How much does camping cost at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Camping fees at Cape Henlopen State Park range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cape Henlopen State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Cape Henlopen State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Cape Henlopen State Park?

Cape Henlopen State Park is open Water availability is limited in March and November due to seasonal weather conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Yes, Cape Henlopen State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Fire policies at Cape Henlopen State Park: Campfires are permitted within fire rings provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Cape Henlopen State Park have?

Cape Henlopen State Park has 200 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cape Henlopen State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Cape Henlopen State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cape Henlopen State Park?

Popular activities at Cape Henlopen State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cape Henlopen State Park

4.64

131 reviews

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping Delaware Fall Camping Delaware Spring Camping Delaware

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Water availability i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Cape Henlopen State Park Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Water availability i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Cape Henlopen State Park Office Official Website

Get Directions

Cape Henlopen State Park

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary between $5 for Delaware residents and $10 for out-of-state visitors. Additional fees for campsite reservations and utilities may apply.

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3026458983

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Campground Map

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, United States

Cape Henlopen State Park

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, United States

Nearby places

Ocean City, MD - 30 miles

Rehoboth Beach, DE - 7 miles

Baltimore, MD/Washington, DC/Philadelphia, PA - 120 miles.

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, groceries, firewood, and other necessities can be purchased at the campground's store located within the park.

Driving directionsTraveling South on DE Route 1, follow signs to US Route 9 East. Turn left onto Dartmouth Road to stop sign. Turn left again onto Route 9 East, Freeman Highway, traveling approximately 2.8 miles. Turn right onto Cape Henlopen Drive. Park entrance is approximately 1 mile past the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal.

The park entrance is accessible from paved roads. However, the campground roads are described as narrow and may present challenges for larger RV units. Slide-outs are not allowed in Loop A even-numbered sites due to road constraints. Water availability at campsites during March and November depends on weather conditions.

Weather at Cape Henlopen State Park

Best Time to Camp at Cape Henlopen State Park

Summer brings the warmest conditions for water activities. Ocean temperatures reach the high 60s to mid-70s°F, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F. July and August see the biggest crowds, especially on weekends, when all campground services and boat launches operate at full capacity. Early summer offers cooler water for gradual swimmers. Spring and fall provide milder beach walking weather. Hot weather months bring heavy tick populations that reviewers warn about repeatedly.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Noted as a good time for camping with fewer crowds; sites still in demand.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Water availability is limited in March and November due to seasonal weather conditions.

About Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park sits on a peninsula where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean near Lewes. With 200 campsites ranging from tent sites to RV hookups and cabins, the park charges $5-$10 per night and fills quickly during summer. Clean facilities and miles of trails offset the cramped RV sites and close spacing that reviewers mention.

Cape Henlopen State Park accommodates a range of camping preferences including family-style camping, tent-only sites, primitive group camping, cabins, and RV-friendly sites. Each camping style offers unique benefits to suit different needs.

Historical Significance

Fort Miles, a WWII coastal defense installation, occupies part of the park. Visitors can explore artillery parks, museums, and abandoned barracks that once protected Delaware's coast from enemy vessels. The concrete structures remain as monuments to the soldiers stationed here during the war.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest conditions for water activities. Ocean temperatures reach the high 60s to mid-70s°F, with daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F. July and August see the biggest crowds, especially on weekends, when all campground services and boat launches operate at full capacity. Early summer offers cooler water for gradual swimmers. Spring and fall provide milder beach walking weather. Hot weather months bring heavy tick populations that reviewers warn about repeatedly.

ElevationThe park's gentle coastal topography creates an accessible landscape where dunes meet forest and beach meets bay, offering easy exploration for visitors of all abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean in a 7,000-acre natural haven with some of the largest dunes on the east coast, including the 80-foot tall Great Dune. Features wide white sand beaches, sand dunes, and trails among them.[1][2][3]

Geological RegionPositioned at nature's dramatic crossroads where the Delaware Bay embraces the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen showcases a remarkable geological story written in sand and salt. This dynamic peninsula features an ever-evolving landscape of barrier beaches, ancient maritime forests, and vibrant tidal salt marshes. Watch as two great bodies of water meet, creating unique ecosystems that support diverse wildlife and offer visitors front-row seats to the eternal dance between land and sea.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers views of the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as historic WWII structures.

Lodging & AccommodationsCape Henlopen State Park offers dormitory-style accommodations, along with cabin rentals and camping options. Cabins (such as Cabin C 001) accommodate up to 6 people and include basic amenities. According to user reviews, the campground provides a cozy and organized atmosphere.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers educational tours and programs, including visits to Fort Miles and Battery 519. These highlight the area's WWII history and are well-received by visitors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Individuals are limited to 2 sites at any time.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site are 8.

