The 10 Best State Parks in Delaware, United States

April 30, 2022 Dorsey Hagwood

Delaware offers vacationers miles of discoveries, like cleanest-in-the-nation beaches, opulent du Pont family mansions and the opportunity to shop sales-tax-free. Size and location also work to Delaware’s advantage. Within a few hours’ drive, visitors can stroll through quaint Colonial-era towns, savor full-flavored culinary adventures without the big-city prices, or cheer their favorite band at the annual Firefly Music Festival.
Restaurants in Delaware

1. Cape Henlopen State Park

42 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958-1168 http://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/fort-miles
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,386 reviews

Cape Henlopen State Park

This oceanside state park comprises 155 campsites and the Seaside Nature Center.

Reviewed By lindamK9624MM - Lewes, United States

Something for everyone from the beautiful ocean beaches, the wonderful nature trails and bike paths, Cape Henlopen State Park has it all and is our local treasure for all to enjoy in all seasons.

2. Trap Pond State Park

33587 Cypress Dr., Laurel DE, 19956, DE 19956 +1 302-875-5153 http://www.destateparks.com/activities/Trails/paddling/locations.asp#tpsp
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 117 reviews

Trap Pond State Park

Reviewed By TamStan

My daughter had her wedding at the Historic Bethesda Church with reception that followed at Baldcypress Nature Center, both located in the park. Wow, cant say enough about how amazing the park staff was in making sure we had everything we needed and the day was flawless. They were flexible with our set up and clean up times, offered assistance, and were such a pleasure to work with. Kelly even gave us an escort to the church on our set up day since we had not been there before. The Nature Center reception area was AMAZING with a beautiful view of Trap Pond. The outdoor patio space with fire pit really enhanced the experience in the evening hours. Pricing was more than reasonable and you just can't get a better value. Kudos to the park staff for a job well done!

3. White Clay Creek State Park

880 New London Rd, Newark, DE 19711-2112 +1 302-368-6900 http://www.destateparks.com/park/white-clay-creek/index.asp
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

White Clay Creek State Park

Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey, United States

We come here most often approaching from the Delaware side but we also use Pennsylvania as our base. Some trails here span more than one state. Each time we choose a different route and it is always interesting hike. The park is quite extensive and the nature here is lush and beautiful.This time we enjoyed again the Tri-State Trail and Mason Dixon Trails. Tri-state monument is a popular landmark. In Delaware there is a park fee one needs to pay. Out of state it is $8.

4. Fenwick Island State Park

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE 19944 +1 302-227-2800 http://www.destateparks.com/park/fenwick-island/
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

Fenwick Island State Park

Reviewed By Campingwiththejetts - Bowie, United States

This place has a nice view and laid back . Kids loved the beach . We will be back this summer . Good times

5. Holts Landing State Park

Rt 26, Millville, DE 19967 +1 302-227-2800 http://www.destateparks.com/park/holts-landing/
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Holts Landing State Park

6. Killens Pond State Park

5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943-1916 +1 302-284-4526 http://www.destateparks.com/park/killens-pond/water-park/index.asp
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Killens Pond State Park

Reviewed By ReviewLlama - Farmville, United States

This was my first visit ever to a Delaware State Park, and I was very pleased. I wish I could upload more photos! You go to the campground entrance to get to your cabin. My reservation was for Cabin 5. When I pulled into the cabin area parking lot, I realized there was a parking space marked for each cabin, and then a trail leading to the cabins themselves. I parked in #5, and then realized they had wheel barrows available for you to put your stuff in. This made it a lot easier to transport everything to the cabin. It’s very similar to your typical camping experience, but upgraded. What you need to bring: -your own sheets, blankets, pillows, towels -toiletries (soap, shampoo, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste) -pots/pans, cutlery, utensils -food What’s provided: In the kitchen -table that seats 4 -two burners -microwave -full size fridge (with freezer) -cabinet space -sink In the (quite spacious!) bathroom -sink -toilet -shower with fold down seat & shower head that can be either hand-held or mounted, I would say it is ADA accessible In the bedroom -one full size (double) bed -two twin size (single) mattresses, arranged in bunk bed style -closet On the porch -surprisingly comfortable wooden chair -surprisingly comfortable wooden “loveseat” Outside -picnic table -fire ring (See the attached photos to view a drawing of the layout for Cabin 5. Not sure if they are all identical.) The cabin had heating and cooling. There is no smoking in the cabins or the entire park. This was really nice, as it meant very few littered cigarette butts. This is a trash in/trash out park, meaning you must take your garbage with you when you leave. The cabin did have two small trash bins, with bags, that you remove when you leave and take with you. The lack of trash cans throughout the park keeps it looking beautiful and scenic, while also minimizing wasps/ants/etc. There is an incredible nature center which I had a lot of fun exploring. I’m sure it might even be more fun for kids! There’s even a water park at Killens Pond! It wasn’t open yet when I was there, but there were a lot of huge slides and it looked like you’d have a blast if visiting in the summer. Killens Pond itself should probably be renamed Killens LAKE! It is HUGE! I know you can fish and rent boats, but unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity due to time constraints. I didn’t get to explore the park itself as much as I had hoped, as I actually came for the horseshoe crab spawning that happens in the Delaware Bay, and spent much of my time on the nearby bay beaches. However, what I did see was awesome. It’s a really beautiful place. Before this experience, I’d mainly only visited Dover and Middletown in The First State, so I was really taken aback by the incredible natural beauty of Delaware. I would recommend Killens Pond to anyone!

