Often called the First State, Delaware is in the Mid-Atlantic region and is home to countless historical landmarks. With a plethora of State Parks, beaches, and other leisure activities, Delaware is a huge vacation destination that generates billions of dollars each year thanks to all the tourism.
Delaware saw 9.2 million visitors in 2018 according to Delaware Endless Discoveries, and there’s no question as to why so many people love it.
Some of the reasons so many people choose Delaware for vacationing is because of the nightlife, artistic appeal, the town’s charm and the miles and miles of sandy beaches that have the feel of a vacation oasis. Oh, and we can’t forget about the tax-free shopping!
But you know us, what we really care about is the camping in Delaware!
Not everyone favors the saltwater, sand between your toes, type of getaway. Delaware is also home to countless campground locations year-round where you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery, explore the trails and forests and get lost in the natural beauty of the western wilderness.
If you are planning a trip to Delaware and are looking for some of the best campgrounds, there is definitely no shortage of options. This list of 13 wonderful places to go camping in Delaware provides a little bit of everything so you can get an idea of which location is best for your vacation.
Each spot is highlighted by the activities and amenities that are available. Whether you are looking for a secluded romantic getaway nestled in the forest, an RV park with miles of trails and activities like kayaking and fishing, or if you are looking for a more family-friendly environment, Delaware has it all and you will be sure to find what you are looking for.
The 13 Best Places To Go Camping In Delaware
1. Cape Henlopen State Park
One of the best places to go camping in Delaware and only minutes from the beach, Cape Henlopen is a campground in the middle of the forest where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
The campgrounds are equipped with 20 tent sites, 12 2-room cabins with outdoor cooking availability and a communal bathroom and provide a fun economical alternative to a typical beach vacation.
It is a wonderful location for bird watching, hiking or biking the Loop trail to take in the maritime forests and the beach scenery. It is a great place to learn about the history and habitats with many guided programs or to take a tour of Fort Miles Historical Area.
It also offers 24-hour fishing in the Delaware Bay from the pier that was built for mine operations during World War II. There is also a designated swimming beach, areas filled with boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle-boarding or wind-surfing, and easy access to the beach’s boardwalk.
It is also home to the Fort Miles Museum, Seaside Nature Center and the Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve. You are bound to find something for the whole family to enjoy.
2. Holly Lake Campsites
Located in Millsboro, Delaware, Holly Lake Campsites have the ability to accommodate large camping units or small tents, and everything in between.
There are hundreds of sites for RVs or tents, along with 30 cabins, that are quietly tucked in the woods near some of the most popular Delaware beaches.
Amenities include a laundromat, souvenir store, game room, swimming pool, planned activities, miniature gold, frisbee golf, a petting zoo and clean bathroom facilities throughout.
Whether you enjoy sunbathing, fishing, sailing, crabbing, outlet shopping or just a leisure stroll down the Rehoboth Boardwalk, Holly Lake doesn’t disappoint.
3. Delaware Seashore State Park
Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park has a variety of options from tents to recreational vehicles on their two campgrounds that are positioned on each side of the Indian River Inlet.
Just north of the Inlet is one of the few places you have the ability to go surfing and there are also two swimming areas with lifeguards from 9am-5pm during the summer months.
Enjoy maritime exhibits and historic reenactors at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum or enjoy a day clamming or crabbing in the bay.
You will have access to a wide array of breathtaking dining locations, such as Hammerheads Dockside, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Mirena while digging your toes in the sand and enjoying some live music.
The shallow bays make Seashore State Park the perfect place for windsurfing and sailing as well as sailboarding, kayaking and boating in the New Road area.
It is equipped with 6 different family-friendly trails for hiking, biking, horseback rides and other leisure activities. You can also enjoy the Nature Preserves at Burton Island and Thompson Island where you can take in the scenery and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
4. Killens Pond State Park
This location is perfect for a fall retreat on the 2.6 mile trail while you enjoy breathtaking views and nature’s habitats. Killens Pond State Park is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, boating or enjoying the wildlife and scenery along the edge of the pond.
There is also plenty to do in the summer as well. You can visit the live animals at the Nature Center or spend your day splashing in the Killens Pond Waterpark that the whole family will enjoy.
It is a great fishing spot for bass, crappie and sunfish or you can take a hike on the Pondside Bridge where you will have access to trails and a cross country course. It is located in central Delaware surrounded by forests and all of Delaware’s natural beauty.
5. Deep Branch Family Campground
If you are looking for a place that emulates rest and relaxation for your vacation this year, Deep Branch Family Campground is a wonderful place to be.
You can rent a cabin or a camper in their campsite, or you can bring your own tent or RV. Just minutes from the beaches, outlet shopping, recreational activities and delicious restaurants, you can enjoy the best of both worlds between outdoor life and beach life.
