Budget travel in the Northeast sounds like a tall order, but Delaware’s state parks offer the perfect solution.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the First State’s coastal views, emerald forests, and fresh seafood.
Today, we’re highlighting five highly-rated destinations RVers won’t want to miss.
Let’s dive in!
About Delaware
Despite its relatively small size, Delaware is home to 17 state parks covering 26,000 acres of land. You can explore 160 miles of hiking trails, sprawling beaches, serene lakes, and rolling hills within them. While some are all about the great outdoors, others preserve historic landmarks like James Madison’s Montpelier and the former Du Pont estate.
You’ll find places throughout the system to rock climb, cycle, and sunbathe. You can also zipline through the trees, play a round of disc golf, or paddle along inland waters. One location even has a designated surfing area.
There’s plenty to do outside the park system, too. Nestled between Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, Delaware has all the charm of New England with a laid-back feel. Family-owned vineyards, world-class restaurants, and high-end museums offer something for everyone.
Best of all, you can get from one end of the state to the other in a few hours. Wherever you stay, you won’t be far from adventure and excitement.
Folks traveling through Delaware on a budget shouldn’t overlook these destinations. They have a lot to offer RVers. In fact, the National Recreation and Park Association awarded the state a Gold Medal for their public lands in 2015.
Before you pack your bags, check out these premium locations.
#1 Killens Pond State Park
Killens Pond State Park is only 13 miles south of Dover, Delaware, but once you enter the grounds, you’ll feel a world away.
Visitors can take the cross-country running path through the wilderness or toss a frisbee on the 18-hole disc golf course. You might get up close and personal with local wildlife at the nature center or take a kayak tour with a knowledgeable naturalist.
The 66-acre millpond at the center draws boaters, swimmers, and paddlers. Anglers fish for bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass from vessels and the shoreline. The elevated boardwalk circling the lake is ideal for hikers and cyclists.
However, the pond isn’t the only place to make a splash. There’s an on-site water park with four massive slides that empty into the swimming pool. They also have a Tot Lot with small slides, bubblers, and water jets for little kids. You’ll have to pay a little extra to get into the water park, but it’ll be worth it.
Back at the campground, RVers will get the deluxe treatment. Restrooms with showers, a dump station, and a general store mean you should have what you need for a comfortable stay. About 60 sites have water hookups plus 20- and 30-Amp electrical service. Many can accommodate units up to 40’ long.
As with all the destinations on our list, Killens Pond is open year-round. However, the park store operates on limited hours during the off-season.
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#2 Cape Henlopen State Park
Where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay, you’ll find a little patch of land called Cape Henlopen State Park. US forces constructed Fort Miles here during World War Two as a coastal defense site. Its fire control towers are still a predominant feature of the historic area. When you visit, you’ll want to see the dedicated on-site museum.
You can learn about the various ecosystems within the park at the Seaside Nature Center. The multi-level, 495-gallon touch tank gives you hands-on experience with horseshoe crabs and stingrays.
You might use the Borrow-A-Bike program to get a pair of wheels and explore along the designated paved trails. Or, grab your bucket and head to the beach for a clamming expedition. If you’d rather have fish for dinner, take a rod and reel to the 24-hour fishing pier. Finally, you can spread out a towel in the sand at one of two swimming beaches.
There’s no shortage of fun activities at Cape Henlopen. And when you’re ready to rest your head, the park’s campground is the place to be.
Most spots max out at 35’, but a few pull-thru sites can accommodate units up to 100’. Although most have only water hookups and 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp electrical, a few also have sewer connections. For those without, the dump station will come in handy. Trash service, recycling, and restrooms with showers are available as well.
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#3 Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is in Laurel, Delaware, inland from Cape Henlopen. This former logging site is home to the country’s northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees. The unique ecosystem is the perfect place to fish for bass and other warm-water fish.
Canoeing and kayaking are two popular ways to enjoy the park. After all, paddling amongst partially submerged cypress trees is a surreal experience. Plus, you can rent these if you don’t have your own. While you’re out there, keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, wood ducks, and orioles.
Athletic fields and recreational courts mean you can play volleyball, horseshoes, or disc golf. There’s also a playground for kids to burn off steam. Additionally, about ten miles of multi-use trails are ideal for folks on foot and bike, with some appropriate for horseback riding. Use these to explore the wetlands and hardwood forests.
Over 100 campsites feature water and a range of electrical hookup options. Many can accommodate rigs up to 40’, while one can take a 57’ unit. If your setup is on the longer side, try to reserve your spot as early as possible.
Campers also have access to laundry facilities, multiple restrooms with showers, trash service, recycling bins, and a dump station.
#4 Lums Pond State Park
Lums Pond State Park is about 30 minutes from Wilmington, Delaware, near the Pennsylvania border. Centered around the largest freshwater pond in the state, this destination has it all.
Sure, you can reel in bass, pickerel, and crappie from the fully-stocked lake. And yes, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat to enjoy the water. Want to spend a day strolling, cycling, or riding along 16 miles of trails? No problem!
But there’s even more to this beloved park. During the high season, you can lease softball, horseshoes, and volleyball equipment to play on their recreational fields. Visit the nature center to see many of the pond’s inhabitants in a 500-gallon tank. Or, hit the zipline course for an adrenaline rush.
And if that’s not enough, there’s an off-leash dog run where your four-legged friend can play with other pups.
The recently renovated campground won’t disappoint, either. In fact, Readers Digest named it the best RV park in Delaware. The 63 full-hookup sites range from 40’ to 50’ long, and several are ADA-accessible. You’ll also find restrooms with showers and a dump station.
#5 Delaware Seashore State Park
You won’t want to miss Delaware Seashore State Park for some of the best Atlantic views. Boasting six miles of oceanfront real estate and 20 miles of back-bay coastline, this destination is heaven on Earth for beachgoers.
Unlucky sailors who found themselves shipwrecked 100 years ago may have been rescued by first responders from the Indian River Life-Saving Station. Today, the museum and educational center offers a glimpse into the area’s history. Take a self-guided audio tour for the full experience.
To live like the locals, try clamming, crabbing, or fishing along the water. Or, test your balance by windsurfing on the serene bay. On land, you can hike, cycle, or ride six different trails on horseback.
Two waterfront campgrounds flank the Indian River Inlet. You’ll sleep peacefully with full hookups and access to showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Back-in sites can handle rigs up to 45’, while the pull-thru spots can accommodate up to 54’.
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Is a Trip Through the First State Worth It?
Delaware is full of surprises, and its state parks are no exception. With so many activities, from ziplining through the trees and sailing down a waterslide to sunbathing and strolling, there’s no shortage of excitement in the First State. No matter how you spend your time, we’re confident you’ll enjoy a stay here.
When it comes to budget travel, Delaware’s options won’t fall flat!
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