While Delaware may be small, it is chock-full of amazing state parks and other areas that are perfect for RV camping. From where to stay to what to do, this guide to RV camping in Delaware includes everything you need to know to have a fantastic trip.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Delaware
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Delaware
Finding Campgrounds
Delaware has lots of camping options for whatever activities you have planned. Whether you prefer luxury camping, rustic state park accommodations, or an urban RVing experience, there is something for you.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Delaware
We’ll start by exploring Delaware’s public camping options. These include some of the best state park campgrounds in the country, as well as campgrounds run by the Delaware Forest Service.
State Park Camping
We love the RV camping offered by Delaware’s state parks. These campgrounds are well-kept and tucked into the natural areas of the state. Also, camping rates at Delaware’s state parks are surprisingly affordable.
One of our favorite state parks in Delaware is Lums Pond State Park. This place offers full hookups, plenty of shade trees, huge sites, and free hot showers. There is a playground for the kids and plenty of walking trails, as well as a pond.
Another great option? Delaware Seashore State Park. This beautiful park is set right by the beach, meaning a quick walk will take you to the sand and water. It offers hot showers and full hookups, and though it can get crowded, it’s a wonderful place to stay.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Delaware also has plenty of private campgrounds if you want more upscale amenities. They offer everything from simple accommodations with partial hookups and dump stations to full-fledged glamping, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.
One of our favorite private campgrounds in the state is Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay. This gorgeous park offers luxury camping at its finest. You’ll find full-hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, a lovely pool, playgrounds, and a stretch of private beach.
You can also try Jellystone Park at Delaware Bay. Jellystone Parks are always excellent for families, and here you can enjoy swimming, themed weekends, and sometimes even character meet-and-greets with Yogi Bear and his pals!
Boondocking in Delaware
As is the case in most northeastern states, the boondocking in Delaware is pretty sparse. However, there are a few options.
Most of the dry camping in Delaware is located in the aforementioned state parks. You can also find primitive camping at G&R Campground as well as Deep Branch Family Campground. Both offer bathhouses and other amenities, so you’ll be clean and comfortable even if you can’t hook your RV up to electricity or water.
Preparing for RV Camping
To prepare for RV camping, you’ll first need to sort out your RV. After that, it’s a matter of packing the things you need to enjoy your camping trip.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
If you have an RV of your own, you can simply take that when you go RV camping in Delaware. But if you don’t own an RV, you will need to find a Delaware RV rental and you will want to choose one that suits your needs.
Begin by deciding whether you want the RV delivered or not. If you plan to drive the rig yourself, consider what kind of RV you would be comfortable driving. Planning to tow? Make sure the trailer you choose is something your vehicle can handle!
Once you know whether you want your RV delivered and the type of RV you’re looking for, you can narrow down your options and look for floor plans and amenities that suit the size of your group.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
The next step is to make sure you have everything packed for your trip. What you bring along will depend on the activities and events you plan to try on your RV camping trip to Delaware. Fortunately, we have a variety of packing lists designed for lots of different occasions, so you can choose the one that suits your plans best.
Considerations for Camping in Delaware
The laws surrounding driving RVs and trailers change from one state to the next. It’s a good idea to check the laws before you visit a new state.
In Delaware, the total length of your rig (including any tow vehicles) should not exceed 60 feet. Trailers should be no more than 48 feet and motorhomes shouldn’t exceed 40 feet. Trailer and RV widths should be 8.5 feet or less and the height of vehicles must be 13.5 feet or less.
Trailers over 4,000 lbs must have trailer brakes and safety chains when traveling through Delaware, and overnight parking in rest areas is allowed unless posted otherwise.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now it’s time to start planning your itinerary, and you’ll find lots of options in Delaware
Whether you plan to explore Dover, see what Wilmington has to offer, or visit another spot, you’ll find plenty of amazing sites to check out while you’re there.
Features and Attractions in Delaware
You may want to start your visit with a scenic drive. This allows you to really get a feel for the place and settle in while discovering hidden gems along the way. Delaware has three amazing scenic byways to drive.
