The state’s natural beauty, the Atlantic Ocean, and an abundance of parks and ponds make Delaware a paradise for boondockers. You can stop at one of the many campgrounds before exploring the splendor and history of the nation’s first state. Delaware has beaches along its east coast, lighthouses, state parks, wildflowers, and lots of historical sites to see and explore. Delaware is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Whether you want to go surfing in the ocean, fishing for bass and crappie, hiking along one of the state’s many trails, or go canoeing, boondocking makes it easy to set up a rig and explore.
Boondocking Sites in Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park offers visitors plenty of fun in the sun. Visit the Fort Miles Museum to discover more about the World War II defensive site. Afterward, check out local wildlife at the Seaside Nature Center. Or, simply, enjoy the ocean. Go fishing, swimming, and paddle boating. You can even borrow a bike to ride along the trail. Camping sites offer 2-point hookups and 100-amp service. The park is only about 11 miles north of Rehoboth Beach via DE-1 N, Rd 268, and U.S. 9 E.
Deep Branch Family Campground
Founded by Pastor Bill Simmons, Deep Branch offers boondockers a family atmosphere to park their RV. The campground has a bathhouse and laundry as well as a playground. They offer electric and water hookups, a dump station, and a honey wagon service. Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church is right next door. The campground is just 20 minutes northwest of Cape Henlopen State Park via U.S. 9 and DE-1 N to DE-16 W.
Delaware Seashore State Park
Located roughly 8 miles south of Rehoboth Beach via DE-1 S, Delaware Seashore State Park has an abundance of outdoor activities for boondockers. Take in views of the ocean along the Indian River Inlet bridge. Spend the afternoon surfing. Go crabbing in the Indian Inlet or visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum built in 1876. Campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs with 3-point hookups for electric, water, and sewer as well as no hookup, standard sites.
G&R Campground
Located roughly a half-hour north of Redden State Forest, G&R Campground offers families 200 sites for RVs and tents with water, electric, and sewer hookups as well as primitive boondocking options. G&R also has plenty of opportunities to keep everyone entertained, including basketball and volleyball courts, a game room, a general store, two modern bathhouses where you can take hot showers, a pool, picnic area, and an activity hall for private parties, wedding receptions, and reunions.
Killens Pond State Park
Go hiking along the 66-acre millpond or enjoy a tour at the Nature Center. Later go fishing for bass or canoeing on Killens Pond. When you are done, have fun at the waterpark. Killens Pond State Park is the perfect place for birdwatchers to listen out for warblers and woodpeckers or to spot a barred owl. Camping offers electric and water hookups for tents and RVs. It’s located only about 9 miles south of Dover via US-13 S.
Lums Pond State Park
Located 20 minutes south of the University of Delaware via DE-896 S, Lums Pond State Park offers an incredible outdoor adventure wherever you look. Hike the 6.4-mile trail surrounding Delaware’s largest millpond or go horseback riding at Sunset Stables. Bikers can take an 8-mile bike ride along Little Jersey Trail. If you would rather leisurely look for wildlife, then go kayaking along Lums Pond. The campground offers RV sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups, as well as four sites without hookups that allow guests to bring their horses.
Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park provides an abundance of natural beauty. You will enjoy hiking Bob Trail or hopping on a pontoon boat to learn all about the natural wildlife living in the park. You can also go kayaking or paddle boating along the Terrapin Branch Water Trail. Birdwatchers will find plenty of wood ducks, woodpeckers, warblers, orioles, and maybe even a bald eagle. Possibly the most scenic campsite in Delaware, the campground provides sites for RVs with electricity and water. If you are coming from Laurel, take US-13 S roughly 5 miles to reach the park.
Where to Boondock in Delaware
The majority of camping sites are located around beaches in southern Delaware, with Rehoboth Beach being particularly popular. There are also campgrounds located near Redden State Forest and less than an hour from Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Boondockers will also find it easy to explore the historical city of Dover or catch a game at the University of Delaware.
Free Camping in Delaware
When preparing for your boondocking trip, consider your destination. Delaware is located between major cities like Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA, but it is also surrounded by water which provides the state with lush greenery and incredible wildlife as well as plenty of opportunities to go fishing.
But if you don’t want to catch your own dinner, don’t worry. Delaware offers both beauty and convenience. You will have no trouble finding a restaurant near the campground. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking.
Delaware is a small state but too big on beauty to be missed. And boondocking here is a lot of fun. Enjoy the opportunity to freely explore Delaware with an RV. If you don’t own an RV, consider getting a rental via RVshare.
Looking for more to do in Delaware? Check out the top beaches in Delaware!
