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Pets at the Beach

Camping with Your Pet

Pets in Delaware State Parks


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Pets are allowed in our seashore parks, but Delaware State Law prohibits them from all swimming and sunbathing beaches from May 1 to September 30. Park rules and regulations also restrict pets from areas such as surfboarding & sailboarding beaches and shorebird nesting areas. Pets must be leashed at all times in our seashore parks.

Beach Access

The sandy dunes found along the coast are very fragile and are protected by law. To access beaches open to pets, use the pedestrian crossings located at designated parking areas. Pets are not permitted on bathhouse boardwalks. At Gordon's Pond and Fenwick Island, access is limited to the pedestrian dune crossing located at the northern end of the parking lot. Horses may only access the beach using designated pedestrian or surf fishing vehicle crossings and are only permitted within designated surf fishing vehicle areas.

Boundary markers for areas open or closed to pets will typically be designated by signs posted at the seaward toe of the dune. The signs will be located at the extreme boundaries of the closed areas, unless affected by adverse tidal conditions.

Please contact the park office or a park ranger if you have any questions regarding access to specific areas.

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Bird Nesting Areas

Each spring, seabirds and small wading birds arrive along Delaware's beaches to feed, breed and fledge their young. The loss of habitat has forced beach-nesters to concentrate their efforts on only a few sites each year. Because these areas are scarce and many species of these birds are threatened or endangered, these sites are protected by law.

Nesting areas will be fenced and a sign will designate them as "Closed." Pets, people, and vehicles are prohibited.

For more information, e-mail Delaware State Parks Information.
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