Sleep under the stars, under a tree canopy, by the ocean, in the middle of a meadow, or even at a festival. There are tons of unique places to stay in Delaware! Tent camping can seem a little bit daunting for those who never have before, but if you have some blankets or a sleeping bag, a tent, and some food, you can spend the night with Mother Nature for a pretty reasonable price...maybe even free. If you're looking for some options, here's a sampling of some of the coolest places to camp in Delaware that we think you should check out.
Most people don't realize that you can camp in Blackbird State Forest. The five primitive sites are first-come, first-served. There are miles and miles of trails, including a paved nature trail. Bring your fishing pole for catch-and-release fishing in the pond.
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2. Delaware Seashore State Park, Indian River Inlet
Wide open spaces and water surround camping sites at Del Seashore. The campsites are for anything from tents to RVs. The campground is popular with beachgoers and those who want to go fishing. And if you burn your dinner over the campfire, walk over to Hammerheads Dockside for a bite to eat (and maybe a tropical beverage too).
The Resort at Massey's Landing is a luxury campground that offers the gorgeous promise of camping right on the water with amazing resort amenities to boot. Primitive tent camping is only accessible by kayak or canoe, but you can still use the resort's pool, grab a cup of coffee at the coffee shop, or snag a bite at the restaurant.
4. Treasure Beach RV Park and Campground, Fenwick Island
We think tent camping in Delaware is still one of the best ways to experience the magic of the great outdoors. It seems locals agree because this bayside campground has been around since the 1970s. Oodles of family tent sites are available at Treasure Beach, spread out around the 100-acre campground. The park is just a few miles from the ocean, but there are waterfront views and fantastic amenities all around the grounds.
Holts Landing State Park offers primitive group camping with reservations. The location along the Inland Bays and near Bethany Beach is idyllic and has some of the most remote and primitive camping options in the state.
Pop a tent up just steps from the state's largest freshwater pond. While Lums Pond State Park doesn't have a specific tent-only area, the sites are spread out enough that you can get away from motors. There are also yurts available as well, for those who would like to enjoy a little extra glamp in their camp. The park even boasts four horse-trailer spots for those who want to go trail-riding.
Killens Pond State Park is the only Delaware State Park in Kent County. Many people use the campground as a home away from home during Dover-based events and festivals. In addition to 59 full-service sites, there is a loop for tents only. The tent sites are farthest from the pond, but still within easy walking distance, and are completely shaded, which is perfect for long summer days. Not to mention the water park nearby too!
The campground at Cape Henlopen State Park has spots for RVs, travel trailers, and tents; it even has cabin rentals! Our favorite part of the campground is the tent-only loop, though. It's usually so quiet you can hear the crashing waves on the beach at night. You'll also find historic sites around the park as well. From your tent, it's just a short walk to the sandy beach and great trails.
Trap Pond State Park is another one of Delaware State Parks' fine, full-service campgrounds. If you're looking for something extra special, book the island tent sites. These two sites are the most remote of the bunch and are right on the banks of Trap Pond. If you drag your kayak or canoe down the trail to the sites, you can drop them in the water right off the shore. Talk about a view!
There are plenty more places to camp in Delaware, but these are definitely some of our favorites! What do you think are the best spots for warm-weather fun in the state?
As the weather continues to warm up, we're thinking about Delaware summer getaways. For me, nothing says summer like camping in the great outdoors. And whether you're looking to rough it in a tent, or you prefer something more along the lines of glamping, Holly Lake Campsites is the perfect Delaware campground to get away from every day life and enjoy the outdoors.
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Holly Lake Campsites is located on 500 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands in the small town of Millsboro, Delaware.
You'll feel entirely surrounded by nature in this quiet campground, but you'll still be fairly close to popular Delaware beaches so you can easily take a day trip. It's so serene here that it's hard to believe it's only about twenty minutes from Rehoboth Beach.
You're welcome to pitch your tent at one of the tent sites, which have water and electric access, as well as fire pits and picnic tables. But if you'd rather not rough it, you can also rent a primitive cabin. There are four-person and six-person cabins, and each comes with a microwave, small refrigerator, and air conditioning.
