, crabbing, clamming, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. Want to try something new? Rent a watercraft or take sailing lessons nearby.

Whether you're a beach bum or a nature lover, Fenwick Island State Park has a variety of exciting activities, so check it out!

White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA

White Clay Creek State Park/Google Maps

Location: Newark, DE

Wow Factor: White Clay Creek State Park contains segments of the Mason–Dixon line, and it safeguards various historical assets linked to the line.

Need To Know: The disc golf course at Carpenter Recreation Area is an 18-hole course winding through wooded areas, conveniently situated near picnic areas and pavilions for added enjoyment!

If you're looking for some outdoor fun, you might want to consider checking out White Clay Creek State Park. It's known for its natural beauty and 37 miles of diverse trails, spanning Delaware's northern edge and featuring woodlands, a creek, and historic ruins like the Judge Morris Estate.

As a National Wild and Scenic River, White Clay Creek is also an excellent spot for fishing with stocked fish. The park also offers pavilions, playgrounds, fishing docks, and trails, making it a great place to spend a day with family or friends. There are so many things to do in White Clay Creek State Park, from hiking and biking to fishing and picnicking. It's worth checking out!

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Brandywine Creek State Park, 41 Adams Dam Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA

Stosh Pehowic/Google Maps

Location: Wilmington, DE

Wow Factor: The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway follows the boundary of Brandywine Creek State Park.

Need To Know: The park features 14 miles of trails, including the Rocky Run Trail and the Greenway Trail. If fishing is your thing, you'll be happy to know that bass fishing is popular in Brandywine Creek, and Wilson's Run is known for trout.

Did you know that there are plenty of things to do in Brandywine Creek State Park? It's located just three miles north of Wilmington and covers an impressive 933 acres.

What's cool about the park is that it includes the first two nature preserves in Delaware, namely Tulip Tree Woods and Freshwater Marsh, with Flint Woods serving as the third preserve. Flint Woods is especially unique as it boasts rare songbirds and an old-growth forest.

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Bellevue State Park, 800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA

Tim Yin/Google Local

Location: Wilmington, DE

Wow Factor: Within Bellevue State Park, the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church and Parsonage, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998, and the Cauffiel House near Stoney Creek add historical significance to the park.

Need To Know: Tour the DuPont mansion or explore the surrounding arboretum showcasing diverse plant life.

Have you heard of Bellevue State Park? It's a state park in suburban Wilmington that used to be a DuPont estate. William Dupont Jr. turned it into an equestrian haven with stables and a renowned horse track. But now, it's so much more!

The park has a fitness track that circles a beautiful fishing pond, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Bellevue State Park, like disc golf, walking trails, and cycling paths. The park also has the Bellevue Tennis Center, Wellspring Farm for equestrian activities, and various venues for weddings and gatherings.

There are plenty of programs and events to check out too! They have summer camps, fall hayrides, and even winter activities like ice skating and sledding. So, if you're looking for a fun day out, Bellevue State Park is worth visiting.

Best State Parks In Delaware To Camp

Get ready for some adventurous camping vibes! Whether you’re into beachfront bliss at Delaware Seashore or craving a mix of nature and history at Cape Henlopen, these campgrounds are the go-to spots. Dive in, soak up the scenery, and create memories at these campgrounds!

Delaware Seashore State Park, 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, USA

B & B/Flickr

Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE

Wow Factor: Constructed in 1876 to aid in Delaware coast shipwrecks, the Indian River Life-Saving Station is a publicly accessible historic site on the National Register of Historic Places.

Need To Know: Explore six family-friendly trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding, and participate in entertaining summer programs such as bay seining and marsh hikes. Campsites offer bathhouses and laundry facilities, and the south side includes a camp store.

Nestled near Dewey Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park sprawls across 2,825 acres, hugging the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay. It's seen its fair share of history, including the iconic Indian River Life-Saving Station dating back to 1876.

