Show notes
On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we celebrate a major milestone: 75 years of Delaware State Parks.
To mark the occasion, we’re joined by Alex Hannah, who oversees marketing and outreach for the Delaware State Park system. Alex brings incredible enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the parks, and plenty of insider tips for RVers looking to explore one of the most underrated state park systems in America.
For a small state, Delaware truly punches above its weight class. With beautiful beaches, forested campgrounds, historic sites, water recreation, wildlife viewing, and year-round camping opportunities, Delaware State Parks offer an impressive variety of experiences packed into a remarkably compact area.
In this episode, we dive into the history of the park system, explore all five state parks that offer camping, and highlight some of the lesser-known parks that make excellent day trips during your stay.
Thank you to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation for providing the photos for this post!
To listen to our interview with Alex Hannah please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows!
Celebrating 75 Years of Delaware State Parks
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
While Delaware State Parks officially began in 1951, the roots of the system stretch back much further.
Alex shared that the original concept of preserving land for public use dates all the way back to 1682, when William Penn established the Warner Grant at Cape Henlopen. More than 300 years later, that same conservation mindset continues to guide the system today.
The first official Delaware State Parks were:
- Trap Pond State Park
- Fort Delaware State Park
- Brandywine Springs State Park
Today, the system has grown to 17 parks, a zoo, a marina, campgrounds, beaches, historic sites, and countless recreational opportunities throughout the state.
Why Delaware State Parks Stand Out
One of the most impressive facts about Delaware State Parks is how they operate.
Unlike many state park systems, Delaware is approximately 65% self-funded, which means the parks must continuously focus on visitor experience, programming, amenities, and customer satisfaction.
That commitment has helped Delaware earn the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management twice—an honor shared by very few state park systems nationwide.
The result is a system that feels both welcoming and innovative, with new amenities, upgraded facilities, extensive programming, and year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Five Delaware State Parks with Campgrounds
For RVers, Delaware offers five state parks with camping facilities, and each delivers a distinct experience.
Lums Pond State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Located in northern Delaware near Bear, Lums Pond serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Wilmington, Newark, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.
The park encompasses roughly 1,700 acres centered around Delaware’s largest freshwater pond.
Highlights include:
- Full-hookup RV sites
- Extensive hiking and biking trails
- Paddle boating and kayaking
- Nature center
- The Go Ape zipline course, which actually sends riders soaring over the water
One exciting addition is the construction of 14 new waterfront cottages, which will expand lodging options for visitors.
Lums Pond is also remarkably convenient, making it a favorite stop for RVers traveling north and south along the East Coast.
Killens Pond State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Located near Felton in central Delaware, Killens Pond offers a classic forested state park experience with plenty of recreation opportunities.
Recent improvements include the opening of a brand-new water park complex featuring:
- A massive swimming pool
- Water slides
- Splash features
- Family-friendly aquatic attractions
The campground offers:
- Water and electric hookups
- Forested campsites
- Easy access to hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing
Its central location also makes it a popular basecamp for visitors attending events at nearby sports complexes and attractions.
Trap Pond State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
If there is one park that repeatedly came up during our conversation as a hidden gem, it was Trap Pond.
Located near Laurel in southern Delaware, Trap Pond is Delaware’s first state park and perhaps its most unique.
The defining feature is its bald cypress swamp, one of the northernmost natural stands of bald cypress trees in the United States.
Visitors can:
- Paddle through the cypress swamp by kayak
- Take pontoon boat tours
- Fish and hike
- Explore water trails
- Enjoy fall foliage cruises
Alex described paddling through the cypress trees as feeling more like Louisiana than Delaware.
New improvements coming to the park include the Cypress Splash Zone, a large new water attraction designed for families.
For campers seeking a completely different side of Delaware, Trap Pond deserves a spot near the top of the list.
Delaware Seashore State Park
photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Delaware Seashore State Park is one of the crown jewels of the system.
Located near Rehoboth Beach and Indian River Inlet, this park offers some of the closest beach camping on the East Coast.
The campground features:
- More than 220 full-hookup RV sites
- Direct beach access
- Bay access
- Surf fishing
- Kayaking
- Historic sites
- Waterfront dining
The park is uniquely positioned between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, giving visitors easy access to two completely different waterfront experiences.
Alex also highlighted:
- The Indian River Marina
- The historic Life-Saving Station
- The Big Chill Beach Club
- Dockside Marina Restaurant
One particularly fascinating attraction is the Tower Road Fire Control Tower, which was used during World War II to help identify enemy submarines offshore.
Today, visitors can climb to the top and enjoy what Alex considers one of the best views in Delaware.
Cape Henlopen State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Located near Lewes, Cape Henlopen is perhaps Delaware’s most iconic state park.
Unlike Delaware Seashore’s open beach environment, Cape Henlopen offers a more forested campground experience while still providing immediate access to the coast.
Popular activities include:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Disc golf
- Fishing
- Beach access
- Wildlife viewing
History enthusiasts will especially enjoy Fort Miles, a World War II military installation featuring restored bunkers, exhibits, and reenactments.
Cape Henlopen is also incredibly convenient for travelers arriving via the Cape May–Lewes Ferry, making it a natural destination for RVers from New Jersey and beyond.
The campground accommodates everything from smaller trailers to large motorhomes, including pull-through sites for bigger rigs.
Beyond the Campgrounds: Day Trip Opportunities
One of Delaware’s greatest strengths is that the state is small enough to allow easy exploration from a single basecamp.
Alex highlighted several parks worth visiting during your stay:
Auburn Valley State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Home to the Marshall Steam Museum and one of the largest collections of Stanley Steamer automobiles in the world.
Bellevue State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Features concerts, fitness trails, and beautiful historic grounds.
Brandywine Creek State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Known for stone walls, hiking trails, tubing opportunities, and scenic landscapes.
Fort Delaware State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Located on Pea Patch Island and accessible by ferry, this Civil War-era fort combines history with excellent birdwatching opportunities.
White Clay Creek State Park
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
A favorite for hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring thousands of acres of protected land.
Fenwick Island State Park
Offers quieter beaches and spectacular sunrises along Delaware’s southern coastline.
The Delawanderer and Delaware State Parks Trading Cards
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
One of the most unique programs in the system is the Delawanderer, a 2017 Airstream Flying Cloud that serves as a traveling ambassador for Delaware State Parks.
The Delawanderer appears at:
- The Hershey RV Show
- NASCAR events
- Community festivals
- Outdoor recreation expos
The team also created a series of collectible Delaware State Parks trading cards, featuring:
- Individual parks
- Hidden gems
- Plants and animals
- Special attractions
The program has already distributed more than 125,000 cards and continues to grow in popularity.
Why RVers Love Delaware
Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation
Throughout the conversation, one theme kept emerging: convenience.
Delaware offers:
- Year-round camping
- Full-hookup campsites
- Affordable rates
- Beaches
- Forests
- History
- Wildlife
- Excellent food
- Easy access from major population centers
And because the state is so compact, campers can enjoy multiple completely different experiences during a single trip.
Final Thoughts
After talking with Alex, it’s easy to see why Delaware State Parks have developed such a loyal following.
Whether you’re:
- Looking for beachfront camping
- Exploring historic sites
- Paddling through cypress swamps
- Visiting with family
- Or simply searching for a great weekend getaway
There’s a Delaware State Park that fits the adventure.
And with 75 years of history behind them—and exciting improvements still being added—the future looks just as bright.
We’ll see you at the campground.
The post RVing in “The First State” and Celebrating 75 Years of Delaware State Parks appeared first on The RV Atlas.
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