Cape Henlopen State Park

Star4.52
62 reviews
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

7 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Water availability i...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Cape Henlopen State Park Office site

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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.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 62 reviews

7074 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershikingbeach

"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Cape Henlopen State Park

Experience the dynamic personality of the Atlantic coast through Cape Henlopen's ever-changing seasons. Early summer visitors are greeted by refreshingly cool ocean waters perfect for gradual acclimation, while peak summer brings warm, humid days ideal for beach lounging and water sports. Each season paints the landscape differently, from spring's gentle awakening to autumn's crisp beach walks, ensuring every visit offers its own unique coastal charm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Busiest season with lifeguards and full facilities; beaches and activities at peak quality.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as a good time for camping though spots can be harder to secure.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers cooler ocean waters and good conditions; reviewers note pleasant spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Water availability limited in some shoulder months; beach swimming and services reduced in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Water availability is limited in March and November due to seasonal weather conditions.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were explicitly mentioned.

About Cape Henlopen State Park

Where history meets the horizon, Cape Henlopen State Park beckons adventurers to discover its unique blend of wartime heritage and coastal splendor. Navigate the intimate, tree-lined roads to reach your campsite, where newly renovated facilities provide modern comfort just steps from pristine Atlantic beaches. This storied peninsula has watched over Delaware's coast for centuries, now offering visitors the perfect basecamp for both relaxation and exploration.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Individuals are limited to 2 sites at any time.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingThe park provides a network of hiking trails, including the popular Gordon's Pond Trail. Trails cater to all skill levels and often wind through scenic maritime forests and dune landscapes. One user shared, 'The trail around Gordon Pond is well worth the visit.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Cape Henlopen, with options for surf casting and pier fishing. Visitors need a license for saltwater fishing. One user described the experience as 'very cool to be able to drive on and cast out a line.'
SwimmingThe park offers ocean and bay swimming areas with lifeguards present during the peak season. Reviewers consistently note the cleanliness of the beach and swimming facilities.
BikingCape Henlopen is highly regarded for its extensive bike trails. Free bike rentals are available at the nature center for up to two hours, making it accessible for visitors. One user stated, 'The bike trails are fabulous.'
BoatingThe park supports non-motorized boating such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals are available near the beach area.
Wildlife viewingCape Henlopen is an excellent spot for bird watching and observing deer and other wildlife. One user commented on 'deer everywhere,' while another highlighted the nightjars flying around at night.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are mentioned frequently in user reviews as a significant concern, alongside narrow roads and beach camping challenges.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Cape Henlopen State Park

Reviews

4.5
62 reviews
Top-Rated
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 62 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the variety of activities including biking, hiking, swimming, and historical tours. The free showers and clean bathrooms are also commonly highlighted by users. One user...
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Based on 62 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...
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Based on 62 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to manage ticks. Book well in advance as the park is often fully reserved. Consider bringing bikes to explore the extensive trail system. Be mindful of the 'pack it in, pack it out'...
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Based on 62 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....
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Based on 62 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...
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Based on 62 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 62 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-compliant sites like C15 ADA are appreciated, though additional details on accessibility features are not frequently mentioned.
Based on 62 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 62 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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