Are you looking for things to do in Delaware Seashore State Park? Dive into the six miles of shoreline offering swimming, sunbathing, and lifeguard-patrolled beaches. Fishing enthusiasts will love the options, from surf fishing to the convenience of the Indian River Marina. There's even a designated surfing beach! Feel the wind in your hair with windsurfing and sailing, or try your hand at clamming and crabbing.

And if you're up for a camping adventure, Delaware Seashore State Park invites campers with options for tents and RVs, featuring electric and sewer hookups. With two campgrounds connected by a bridge near the Atlantic Ocean, it's a perfect coastal getaway!

Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958, USA

Art Anderson, CC BY-SA 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: Lewes, DE

Wow Factor: How many state parks in Delaware are there? There are 17, and Cape Henlopen is one of the oldest. The 'Point' of Cape Henlopen is where the Delaware Bay merges with the Atlantic Ocean - wow!

Need To Know: The campground offers water, various electric hook-ups, fire rings, picnic tables, a camp store, a laundry facility, pull-through sites, walk-in tent sites, and play areas. Additional features include dump stations, a renovated registration booth, and expanded overflow parking.

Are you looking for things to do in Cape Henlopen State Park? This Delaware gem boasts a rich history and a sprawling 5,193 acres. Explore a fishing pier, campgrounds, and stunning Atlantic beaches with great surf spots. Discover remnants of Fort Miles and collapsed lighthouses, and keep an eye out for endangered shorebirds and horseshoe crabs.

Dive into activities like swimming, hunting, fishing, disc golf, and camping. The Seaside Nature Center offers marine exhibits and educational programs—a must-visit. And did you know it's the starting point of the American Discovery Trail? There's something for everyone in this historic and nature-filled park!

Best State Parks In Delaware To RV

Experience top RV destinations at Lums Pond, Killens Pond, and Trap Pond. From serene lakeside retreats to waterpark adventures, these destinations offer diverse experiences for RV enthusiasts. Unplug and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the best RV-friendly state parks.

Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA

Lums Pond State Park/Google Maps

Location: Bear, DE

Wow Factor: Lums Pond, Delaware's largest freshwater pond at 200 acres!

Need To Know: Lums Pond State Park welcomes enthusiasts to explore its network of trails, offering opportunities for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Lums Pond State Park, encompassing 1,790 acres near Bear, is perfect for RV campers, offering a range of activities. Centered around Lums Pond, the park provides opportunities for boating and fishing, showcasing various game fish. RV and tent campers can choose from 62 campsites, yurts, and sites with horse-stabling facilities.

Lums Pond State Park is a hub for hiking trails, boasts Summit North Marina for boating enthusiasts, and features numerous sports facilities, including a disc golf course. The Whale Wallow Nature Center offers educational experiences - and for thrill-seekers, the recently added Go Ape tree-top adventure course adds an exciting dimension to things to do in Lums Pond State Park.

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Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA

Steve Levy/Google Local

Location: Felton, DE

Wow Factor: Discover Killens Pond with kayaking, canoeing, boating, or peddleboating. Keep an eye out for nesting bald eagles in the tall pines along the pond's edge!

Need To Know: The year-round wooded campground accommodates RVs with electric and water hookups.

Killens Pond State Park is your go-to spot for outdoor fun! Whether you're into RV camping, fishing in the 66-acre pond, or just chilling on the elevated boardwalk, there are always things to do in Killens Pond State Park.

Try out the thrilling waterpark with slides and pools, and if you're staying the night, pick between the wooded campgrounds, family cabins, or the deluxe Pond View Cottage. Explore hiking and biking trails, take on the disc golf course, or enjoy game courts and ball fields. Don't miss the Killens Pond Nature Center for animal exhibits and year-round educational programs. It's all happening at Killens Pond State Park!

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Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Bald Cypress Ln, Laurel, DE 19956, USA

Trap Pond State Park/Google Maps

Location: Laurel, DE

Wow Factor: Explore Trap Pond State Park by canoeing or kayaking along the Terrapin Branch Water Trail. Take a guided pontoon boat tour for insights into the park's history and wildlife. Hike or bike the birdwatching-friendly 4.6-mile Bob Trail, offering pondside views of the cypress swamp.

