Warm weather and friends is a great combination for loads of weekend fun now that spring is here, and instead of opting for your usual getaway routine, why not go camping?
Delaware is home to many campsites offering beach views and a morning sunrise over crashing waves, or a classic forest excursion complete with the scent of pine needles and bonfires in the air.
However you choose to camp, Delaware has plenty of options with all-inclusive options for trips with friends, family adventures and summer vacations.
Delaware Seashore State Park, Rehoboth Beach
Delaware Seashore State Park is located within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean and has two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, connected by a bridge with separate walking and biking paths.
Three-point hookups, including electricity, water and sewer service, tent sites, and areas accommodating large tents or recreational vehicles are all available. One vehicle is allowed per campsite but overflow parking is provided.
Laundry facilities and bathhouses are located in both campgrounds; a camp store on the south side sells souvenirs and convenience items, and nearby attractions include restaurants, trails, the Indian River Life Saving Station and a gift shop.
A full-service marina with a bait and tackle shop, fish and seafood sales and head boat service is also nearby.
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Select sites are open year-round and a two-night minimum stay is required on weekends, with some holiday weekends requiring a minimum stay of three nights.
Reservations can be made up to one year in advance and can be for as long as 14 nights.
Many reviewers have described the campground as being pet friendly and a great place to fish. If you’re looking to see all the site has to offer, sign up for a guided tour!
39415 Inlet Road., Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-2800; www.destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore.
Blackbird State Forest, Smyrna
Blackbird State Forest in Smyrna is a 30-minute drive from Wilmington and Newark and located on the border of New Castle and Kent Counties.
This location offers primitive-style tent camping at a rate of $25 per night with a three-night maximum stay per reservation at any of its eight campsites. On-site amenities include parking, BBQ grills, picnic tables, fire rings, firewood and portable toilets. There are no showers or bath facilities.
With nine tracts totaling over 6,000 acres and 40 miles of trails, visitors hike, run, cycle, horseback ride and cross-country ski. Hunting and catch-and-release fishing can be enjoyed by visitors as well by season and with proper permits.
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There’s also a 2,200-foot paved, wheelchair accessible trail and the chance of a deer-sighting along your adventures.
502 Blackbird Forest Road, Smyrna, (302) 653-6505; agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/state-forests/.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
In Lewes, Cape Henlopen State Park is a year-round site where visitors can camp, swim, fish and explore local attractions.
Reservations are available up to one year in advance and can be made for up to 14 nights.
Campgrounds offer water, electric hookups, fire rings and picnic tables, a play area, additional dump stations and walk-in tent sites. A camp store, laundry facility and pull-through sites are also available.
Camping is even available next to the historical World War II-era observation towers.
Other activities at the 7,000-acre state park include biking through sand dunes and fishing from bayside pier.
If you want to learn more about the park’s native plants and animals or participate in an interpretive program, visit the Seaside Nature Center.
15411 Campground Road., Lewes, (302)645-8983; destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen.
Killens Pond State Park, Felton
Located in Felton, 66-acre Killens Pond once was home to the Lenape, but now features a waterpark, the popular Pondside Loop Trail and a variety of watercraft rentals.
Visitors can bike or walk along the boardwalk or enjoy wildlife watching and fishing on the benches. Kayakers and boaters are able to use the boat launch at the end of the walkway.
The water park includes a baby pool, a main pool, a tot lot and four tall slides.
The campground, which is abundantly filled with the American Holly, Delaware’s state tree, provides 59 electric and water hookup sites for both tents and recreational vehicles, plus a primitive walk-in camping loop with 17 sites.
Family cabins fit for four people are available and come with an efficiency kitchen, an eating area, a bedroom, A/C and heat and a bath with a shower. The deluxe Pond View Cottage is a bit more spacious and comes with extra amenities while overlooking the pond. Youth primitive sites also are available upon request.
Reservations can be made up to one year in advance and can total up to 14 nights, with a two-night minimum stay required on weekends and a three-night minimum on holiday weekends.
While you’re there, check out the park’s nature center. Live animal exhibits featuring native reptiles and amphibians can be found.
If you’re up for a walk in the woods, you might hear the barred owl, the pileated woodpecker or the prothonotary warbler.
3015 Paradise Alley Road, Harrington, (302) 284-3412; destateparks.com/PondsRivers/KillensPond.
G&R Campground, Houston
Since 1997, this family-owned campground has offered year-round camping and private catering at their 10,000 square-foot activity hall.
G&R’s campsites are shaded or open and feature picnic tables and fire rings. Weekly and seasonal RV sites can be reserved for up to 12 months and feature a rally area. Pets are welcome.
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These 200 sites are either primitive with no utilities or have water, electric and sewer hookups.
Sixteen cottages with A/C and heating, a full bathroom, two double beds, a kitchen, cable television and a microwave are available.
Gun & Rod Club Road, Houston, (302) 398-8108 4075: gnrcampground.com/.
Lums Pond State Park, Bear
Lums Pond is open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset and offers a variety of activities including hiking through 17 miles of trails, camping, biking, a ziplining course through the trees and plenty of events and day camps.
The site is Delaware’s largest freshwater pond and features water activities like canoeing, kayaking and pedal boating.
Campgrounds onsite can be used by tents and RVs, and primitive campsites are available for groups. Campsites can accommodate up to four people, with an additional charge of $2 per person for up to eight people total at each site.
Reservations must be made online by credit card and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You must be 18 years of age or older to make a reservation and have to be onsite during the duration of the visit. Call (877) 987-2757 for assistance. Camping rates vary based on site type and date of visit.
During your visit, you can rent pavilions for events, visit the off-leash dog park and play games like disc golf, cricket, football, soccer and tennis. The site is also home to a nature center where visitors can see live animal exhibits.
Lums Pond recently announced the site would be adding 14 new cabins for camping use. Construction is slated to begin this fall with a completion date of summer 2025.
1068 Howell School Road, Bear, DE 19701, (302) 368-6989; https://destateparks.com/pondsrivers/LumsPond.
