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Cape Henlopen, just 43 miles southeast of Dover, has the distinction of being one of the United States’ first public lands. Recognized for its beauty and natural features, Pennsylvania founder William Penn decreed that the area should be preserved for the enjoyment of the local citizenry. That was nearly 3.5 centuries ago. Over the course of that time, Cape Henlopen has served several purposes but has always remained accessible to the public. In 1964, it was designated a Delaware State Park. Today, the park serves as an idyllic destination where campers, hikers, anglers and nature lovers can explore and appreciate the sand dunes, pine woods and tidal marshes in the same way the Founders did so long ago.
The campground in Henlopen State Park is the perfect base to explore the area and enjoy many of the park’s attractions and activities. The campground offers a variety of tent and RV sites (many with 2-point hookups), walk-in tent sites, ADA accessible sites, and camping cabins that can accommodate up to six people. Amenities include bathhouses with showers, dump and recycling stations, a playground and an amphitheater. Camping is available from Mar. 1 through Nov. 30; seasonal campsite rates range from $20–$59/night; camping cabins range from $70–$130/night.
When it’s time to play, the sky’s the limit. Four hiking trails are available for exploring the area’s pine forests and coastal dunes, visiting bunkers and watchtowers in the Fort Miles Historic Area, or taking in views of Delaware Bay and the Henlopen Lighthouse. Stop by the Nature Center and learn about some of the local bird and sea life (bird watching guides available), or take advantage of the park’s Borrow-a-Bike program and take a pleasant ride around Cape Henlopen’s bike path. For fun on the water, take a dip in the Atlantic at one of the swimming areas, try crabbing or surf fishing, or rent kayaks and go for an ocean paddle. There’s also disc golf and sports courts available for getting your game on. With so much to see and do at Cape Henlopen, you might just need to plan a longer visit!
We love to go camping at this place! The staff is very friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and well ordered and the beach is very nice, especially if you go after Labor Day like we like to do to avoid the crowds. We enjoy the free bikes from the bike barn.(you can borrow them for two hours and ride around on the trails. For a large family it’s great not to have to haul bikes around with you.) I there’s a nice tower you can climb up and get great views from.
Beautiful beaches at this park. Only $10 to get in. Got very busy in the afternoons but the morning we were able to find parking and enjoy our space. Bathrooms available as well. A little walk to the beach but not too bad
There's no need to pay during the off season but this park is stunning. The bay, the ocean, the piers, the display military equipment. My son loves tanks and this place was a blast for him! The hawk look out. The trails. This place is so much fun to explore. The towers are amazing as well! You can even see new jersey in some areas!
Cape Henlopen has an excellent beach with trails and camping near. They have ramps for the pier and ramp to go down onto the beach. It's a good experience for a quieter day of sun and ocean waves. I find these State Park beaches are popular in high season, but they settle down nicely after 2 pm in summer. Then, all day they're easy-going after the beginning of September.
I saw designated areas for dogs, and I promised our teen son we'll have a day with his little dogs. My husband and I spent a day there October 1st and it was busy but not crowded. The views of the lighthouse, the ocean, and sand dunes behind us made the day. This State Park and beach rates high in my book for having an accessible beach for disabled, plenty of parking, dog friendly sections, and being quieter without boardwalk noise, or street traffic.