There are also a variety of 30 and 50 amp service sites for campers and RVs, so you're all set whether you have a tiny pop-up camper or a giant luxury RV. Just as with the tent sites and cabins, each site has a picnic table and fire pit.
Holly Lake Campsites offers a range of amenities for the whole family to enjoy, like this huge pool! There are weekly pool parties complete with games and DJ. You'll also find a playground, horseshoe pits, and cornhole boards onsite. There's also even an onsite laundromat - all you have to do is bring some detergent and quarters and you're all set.
Whether you forgot something or just don't feel like cooking, the Holly Lake Camp Store & Grill is here for you. Stocked with all the essentials, the camp store and grill also serves up diner style food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! So if you're tired after a long day of enjoying the outdoors, you don't even have to leave the campground to get some delicious comfort food.
Visit the Holly Lake Campsites website for rates and reservations. Check out the Holly Lake Campsites Facebook page for events! There are always lots of fun activities and events on the calendar at this wonderful campground.
How do you like spending time outdoors around the First State? Do you enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, or camping? How about all of the above? If you're looking for a place to camp or glamp, here are some of the best campgrounds in Delaware. So, gather your backpacks, tents, and other camping gear and plan which campgrounds you want to spend some time at.
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Best State Park Campgrounds in Delaware
As the second-smallest state in the country, Delaware has only 17 state parks. While that number seems small, the state park system encompasses over 26,000 acres of land. However, only a handful of these parks allow camping. Here are some of the best state park campgrounds for Delaware camping:
Popularity: A popular spot in the summer due to its pond and waterpark.
Park Info: Killens Pond State Park is home to the 66-acre Killens Pond and a water park. This park charges an entry fee of $4 for DE residents and $8 for non-residents.
Price: Tent sites are $22-$35/night, standard sites are $23-$46/night, and cabins are $62-$132/night depending on the time of year.
The woodland campground at Killens Pond State Park can accommodate both tents and RVs and there are a few cabins for rent as well. Electric and water hookups are available. Cabins can accommodate up to four guests and each one has a kitchenette, a private bathrooom, and a bedroom. Killens Pons also has an area designated for primitive tent camping as well. Amenities at the park include game courts, a water park, disc golf, picnic areas, and a playground. This is one of the best parks for camping in Delaware.
Popularity: This is a very popular state park, especially in the summer, so make camping reservations in advance.
Park Info: Lums Pond State Park is one of the biggest Delaware state parks and offers hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities.
Price: Tent: $17-$29/night for residents and $21-$5 for non-residents; Hookup site: $32-$51/night for residents and $39-$62 for non-residents; Yurt: $43-$60/night for residents and $52-$72 for non-residents.
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Lums Pond State Park is home to one of the state's largest freshwater ponds and offers 17 miles of hiking trails that hikers absolutely love! The campground offers 3-point hookups as well as tent sites and four equestrian sites with no hookups. Yurts with canvas walls offer other unique camping options, and each one has its own deck plus a bunk bed and a double-sized futon. It's nice to have so many options in a park with so much to do!
Popularity: This is another popular state park for both recreation and camping in the summer.
Park Info: Trap Pond State Park is a 3,600-acre park with trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian. This park is the northernmost part of the country with a population of bald cypress trees.
Price: Tent sites are $17-$86/night, standard sites are $23-$46/night, yurts are $43-$72/night, and cabins are $53-$83/night depending on the time of year.
At Trap Pond State Park, there are some wonderful recreation options, especially on the pond itself. Go for a paddle or take a pontoon tour, a unique way to experience this beautiful state park. The campground has 142 tent and RV sites as well as cabins and yurts and two primitive youth campgrounds. Adventure abounds at this state park!
Best Beach Camping in Delaware
The First State has nearly 400 miles of coastline. And with beautiful sandy beaches, wouldn't it be a dream to camp on a beach with the Atlantic Ocean at your fingertips? If so, here are some of the best places for beach camping in Delaware:
Popularity: Due to its beachfront location, these cottages are popular rentals, especially in the summer months and on holiday weekends.
Park Info: Cottages at Indian River Marina are located within Delaware Seashore State Park which has 6 miles of beachfront along the ocean and bay.