Groups

Group camping is accommodated in designated areas suited for youth groups or large parties. These sites are separate from family campgrounds.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites sit close together along narrow, tree-lined loop roads. Maximum equipment lengths range from 15 to 128 feet, though RV sites run tight. Privacy is minimal. Multiple reviewers call the sites tiny with zero space between neighbors.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the park office at 302-645-8983.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability varies and is heavily dependent on cancellations or no-shows on busy days.

Cancellation PolicyEquipment changes from the original reservation requirements must be approved through the park office prior to arrival. Changes may result in reservation cancellation.

AccessibilityCape Henlopen provides ADA-compliant campsites (e.g., C15 ADA and D01 ADA), equipped with water and electrical hookups. However, specific details regarding pathways or other accessibility features are not included.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with maximum equipment lengths ranging from 15 feet to 128 feet. RV sites tend to be tighter, as noted by users.

PrivacyMany users noted that privacy at campsites is limited due to their close proximity. One user stated, 'Tiny sites, zero privacy,' while another mentioned, 'RV sites are really cramped but endless biking, walking trails make up for it.

Total Campsites200 campsites

Recommended SitesFor RVs, it is recommended to book sites larger than the RV length, and avoid Loop A even-numbered sites for units with slide-outs.

Best CampsitesPrime campsites near the beach and Delaware Bay. Beautiful sites that are shaded with space for 2 tents and a 10-15 min walk to the beach.[2][3]

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Amenities available

Cape Henlopen State Park offers a wide range of amenities as part of its recently renovated facilities. According to the authoritative description, these include water and electrical hook-ups (50 and 100 amps), new fire rings, picnic tables, a camp store, laundry facilities, pull-through sites, walk-in tent sites, a play area, additional dump stations, and renovated overflow parking. Furthermore, the park also provides a bait and tackle shop, overnight dormitory-style accommodations, and primitive camping for youth groups.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Cape Henlopen State Park offers a wide variety of recreational activities, from swimming and fishing to biking and hiking. Visitors can enjoy disc golf, kayaking, bird watching, and nature trails. The park also features cultural and historical opportunities at Fort Miles, which includes WWII observation towers and exhibits.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are mentioned frequently in user reviews as a significant concern, alongside narrow roads and beach camping challenges.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within fire rings provided at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are available at the park office by calling 302-645-8983. Additional services may be found in nearby Lewes, DE.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available; however, Cape Henlopen enforces a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, requiring visitors to take their trash with them. This policy has mixed reviews from users who found it inconvenient.

Water FeaturesThe campground is close to ocean and bay beaches, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.

Camp HostThe park staff and hosts are described as "extremely nice and helpful" in user reviews.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

131 reviews

Top-Rated

Cape Henlopen State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Cape Henlopen State Park is widely praised for its diverse activities, clean facilities, and family-friendly environment. However, reviewers frequently mention drawbacks such as ticks and cramped campsites for RVs.

Review Summaries

Based on 131 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful shaded sites near wide white sand beaches, well-cleaned facilities, trails through dunes, proximity to bay and ocean, rich history and birdwatching.[1][2][3]

Based on 131 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include cramped RV sites, limited privacy, and issues with ticks in the campground area. One user wrote, 'The ticks were so bad, I had to keep the dogs inside.' Another reviewer...

Based on 131 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Visitors recommend avoiding cramped RV sites if privacy is a concern. Sites near the beach are highly favored for their convenience.

Based on 131 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book ahead for prime beachside sites. Walk to beach in 10-15 minutes. Use camp store for necessities, bike rentals for exploration.[1][3]

Based on 131 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest time of year with packed beaches and full parking lots, but the park maintains cleanliness. Fall is noted as a good time for camping but securing a spot can be challenging....

Based on 131 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The best part are the free showers!! They're great after playing in the sand all day.' 2. 'The ticks were so bad, I had to keep the dogs inside.' 3. 'RV sites are really cramped but endless...

Based on 131 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-compliant sites like C15 ADA are appreciated, though additional details on accessibility features are not frequently mentioned.

Based on 131 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is pet-friendly, but some reviewers complain about noise from dogs during the night. One user expressed frustration, 'It barks in the middle of the night, and the owner doesn't do anything.'

Based on 131 reviews

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Go if

Tent campers and families who want ocean and bay swimming, the Gordon's Pond Trail, and two hours of free bike rentals from the nature center will get a lot out of this place. Book early; summer weekends fill fast.

Skip if

RVers expecting elbow room will be disappointed. Sites are cramped and narrow loop roads make maneuvering a real hassle. Tick complaints are consistent and serious enough that dog owners especially should come prepared.

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