Need To Know: Choose from tent sites, RV spots, cabins, or yurts. Embrace the beauty of fall and enjoy sunsets at Cypress Point from your campground.

Trap Pond State Park, a 3,653-acre natural paradise near Laurel, is known for its vast bald cypress ecosystem and wetland beauty. Established in 1951, Trap Pond State Park, once the site of extensive harvesting for its rot-resistant cypress wood, became Delaware's first state park.

Today, there are a range of things to do in Trap Pond State Park, including boating, fishing for panfish, and educational programs at the Bald Cypress Nature Center. The campground, offering 142 sites with RV hookups, stands as a favored choice for visitors and is particularly renowned for hosting annual Halloween festivities. Trap Pond remains a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of things to do in the heart of nature.

Best State Parks In Delaware For Hiking

Alapocas Run State Park, 1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA

Alapocas Run State Park/Google Maps

Location: Wilmington, DE

Wow Factor: Witness the Blue Granite Cliffs, composed of blue rock gneiss, providing insight into the park's quarrying history. These rocks played a crucial role in constructing the city of Wilmington!

Need To Know: Discover the natural beauty of Alapocas Run State Park by exploring Alapocas Woods on a 0.7-mile hike through mature woodlands with native pawpaw trees. For a broader adventure, bike or hike the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, which provides insights into Wilmington's natural and cultural history, with historic overlooks highlighting the region's textile mill heritage.

Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington is a serene oasis providing a peaceful retreat from city life. The park features the innovative Can-Do Playground, the first Boundless Playground in the state, promoting inclusive play for children of all abilities.

Scenic trails wind through fields and forests, leading to a secluded rock-climbing area. Along the way, discover the historic Blue Ball Barn, originally a dairy barn built by Alfred I. du Pont and now a unique venue housing the Delaware Folk Art Collection. Enjoy the many things to do in Alapocas Run State Park!

Holts Landing State Park, 27046 Holts Lndg Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939, USA

Holts Landing State Park/Google Maps

Location: Dagsboro, DE

Wow Factor: Explore Holts Landing State Park's Seahawk Trail, a scenic route that winds through maritime forests, salt marshes, and freshwater habitats. Keep an eye out for hawks, herons, osprey, and various songbirds, adding a touch of nature's wonders to your hiking experience.

Need To Know:

Holts Landing State Park, a 203-acre state park northwest of Bethany Beach, was once the Holt family farm before becoming a public park in 1965. With 2,000 feet of shoreline along Indian River Bay, it provides opportunities for fishing and crabbing and features the only purpose-built crabbing pier on the east coast.

The park encompasses upland forests with hidden freshwater ponds and offers two main trails—the Sea Hawk Trail and the Seahorse Trail—suitable for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Additional amenities include picnic facilities, a pavilion for events, a playground, and horseshoe pits. Experience the serenity of the water and discover the variety of things to do in Holts Landing State Park.

Auburn Valley State Park, 3000 Creek Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707, USA

Yuko/Google Maps

Location:

Wow Factor: Hike the 1.1-mile Oversee Farm Trail, exploring local architecture, including the historic Marshall Family bridge. Catch a stunning sunset from this 1883 bowstring truss bridge, offering a unique glimpse into Yorklyn's rich natural and cultural history.

Need To Know: Visitors can view the steam car collection, with occasional public rides on the cars and trains. The park also offers a field trip program for students to explore the history of transportation technology and steam power.

Have you explored Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn? This stunning 360-acre park preserves the Marshall family's historic home and mills along Red Clay Creek. If you love walking or biking, the park offers trails, including a 1.2-mile paved loop. Don't miss the world's largest operational steam car collection—a treat for car enthusiasts! Additionally, you can enjoy a ride on a miniature coal-powered train.

The estate, mills, and steam museum are part of the Auburn Mills Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Discover the rich history and engaging things to do in Auburn Valley State Park!