Price: Weekdays range $114-$145/night for residents and $133-$195/night for non-residents. Weekend prices range $331-$638 for residents and $384-$740 for non-residents.
Each of the Cottages at Indian River Marina can sleep six people and has two bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a living area, a dining area, a seasonal gas fireplace, a washer and dryer, and a screened-in porch. By renting a cottage here, you'll get to wake up to water views, and seriously, what could be better?
Popularity: Open seasonally from April 1 through Nov. 1, this is a popular family-friendly camping resort with numerous amenities.
Park Info: Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay
Price: Start at $49/night.
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Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay is a family-friendly camping resort that even allows pets. Considered a "luxury RV resort and waterfront campground," Sun Outdoors has an array of amenities that will make you want to come back every year. For starters, there's a swimming pool with a swim-up bar -- that's enough for me to stay here! There's also a private beach, activities, events, food and dining options, bathhouses, a market, an arcade, bike rentals, and so much more. What an awesome place for a getaway. In fact, it's one of the best places to camp in Delaware!
Popularity: With beaches and water views, this state park is quite popular to camp at during the summer and on holiday weekends.
Park Info: Delaware Seashore State Park is on a barrier island and has 6 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and 20 miles along the bay.
Price: Full hookup sites: $32-$60 for residents and $39-$72 for non-residents. No-hookup sites: $25-$46 for residents and $30-$56 for non-residents. Tent sites: $20-$42 for residents and $24-$59 for non-residents.
Delaware Seashore State Park has two campgrounds in addition to the Cottages at Indian River Marina. Campsites at the North River Inlet have three-point hookups as well as no hookup sites and the South Inlet campground offers tent camping. Select campsites are available year-round. Staying at one of the campgrounds gives you easy access to beaches and water sports. Sounds like an incredible place to camp!
Popularity: This is one of the most popular state parks to visit and a highly desirable place to camp.
Park Info: Cape Henlopen State Park is nearly 5,200 acres where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. There is over 6 miles of coastline here with historic remnants of the WWII-built Fort Miles.
Price: Tents are $20-$58/night, standard sites are $35-$66/night, and cabins are $80-$164/night depending on the time of year.
If you love the beach, you'll love camping at Cape Henlopen State Park! The campground is located along the dunes and offers 2-point hookup sites, 20 walk-in tent sites, and 12 cabins. You'll love all that this state park has to offer including the beach, the Fort Miles Historical Area, a nature center with a touch tank (great for kids!), a fishing pier, and even a bike borrowing program if you prefer to explore on two wheels. This is absolutely one of the best places to camp in Delaware!
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Top Glamping in Delaware
If you're like me, you prefer glamping over camping. While I love being outdoors, I need comfort and warmth to sleep. Luckily, the First State offers several comfortable options with hotel-like amenities while you can enjoy the surrounding nature. Here are the top glamping spots in Delaware:
8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches
Popularity: This is a popular family-friendly camping resort with numerous on-site amenities.
Park Info: Located in close proximity to Dewey Beach, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches is one of the best camping spots in Delaware.
Price: Cabins start at $99/night, premium tent sites start at $39/night, and RV sites for campers start at $49/night.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ at Delaware Beaches offers some of the best camping in the state. You'll want for nothing with the selection of activities and amenities including a splash pad, waterslides, a playground, an arcade, laser tag, an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site camp store, outdoor movies, and so much more! As for accommodations, there are tent and RV sites as well as cabins that range from comfort to premier. Believe me, you'll want to stay here and, when you do, you'll think it's the best place to camp in Delaware!
Popularity: This is a well-known campground that's been around for over 50 yeas.
Park Info: The family-owned Holly Lake Campsites sits on 500 acres of land with woodlands and wetlands.
Price: Cabins start at $125/night
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The RV sites at Holly Lake Campsites offer 30 and 50-amp hookups and the tent sites have electricity and water access. Cabins are also available is you prefer. Not only is there an on-site camp store but a restaurant here as well. Spend some time relaxing at the pool or explore the great outdoors and hit the nearby beach and boardwalk...it's up to you how active or inactive you want to be during your stay.
