Where To Go Camping in Delaware
The Blue Hen State is mainly known for its beaches and waterfront views, though camping is a draw too, especially later in the season when the weather is better. Though not widely known to be a haven for campgrounds, Delaware has some hidden gems where you can pitch a tent or park an RV.
Delaware, like the rest of the states on the Eastern seaboard, tends to get warm and humid during the summer. Though it doesn’t get wildly hot, the state still averages up into the high 80s during peak season. Couple that with the wetter air typical of the region, and summer isn’t as comfortable fall or spring . But it’s still a fantastic time to visit, with coastal spots like Rehoboth Beach seeing peak numbers in summertime.
Best Times to Go Camping in Delaware
June and July are actually the most popular months overall to visit Delaware, so don’t let humid summers deter you. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, stay further inland and away from the more popular beach towns.
Winter camping isn’t particularly common here. Though not impossible by any stretch, much of the state gets below freezing overnight during the winter and the campgrounds have long since closed. Though RV travelers can camp here comfortably, most campers are going to want to head elsewhere for the winter.
Fall is your best bet for camping in Delaware. From September to November, the daytime temperatures are comfortable, with September averaging around 80 degrees and November averaging around 60. This far north, you’ll likely want to come in the earlier parts of fall to hit the changing leaves at the right time.
Spring offers much of the benefits of fall, without the changing leaves. Late spring is a good time to beat the summer traffic at popular spots without being too cold overnight. In the later parts of the season, the overnight temperature gets into the 50s, while the daytime high hovers around 70.
National Park Service Sites in Delaware
There are four National Park Service (NPS) sites in Delaware, though none of them offer camping. The sites here tend to revolve around the history of Delaware and its Revolutionary War (and other early American history) legacy. In terms of outdoor activities, the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail runs through Delaware, and geo-caching is popular at that site.
State Forests in Delaware
There really isn’t much in the way of federal land of any sort in Delaware. The state doesn’t have any national forests, though there are three state forests. These state forests, especially Redden State Forest, are locally popular. That said, for those looking to avoid crowds on the coast, any of these state forests will offer a more secluded experience.
- Blackbird State Forest
- Redden State Forest
- Taber State Forest
Best Free Camping in Delaware
Just above 2% of Delaware is federal land. This means, unfortunately, there isn’t really any free camping in Delaware. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) manages almost all of the federal land in Delaware. Though FWS runs some free campgrounds throughout the United States, none are found in this state.
Delaware State and Public Parks
Delaware has 17 total state parks. Of those 17, five offer camping in some form. The offerings include traditional tent sites, yurts, cabins, and RV spots. Each park will vary in what it offers, so be sure to confirm your accommodations ahead of time.
- Delaware Seashore State Park
- Killens Pond State Park
- Lums Pond State Park
- Trap Pond State Park
- Cape Henlopen State Park
RV Resorts and Unique Stays
Whether traveling inland or along the waterfront, Delaware has plenty of unique stays. Most of the options here revolve around either beachfront stays or upscale camp resorts. You’ll certainly be staying in style, though you’ll still feel immersed in the wilds of Delaware.
- Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay
- Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground
- Holly Lake Campsites
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Delaware Beaches
- Tall Pines Campground Resort
- Big Oaks Family Campground
The First State (yep, Delaware really was the first US state) has plenty of offerings, whether you’re looking to get out onto the water or head into the woods. For travelers in the mid-Atlantic region, this small state is worth the detour.
