Best Delaware State Parks For Campers

Delaware's state parks offer diverse ecosystems, from cool coasts to temperate woodlands and wetlands. The state's parks offer a range of camping options, from RV camping to pitching a tent. Here are some of the state parks in Delaware where you can bring your camper:

- Cape Henlopen State Park: This park offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. It has a campground with water, electric, and fire rings, accommodating both tents and large recreational vehicles.

- Delaware Seashore State Park: Located within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean, this park has two campgrounds on either side of the Indian River Inlet. Campsites can accommodate tents to large recreational vehicles, with electric and water hookups.

- Killens Pond State Park: This park offers a wooded campground with electric and water hookups, accommodating tents and recreational vehicles. It also has a primitive camping loop for tents only.

- Lums Pond State Park: Nestled in a woodland area, this park offers RV and tent camping sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. It also has walk-in tent sites and yurts available.

- Trap Pond State Park: This park has 142 campsites with water and electric hookups, accommodating tents and recreational vehicles. It also offers primitive camping areas for youth groups.

Campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, and Trap Pond State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park

Campers can swim in the ocean, bike through the sand dunes, fish from the bayside fishing pier, and explore all 7,000 acres of the park. The campground offers water, 30-, 50-, and 100-amp electric hook-ups, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is also a camp store, laundry facility, and play area.

Killens Pond State Park

The wooded campground at Killens Pond State Park offers 59 sites with electric and water hookups, accommodating both tents and recreational vehicles. There is also a primitive camping loop for tents only, featuring 17 walk-in sites. The park features a waterpark, nature centre, and various watercraft rentals.

Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park is Delaware's largest freshwater millpond, surrounded by oak and poplar woodland. The campground offers three-point hookups (water, electric, and sewer), as well as four horse campsites without hookups. There are also yurts available for those who want a more rustic experience without sacrificing comfort.

Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park has 142 campsites on the pond's northern shore, with 130 sites equipped with water and electric hookups. There are also walk-in tent sites, a popular island tent site, and primitive camping areas for youth groups. Waterfront climate-controlled camping cabins and yurts are also available. The park features a nature centre, boat ramp, and various trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

RV camping at Lums Pond State Park

Lums Pond State Park is a great option for RV camping, with 68 RV-specific campsites that have been recently upgraded with full hookups. The park offers a range of amenities, including an off-leash dog park, picnic areas, fire rings, restrooms, showers, a nature centre, athletic fields, tennis courts, and more.

The park is home to Delaware's largest freshwater millpond, Lums Pond, which offers excellent fishing, boating, and water activities. However, swimming is not allowed in the pond due to the absence of lifeguards. For those seeking adventure, the Go Ape ziplining course provides an exciting way to explore the park from the treetops.

The park features a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, including the 6.4-mile Swamp Forest Trail and the 8.1-mile Little Jersey Trail. The Little Jersey Trail is a shared-use trail that accommodates hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

The campground offers three-point hookups (water, electric, and sewer) for RVs, as well as four horse campsites without hookups. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak season, as the park tends to be busy.

Lums Pond State Park provides a great RV camping experience with its well-maintained campsites, diverse recreational opportunities, and convenient access to the pond and other amenities.

Dog-friendly cabins at Killens Pond State Park

Killens Pond State Park is a dog-friendly park, with Cabins 9 and 10 designated as dog-friendly sites. There is a pet fee of $25 per night, with a two-dog maximum. Pets must be leashed and under their owner's physical control at all times.

The dog-friendly cabins at Killens Pond State Park are nestled in a wooded area of the park, close to the 66-acre mill pond. The cabins are cosy, wood-framed, and sleep four. They are universally accessible, with wheelchair ramps, and have an efficiency kitchen, a screened-in porch, air conditioning, and heating.

Outside, each cabin has a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. There is a fire pit at each cabin, and a bathhouse nearby. The park has a waterpark, game courts, disc golf, picnic areas, and a playground.

The cabins are walk-in only, with vehicles needing to be parked in a designated parking spot. Handcarts are available to help move belongings to the cabin.

When booking, guests will need to provide all pillows, linens, soaps, and kitchen cookware.

Boat rentals at Trap Pond State Park

Trap Pond State Park offers a variety of boat rentals, including rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, and pontoon boats. Boat rentals are available during the summer season, and park interpreters host narrated pontoon boat tours on summer weekends and holidays. There are also three water trails within the park: the Trap Pond Water Trail, Terrapin Branch Water Trail, and Raccoon Pond Water Trail. A boat launch ramp accommodates small motorized boats for fishing or exploring the pond. Anglers may need a fishing license and can expect to land a variety of fish, from pickerel and crappie to catfish and largemouth bass.

Camping cabins at Trap Pond State Park

If you're looking for a camping adventure with a bit more protection from the weather, Trap Pond State Park's rustic two-room camping cabins could be just what you need. Nestled next to the water, these cabins offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while staying dry and comfortable.

As you step into the cabin, you'll find yourself in a screened-in porch, perfect for enjoying the fresh air without any unwanted bugs. Moving inside, the living area features a table, benches, and chairs, providing ample space to relax and dine. The bedroom is equipped with a double bed and bunk beds, comfortably sleeping four adults. The cabins also include amenities such as air conditioning and heat, ensuring year-round comfort during your stay.

Outside, you'll find a picnic table, a grill, and potable water. Additionally, convenient bath and shower facilities are located nearby. The cabins are available for rent throughout the year, with a minimum stay of one week during the peak summer season. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance, and weekend reservations must include Friday and Saturday nights.

Trap Pond State Park offers a range of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. You can kayak through the bald cypress swamps, explore the hiking trails, or even try stand-up paddleboarding on the Delaware Bay. The park also offers free bicycle rentals, allowing you to easily navigate the miles of trails around the pond.

So, whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, the camping cabins at Trap Pond State Park provide the perfect base for your exploration of Delaware's natural wonders.

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