Big Oaks Campground is one of the best places to camp in Delaware for families. Not only are there activities throughout the summer but a pool, a playground, a camp store, shuffleboard, and several additional amenities. And you'll be close enough to the beach!
Popularity: This is a popular camping spot in a great location. In-season runs between Apr. 1 and Oct. 31 while off-season is Nov. 1 through Mar. 31.
Park Info: Tall Pines Campground Resort offers a variety of accommodations including primitive and deluxe cabins as well as a wide selection of amenities. Weekly, seasonal, and annual sites are available.
At Tall Pines Campground Resort, you'll have your choice of tent or RV camping or you can rent a cabin. When you stay here, you can feel safe as it's accessible through a gate. Guests also love the amenities like the splash park, a swimming pool, a mini golf course, and a playground. It's also in close proximity to Rehoboth Beach and you can access the Georgetown to Lewes Bike Path.
Best RV Camping Sites in Delaware
Don't you just love having options when it comes to camping? Not only can you camp in a tent or glamp it up in a cabin, yurt, or some other unique abode, but cruise around in an RV. Essentially a comfortable home on wheels, RVs allow the freedom of going just about anywhere! If you don't have an RV, it's no problem -- you can always rent one on RVShare.com before heading to one of the best RV camping sites in Delaware.
Popularity: This is a popular and massive campground. There are over 1,000 campsites, so chances are good you can find a last-minute spot. However, a 3-night minimum is required during the summer months due to its popularity.
Park Info: Treasure Beach RV Park is set on 100 acres and offers 1,000 campsites, many of which are along the water.
Price: Call (302) 436-8001 for current rates.
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Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground is family-owned and operated and has been open since 1972. Guests often return year after year and, with all that it offers, it's easy to see why. Located along Assawoman Bay and close to Fenwick Island, this is a beautiful part of Delaware to explore. This park offers RV sites with full hookups including cable TV, and there are cabin rentals each with a private bathroom and a full kitchen. For those who love having amenities at your fingertips, there are two pools, a playground, piers for fishing and crabbing, a boat ramp, and plenty more!
Popularity: This is a quiet, and relaxing hidden gem of an RV park with seasonal sites available between Apr. 28 and Oct. 1.
Park Info: Lost Lands RV Park is an RV-only park on the picturesque Fenwick Island.
Price: Seasonal sites: $4,300
Located on Fenwick Island, Lost Lands RV Park is a premier destination for RV camping. It offers seasonal RV sites that include water, electricity, sewer, cable TV, telephone and internet hookups, winter storage, and boat storage. The area surrounding this RV park is farmland so you'll have plenty of quiet during your stay. Ocean City and all that Fenwick Island has to offer is only a short distance away.
Popularity: This is a well-known campground especially for seasonal and permanent RV camping.
Park Info: Homestead Campground offers RV sites with or without electric, water, and sewer as well as tent campsites and cabins.
Price: RV sites with full hookups start at $90/night, $600/week, and $2,000/month.
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Homestead Campground acts as a home away from home for many visitors who choose to camp here seasonally or longer. Among the amenities here are a bark park (so, yes, it's pet-friendly), a family pool, an adults-only pool, a splash pad, wifi, a laundry facility, a game room, vending machines, etc. This is one of the most enjoyable Delaware campgrounds!
Best Primitive Tent Camping in Delaware
For those of you who love backpacking and truly immersing yourself in the wilderness, primitive tent camping may be right up your alley. While there are no amenities, what you'll get is quiet and solitude, and sometimes that's better. Here are some of the best places for primitive camping in Delaware:
Popularity: This is a relatively popular spot to camp and reservations must be made in advance.
Park Info: Redden State Forest is Delaware's largest state forest with nearly 13,000 acres.
Price: $25/night
Redden State Forest offers over 44 miles of trails and is a popular place for hiking, birdwatching, biking, and horseback riding. This state forest's Headquarters Tract on East Redden Road is where you'll find a small number of primitive campsites as well as a catch-and-release fishing pond.
Popularity: Primitive campsites must be reserved ahead of time and there are only 8 available. Depending on the time of the year, there may or may not be one available.
Park Info: Redden State Forest is located close to Wilmington and Dover so it's a great escape from the cities.