The amenities include a camp store, café, game room, pavilion for outdoor events and plenty of games like bocce, horseshoes, ladder golf, corn hole, volleyball and more.
It is also equipped with an in-ground pool, laundry room and play area. It is located in Southern Delaware and caters to a fun-filled family vacation that you will be sure to enjoy!
6. G&R Recreation Campground
With year-round camping and on-site catering for private events, G&R Recreation Campground is another wonderful place for your family vacation.
They house 16 cottages with air conditioning and heat along with season RV sites for daily, weekly and seasonal rental. They have options for water, electric and sewer, water and electric only or no utilities, depending on your preference.
Amenities include a pool, activity hall, pavilion and picnic area, volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pit, game room, a general store and an array of different planned activities.
You can rent out the Hall for private events such as family reunions, wedding receptions and more.
7. Tall Pines Campground Resort
Tall Pines Campground Resort is packed with options and things to do. From RV camping and tent camping to primitive, deluxe or deluxe suite cabins, you have plenty of options to choose from.
One of the biggest attractions is Flicker’s Splash Park with gated access, but there is plenty more to do. They also have a swimming pool, miniature golf, a camp store, playground, modern bath houses with showers and fun activities for the whole family.
It is within a few minutes from the shopping outlets as well as The Biggs Museum of American Art, Anglers Fishing Center, Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisherman’s Wharf, Dover Downs Casino, Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market, Nassau Valley Vineyards and so much more.
8. Lums Pond State Park
One of the most diverse options is Lums Pond State Park. It is perfect for a day trip, a fun weekend or vacationing for a whole week.
There’s plenty of hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding and even skiing. It is the official campground for the University of Delaware and is equipped with an equestrian campsite, a zip line course, Nature Center, two piers, over 10 miles of trails, boat rentals and a camp store.
It has countless services and amenities and offers standard and tent camping abilities. Campsites are allowed up to 8 people, with an additional charge of $2.00 per day for each person after the first 4.
They utilize quiet hours, so everyone has the opportunity to relax and allow pets as long as they are kept on a leash. They also have Yurts for rent that are fully furnished and plenty of different events to enjoy.
10. Big Oaks Campground
This is definitely a family-oriented location with plenty to do. Big Oaks Campground has different events all the time such as movies, karaoke, tournaments in the game room, pool parties, DJ’s and live music, art contests, corn hole tournaments and plenty more.
They offer Cabin Rentals and Mobile Home Rentals with full amenities. Each cabin sleeps a maximum of 6 people and you are allowed 1 vehicle.
Pets are not permitted. The 2-bedroom mobile homes sleep a maximum of 6 people and 1-bedroom mobile homes sleep a maximum of 4 people.
There’s always something going on at Big Oaks, and it is also only 3 miles from hiking and biking trails and the beach. There are also plenty of historic locations nearby, the boardwalk, deep-sea fishing, clamming, scuba diving, water slides, outlet shopping restaurants and countless other opportunities.
11. Massey’s Landing
Massey’s Landing is a premium waterfront RV resort and waterfront campground. You’ll find unique options here such as waterfront RV sites, beachfront cottages and luxurious safari tents.
Equipped with a private beach with activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing, it is the perfect vacation spot. This option is a little more upscale than previous options such as the splash bar for delicious cocktails, exclusive biking trails around the campground and the Bluewater Golf Gateway nearby.
For a luxury vacation that is still affordable, whether you are with some friends, your significant other, or your entire family, Massey’s Landing is as good as it gets.
13. Leisure Pointe Resort
Last on our list for the best camping in Delaware is Leisure Point Resort. The other upscale option on the list is Leisure Pointe Resort. It is a gated resort along Rehoboth Bay that offers camping, fishing, crabbing, clamming and a beautiful view of the Delaware Coast.
The marina accommodates everything from pontoon boats to 24 ft. v-hull. Year-round tree-shaded campsites and sandy beaches are known for their quality, cleanliness and a top of the line experience.
The resort also offers a fitness center, swimming pool, clubhouse with fun activities, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball, on-site laundry, pavilion, church services and so much more.
This is a place where you can go and never want to leave, and truly, you don’t have to! Everything you could possibly need is all in one location and with 40 years of excellent reviews, this is definitely something worth checking out if it’s within your budget.
Additional Camping Tips
For more information about campgrounds, RV camping, camping gear and any other possible camping needs, visit the Beyond The Tent homepage.
There’s wonderful suggestions and tips for all different types of camping and locations, food and activity ideas, as well as making camping fun for the whole family.
There’s also lists of other camping areas in different states at national parks, state parks and other locations along with an amazing list of different easy to make recipes for breakfast lunch and dinner on your campsite.