Cape Henlopen
State Park

Open daily

8 a.m. until sunset  

year-round

42 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 645-8983

Seaside Nature Center
(302) 645-6852

Biden Environmental Training Center
(302) 644-5005

	E-mail the Park Office
	Amenities Available at Cape Henlopen
	Fishing Center (currently unavailable)
	Fort Miles Historical Area
	Refreshments and Beach Accessories (currently unavailable)
	Fishing and Camping at Cape Henlopen
	Special Programs at Cape Henlopen
	Meetings and Overnights at the Biden Center
	Youth Group and Primitive Camping
	Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park (outside link)
	History of Cape Henlopen State Park
	Maps and Directions
	Weather Forecast and current weather conditions at Cape Henlopen State Park

 

The Beach

Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy ocean swimming and sunbathing. Two designated swimming beaches provide lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Umbrellas can be rented during the summer. The northern swimming area also features a modern bath house with showers, changing rooms, and a food concession.

Note: The departure of lifequards will leave Gordons Pond beach unguarded beginning August 13, 2008.
For more information…

The park's open spaces feature many other activities. A picnic pavilion and the "Officer's Club" building can both be reserved for group events. An 18-hole disc golf course encourages friendly competition, and basketball courts promote more active exercise. Winter hunting is permitted in some areas of the park; a hunting permit is required, and information can be obtained from the Park Office. Annual events such as the Kite Festival and the Halloween Fantasy Trail are family favorites. The park also conducts a variety of entertaining recreational programs, including natural history lectures, outdoor concerts, seaside seining, and birdwatching, to name but a few.

Trails at the Cape

Cape Henlopen has many year-round hiking and biking opportunities. Experience the park’s scenic and ever-changing landscape — and get a lesson in history — along the three-mile-long paved trail that loops the park. Take a trail break and climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower, where the 360-degree views are spectacular. Or take a short climb to the top of a former military bunker to view the dynamic action along the Atlantic coastline. Explore the coastal environment along the Seaside or the Pinelands Nature Trails, or hike the six miles of beach along the Atlantic Ocean.

Download a printable copy of the Seaside Interpretive Trail guide (PDF format - requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Seaside Nature Center

The Seaside Nature Center offers environmental education programs and recreational activities year-round, and is a good place to stop for park information. Marine aquariums and displays there let visitors meet ocean creatures face to face. An auditorium for audio-visual programs and gift shop complete the attractions at this popular facility.

Visit here to see a revolving 360-degree panoramic view of Cape Henlopen State Park, from the top of one of our WWII Observation Towers!