Little-Known State Parks In Delaware

Uncover hidden treasures at Fort Delaware, Fox Point, and Wilmington State Parks. These lesser-known gems promise a blend of history, nature, and urban charm for unique and diverse adventures off the beaten path.

Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA

Visit Delaware

Location: Delaware City, DE

Wow Factor: Pea Patch Island hosts nine species of herons, egrets, and ibis during the summer, forming one of the East Coast's largest nesting areas for wading birds.

Need To Know: Ensure you wear closed-toe shoes as the island terrain is uneven. You'll also be requested to step onto wet biomats to prevent the spread of spores.

If you're looking for a unique historical experience, Fort Delaware may be just the place for you. Situated on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River, this fort dates back to the mid-1800s and played an important role in protecting the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia. During the Civil War, it served as a Union prison camp, and today, visitors can explore the site and learn about life during that time through first-person interpreters.

In addition to the Prison Camp Trail and other historical exhibits, visitors can also check out the Pea Patch Heronry, a major bird nesting colony. And if you're feeling brave, a fun thing to do in Fort Delaware State Park, is taking one of the ghost tours offered in the fall - the fort is known for its paranormal activity!

Fort Delaware is accessible by ferry from Delaware City and is a featured location on the Delaware History Trail. Keep in mind that it has seasonal openings and varying admission prices, but the chance to see the live firing of the Columbiad cannon is worth it for history buffs and adventure-seekers alike.

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Fox Point State Park, Lighthouse Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA

Fox Point State Park/Google Maps

Location: Wilmington, DE

Wow Factor: Fox Point State Park sits along the Atlantic Flyway, attracting a diverse array of migratory birds to its welcoming grounds.

Need To Know: Future plans include remediating contaminated soils, constructing a 0.75-mile loop with fitness stations and wildflowers for environmental benefits, and building a multi-purpose facility, amphitheater, children's garden, and boat launch.

Discover Fox Point State Park, a hidden gem along the Delaware River in New Castle County. This park (unveiled in 1995) has turned a former hazardous waste site into a vibrant recreational haven spanning 108 acres. Whether you're into biking trails, picnics, or just soaking up nature, there are a lot of things to do in Fox Point State Park.

Conveniently located off Interstate 495, it marks the northern endpoint of Delaware's Coastal Heritage Greenway, offering scenic views of Philly's skyline and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. The riverside spot guarantees a show, with barges and ships cruising by regularly. It's not just a park; it's a testament to renewal and community spirit, making it a cool spot for a day out.

Wilmington State Parks, 1 St. Rocco Way, Wilmington, DE 19802, USA

Wilmington State Parks/Google Maps

Location: Wilmington, DE

Wow Factor: Ascend the century-old Rockford Tower for a breathtaking city view!

Need To Know: Explore Brandywine Park's riverbank, enjoy the fragrant Jasper Crane Rose Garden, and savor skyline views from the swinging bridge—a glimpse into Wilmington State Parks' role as the city's recreational hub.

If you're ever in the mood to explore, there are many things to do in Wilmington State Parks. You can visit Brandywine, Rockford, and H. Fletcher Brown parks, which together create an urban oasis along the Brandywine River. These parks offer a range of recreational activities, historical landmarks, and scenic spots in the heart of Wilmington.

The Brandywine Park features the iconic Sugar Bowl and the Brandywine Zoo, while Rockford Park showcases the historic Rockford Tower with stunning city views. H. Fletcher Brown Park provides a peaceful escape with its scenic overlooks of the Brandywine River.

The historical bridges linking them to surrounding neighborhoods make Wilmington State Parks the perfect blend of nature, history, and community in a picturesque setting.

Have you had the chance to visit any of these nature destinations? If yes, which ones did you like the most? I’m curious to hear your thoughts! Also, if you’re interested in exploring more outdoor activities, check out these 15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Delaware That Defy Explanation.

And if you’re taking a road trip to check out some of these spots and are planning to spend the night, be sure to check out these cozy vacation rentals!

15 Incredible Natural Wonders In Delaware That Defy Explanation