7. Alapocas Run State Park

1914 W Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803-3652 +1 302-577-1164 http://www.destateparks.com/park/alapocas-run/index.asp
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 46 reviews

Alapocas Run State Park

Reviewed By WilmBlueHen

trails are always in great shape & quickly cleared of any debris after storms; poop bags for dogs are always stocked at the kiosk; scenery in this corner of Delaware is beautiful with woods, streams, & the Brandywine River; car traffic on park road (West Park Drive) usually exceeds the speed limit through the park so park users have to be very careful when crossing that road from the Blue Ball Barn to the trails leading to the Alapocas Woods.

8. Brandywine Creek State Park

41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, DE 19807 +1 302-577-3534 http://www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek/index.asp
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Brandywine Creek State Park

Reviewed By ald3114

I have both hiked the trails and tubed down the creek at Brandywine Creek State Park. Great and scenic trails. Actually saw more wildlife while tubing than hiking. Tubed from Brandywine River Museum of art to Thompson Bridge. There are warnings to not go past Thompson Bridge due to the dams. Some low parts of the creek had to be walked, but definitely relaxing and fun. There were also kayakers and canoes out as well. Small parking lot at Thompson bridge, get there early. Wear sunblock, bug spray, bring water, shades, a paddle for steering, a trash bag and water shoes.

9. Bellevue State Park

800 Carr Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-2163 +1 302-761-6963 http://www.destateparks.com/park/bellevue/index.asp
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

Bellevue State Park

A Park For All Seasons Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by William du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking the Delaware River. The park was acquired by the State of Delaware in 1976. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track circles a catch-and-release fishing pond while the nearby exercise trail offers a refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, both paved and unpaved paths lead you on a leisurely tour. A popular spot for picnics, weddings and get-togethers.

Reviewed By ShoreCollins1 - Wilmington, United States

This is right off of I-95 in Wilmington. The grounds are beautiful, truly left in their natural state. They have a huge track for walking /running, nature trails, facilities for boarding horses,changing of the trees during fall is amazing as it reflects in the pond, perfect for pictures. Hayrides. Bellevue Hall is great for weddings/parties, the backdrop is beautiful. If you want something country, Cauffiel House (off of Governor Printz Blvd.) is on a hill that looks down to the Delaware River. During the summer, concerts on the lawn at the bandshell, not a bad seat in the house, just bring your chairs and your favorite person for a night out under the stars to music. It helps if you have a State Park Pass otherwise their is a fee of $4.00 for residents, $8.00 for non. All and all just a beautiful way to reconnect with nature and clear your mind.

10. Delaware Seashore State Park

130 Coastal Hwy N38° 38.038 W75° 04.018, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971-2604 +1 302-227-2800 [email protected]
Excellent
54%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 451 reviews

Delaware Seashore State Park

From fishing and boating to surfing and sail boarding, this six-mile stretch of coastline boasts a wide variety of outdoor recreation for people of all ages.

Reviewed By kimwR7986ET - Warminster, United States

This was our first visit (South Side) and I am so glad we took a chance! I'm a glamper...not really a hardcore camper. We have a 30' Class C motor home and enjoy the amenities many campgrounds have like pools, swim up bars, etc., so this was "roughing it" for me. Although the actually camping area is more like a parking lot, it was level, clean, easy to hook up and everyone was kind and considerate of their close neighbors. The location and price can't be beat...you are surrounded by water! A five minute walk has you on the beach and ocean, which is clean and lovely. The Big Chill restaurant is right there on the beach and has spectacular views and surprising great food! The other end of the campground gives you beautiful sunsets. Take a walk/bike/ride over the bridge to the North Side (Beautiful views!) and you have the marina, Hammerheads Dockside restaurant, and Burton's Island. We took an Uber into downtown Rehoboth and that was easy enough (sadly, they stop the DART bus mid-month). We were never bored but found time for some relaxing. We are looking forward to our next visit, planning to stay on the North Side. It was a really great trip!

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