Delaware State Parks

Bellevue State Park

Once an elegant estate of the William duPont family, Bellevue State Park offers summer concerts, tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond. Tours are periodically offered of the historic mansion, which is also available for meetings, elegant weddings, or other special gatherings. (302) 761-6963.

Fort Delaware State Park

Watch the Civil War come to life at historic Fort Delaware State Park, located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Spend a fascinating day experiencing the Fort's acclaimed Living History program as you explore soldiers' quarters, ramparts, parade grounds, and gun emplacements. Take a ride on the Delafort, the Fort's passenger ferry (302) 834-7941.

Fort DuPont State Park

Located in Delaware City at the northern foot of the Reedy Point Bridge, Fort DuPont State Park is currently under development. This historic state park features a self-guided trail and periodically-scheduled walking tours that detail the Fort's military history from the Civil War through the First World War. Other facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a ball field. A popular fishing area, the park provides a beautiful view of the Delaware River. (302) 834-7941.

Port Penn Interpretive Center

Discover historic Port Penn and its distinctive way of life. Located at Delaware Route 9 and Road 2, the Port Penn Interpretive Center features exhibits and programs devoted to the traditions of this wetland community. Self-guided tours include the Wetland Interpretive Trail and the Historic Home Village Walk. Interpreter-led group tours are available by reservation. (302) 836-2533.

Cape Henlopen State Park

Enjoy almost 4,000 acres of history, natural wonders, and sunshine at Cape Henlopen State Park. Guarded beaches, a ¼ mile fishing pier stretching into Delaware Bay, and family campgrounds are just a few of the features at this popular beach park. The Seaside Nature Center offers a variety of programs year-round and is an ideal gathering point for birdwatching during the spring and fall migrations. (302) 645-8983.

Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park offers six miles of beautiful ocean and bay shoreline. With surfing, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, a campground, a boat ramp, year-round furnished cottages, and a 295-slip marina with charter and head boats, Delaware Seashore has everything you need for family fun at the beach. (302) 227-2800.

Fenwick Island State Park

Retreat from the busy ocean resorts with a trip to Fenwick Island State Park. Considered by many to be the best beach in Delaware, this quiet park offers boat rentals, surfing, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and other saltwater fun for the whole family. (302) 227-2800.

Holts Landing State Park

Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of fishing, clamming, or crabbing at Holts Landing State Park. Tucked away on the south shore of the Indian River Bay, the park features a convenient boat ramp as well as a playground and nature trail. (302) 227-2800.

Lums Pond State Park

Woodlands, fields, and waterways meet at Lums Pond State Park. Anglers, hikers, boaters, campers, and picnickers will find plenty of fun at Lums Pond. Rent a rowboat, kayak or canoe and explore Delaware's largest freshwater pond. Camping is available year-round. (302) 368-6989.

Killens Pond State Park

Centrally located in Delaware, Killens Pond State Park is only about an 1½-hour drive from either the northern or southern boundary of the state. Boat rentals and picnic pavilions make Killens a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. The year-round campground makes a perfect "home base" for exploring the First State. Cozy camping cabins are also available. (302) 284-4526.

Trap Pond State Park

There is no more enchanting location in Delaware to hike, fish, camp, or picnic than Trap Pond State Park. Enter a world of abundant wildlife as you hike the Cypress Point Trail, rent a boat or canoe and explore the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress, or enjoy a nature program at the Baldcypress Nature Center. (302) 875-5163.

White Clay Creek State Park

Escape to the tranquil beauty of White Clay Creek State Park. Nestled in the northwest corner of Delaware, the park's forested hills create a relaxing oasis of cool green leaves and rushing streams. The park includes the Carpenter Recreation Area, featuring some of the finest hiking trails in the area; the pristine White Clay Creek Preserve; and the peaceful trails of Possum Hill. (302) 368-6900.

Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek runs through the heart of peaceful Brandywine Creek State Park. Relax and enjoy rolling hills, mature woodlands, meadows, and marshlands where piedmont streams tumble down gentle slopes. Be sure to visit the park's Nature Center. (302) 577-3534.

Fox Point State Park

Take time to visit Fox Point State Park, just off I-495, east of Wilmington. This newly-developed park provides front-row seats to the Delaware River. Take a stroll, ride a bike, or picnic while the kids enjoy the play area. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are also available. (302) 761-6963.

Wilmington State Park

Wilmington State Parks is a cluster of parks connected by trails that offer recreational and educational opportunities, sports and community events.

The Brandywine Zoo

The Brandywine Zoo, just steps from the Brandywine River is home to exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, Andean Condor, Gold Lion Tamarin and much more.

Alapocas Run State Park

The newest state park, Alapocas Run, just off I-95 and Route 202, offers wooded trails, the unique Can-Do Playground, the innovative Blue Ball Barn and many recreational opportunities.

The Cottages at Indian River Marina

Vacation year-round in the camping cabins in picturesque Killens Pond State Park, or in the fully-appointed cottages at Indian River Marina.

Camping Cabins

With over 800 camp sites, Delaware State Parks have a lot to offer recreational campers. Make your vacation home amid towering trees near a freshwater pond, or enjoy a view of rolling sand dunes and sparkling bay waters. Five of Delaware's state parks offer public camping:

• Cape Henlopen State Park
  Campground phone (302) 645-2103
• Delaware Seashore State Park (limited year-round camping)
  Campground phone (302) 539-7202
• Cottages at Indian River Marina
  Year-round furnished cottages on the Indian River Inlet
  (302)227-3071 or toll-free 877-98-PARKS
• Trap Pond State Park
  Campground phone (302) 875-2392
• Killens Pond State Park
  Campground phone (302) 284-3412
• Lums Pond State Park
  Campground phone (302) 368-6989

Yurts

Yurts are available at Lums Pond and Trap Pond State Parks. Year-round Cabins may be rented at Killens Pond State Park, Camping Cabins are available at Trap Pond and vacation cottages are available at Indian River Marina. Camping and cabin reservations may be made up to 7 months in advance.