White Clay Creek State Park

Star4.25
16 reviews
750 Thompson Station Road, Newark, Delaware, 19711, United States

Quick Facts

322 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open March 1 through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Delaware State Parks site

Official Website
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White Clay Creek State Park
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Entrance fee is $4 for Delaware residents and $8 for non-residents, effective from March 1 through November 30. Credit cards are accepted; cash-only...
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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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 16 reviews

1238 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryshadehiking

"User reviews highlight the park's excellent trails, natural beauty, and popular recreational activities. However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with trail maintenance, restroom facilities, and cell phone coverage."

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Campground Map

750 Thompson Station Road, Newark, Delaware, 19711, United States

White Clay Creek State Park

750 Thompson Station Road, Newark, Delaware, 19711, United States

Driving directionsThe Carpenter Recreation Area is located Rt.896, 3 miles northwest of Newark. For tours and programs, locations vary, refer to the Tour Notes section. Carpenter Recreation Area Address: 880 New London Road Newark, DE 19711.
Accessible from Rt. 896 with direct paved roads; 3 miles northwest of Newark. Seasonal changes may apply due to park hours or weather conditions.
Nearby places
Newark (3 miles, ~10 minutes), Wilmington (~15 miles, ~30 minutes), Dover (~50 miles, ~1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and essentials are available in Newark (~3 miles away). Additionally, there are restaurants and stores on Main Street in downtown Newark.

Best Time to Camp at White Clay Creek State Park

Each season paints White Clay Creek in dramatically different hues. Spring arrives with gentle rains that awaken wildflowers along the trails, while autumn sets the canopy ablaze with fiery colors. Summer brings those quintessential Mid-Atlantic days—warm and humid, perfect for cooling off in shaded creek valleys. When winter's snow blankets the landscape, the park transforms into a serene wonderland where temperatures plunge but beauty soars, offering a completely different perspective on familiar trails.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer popular for hiking and concerts; trails and shade make visits pleasant though busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn canopy 'ablaze' with color; scenic vistas and trails ideal for fall visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers, trout season and bird migration make spring an excellent season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Park fees/operations limited Dec–Feb; some sledding/XC ski mentions but facilities reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1 to November 30 as indicated by fee charges.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 1 through November 30; closed December through February for fee charges.

About White Clay Creek State Park

Escape the hustle of New Castle County and discover White Clay Creek State Park, where 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness await your exploration. This natural sanctuary winds along 20 miles of sparkling creek waters, inviting adventurers to lose themselves in dense forests and rolling meadows. Whether you're casting a line for native trout, navigating winding mountain bike trails, spotting rare songbirds through binoculars, or perfecting your disc golf throw, this park transforms every visit into an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The campground primarily supports pavilion-type accommodations and is not designed for primitive or traditional tent camping. RV camping is possible with water hookups available at some sites. Pets are not permitted.
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Amenities available

Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

White Clay Creek State Park excels as a hub for outdoor, recreational activities. With 37 miles of various trails for hiking and biking, the park also supports birdwatching, fishing, disc golf, and concerts. Seasonal activities such as sledding and cross-country skiing are noted, alongside family-friendly options like picnicking and volleyball.
HikingThe park offers 37 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty and terrain, including flat, natural dirt, gravel, and paved paths. Highlights include trails at Possum Hill and Judge Morris Estate, the Pomeroy Rail-Trail, and scenic vistas.
FishingFishing is a prominent activity, particularly during trout season when the creek is stocked. Anglers frequent the fly-only zones and use techniques such as beaded wiggly worms and sinking bug patterns.
BikingMany trails are suitable for biking, though some are restricted to specific types of use. Moderate hills and paved paths are available, such as the 2+ mile Polly Drummond Road trail.
Wildlife viewingBirdwatching is popular, though additional details about specific species or viewing areas are absent.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe nature center and public programs provide educational and cultural experiences. The park also hosts a Wednesday night concert series.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poorly marked trails, overgrowth, and restricted cell phone service in some areas. Wildlife encounters possible near water features.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at White Clay Creek State Park

Reviews

4.3
16 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
White Clay Creek State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's excellent trails, natural beauty, and popular recreational activities. However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with trail maintenance, restroom facilities, and cell phone coverage.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the park's beautiful natural scenery, well-shaded and leveled trails, and the variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and biking. The park's history...
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Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poorly maintained trails with overgrowth, inconsistent and outdated trail markers, and the lack of flush toilets and drinking fountains. Some users find the $8 out-of-state...
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Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing your own water and planning for limited cell service. They also suggest exploring the free parking areas on the Pennsylvania side of the park.
Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are noted for sledding and cross-country skiing, while spring and summer are popular for fishing, hiking, and concerts. Some trails might be harder to navigate during wet weather due to...
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Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful State Park along the Delaware & Pennsylvania border! Great trails for hiking, biking, running, and walking the dog." - Nicole Antonic. "A massive State of Delaware Park that has numerous...
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Based on 16 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews focus on the quality of the trails and fishing spots. No particular campground sites are reviewed.
Based on 16 reviews

Accessibility Features

There is no detailed information from users regarding accessibility features beyond general suitability for hiking and biking.
Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at the campground, which is explicitly stated in the authoritative sources.
Based on 16 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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