Be sure to stop at landmarks you see along the way. You can also add Delaware landmarks such as the Fenwick Lighthouse and Brandywine Creek into your itinerary as standalone attractions.
Of course, you won’t want to miss the state’s NPS sites. These include the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, as well as the First State National Historical Park.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Delaware
We also think it’s fun to plan trips around events. Events are a great way to connect with the community and make any trip just a little bit more memorable.
Some of the best annual events in Delaware include the Delaware State Fair in July, the Great Delaware Kite Festival in March, the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival in April, and Dover Days in May.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Heading outside is always a good way to explore a new place, and Delaware offers plenty of opportunities to do that. Whether you prefer hiking, boating, or fishing, there is something for you in this fantastic state.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Let’s start by talking about Delaware’s hiking and biking trails. If exploring natural areas by trail is your thing, Delaware has some truly fantastic trails that you’ll want to check out.
Hikers can try one of the following:
- Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park — Easy
- Brandywine Creek River Loop in Brandywine Creek State Park — Moderate
- Swamp Forest Trail in Lums Pond State Park — Easy
- Alapocas Woods Trail in Alapocas Run State Park — Moderate
- Lenape Loop South, Middle Run Natural Area in Middle Run Valley Park — Moderate
Meanwhile, those exploring via bicycle might enjoy:
- Chestnut Hill Trail in White Clay Creek State Park
- Rocky Run Loop in Brandywine Creek State Park
- Whitley Farms Trail in White Clay Creek State Park
- Bob Trail Full Loop in Trap Pond State Park
- Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
There are lots of water activities to enjoy in Delaware as well. The fishing in Delaware is fantastic. Beck’s Pond in New Castle County is an excellent spot for largemouth bass, and Brandywine Creek near Wilmington offers easy access to bankside spots. Meanwhile, surf anglers should head to 3R’s Beach for plenty of Atlantic striped bass.
Delaware’s beaches offer a great spot to relax at the seashore. Slaughter Beach has horseshoe crab viewing during the right season. Thanks to its soft sand and gentle waves, Lewes Beach is an ideal spot for families. And the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park is fantastic and easy to access if you’re camping in the park.
Of course, we also must mention the waterfalls in Delaware. These include waterfalls in Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
If you’re hoping to see local wildlife in Delaware, try Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge, Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and the many state parks where local animals roam freely.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Delaware also offers a lot for the younger travelers in your group. From the many parks mentioned already to historic sites, museums, zoos, and amusement parks, you’re sure to find some awesome ways to keep the whole family happy during your Delaware RV camping trip.
Historical Sites and Museums
Our first suggestion is to tie a bit of education into your trip. You can have an amazing time learning as a family at the state’s many museums, as well as the First State National Historical Park.
Check out the Hagley Museum in Wilmington for engaging history lessons. You might also enjoy the hands-on fun at Delaware Children’s Museum in Wilmington. Dover is home to the unique Johnson Victrola Museum, and the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes offers an interesting look at the history of southern Delaware’s settlers.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Delaware is home to seven awesome amusement parks. These include Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Viking Amusements in Fenwick Island, and Killens Pond Water Park located in Killens Pond State Park.
Zoos are another great option when traveling with kids. Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington can easily fill a whole day with animal viewing and other family fun.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Delaware
In this section, we’ll share some safety tips for your RV camping trip to the Diamond State.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
For the most part, the weather in Delaware in the summer is perfect for outdoor activities. However, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and hurricanes and tropical storms are a possibility in the summer and fall.
In order to stay safe from hurricanes and tropical storms, be sure you have multiple weather apps downloaded and allow them to send push notifications. Take weather alerts seriously and leave if a storm is headed your direction. You might want to put together a “bug out” bag with essentials such as flashlights, bottles of water, and emergency blankets in case quick evacuation is necessary.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
You’ll also want to be careful around wildlife. The most dangerous animals in Delaware include man o’ war jellyfish, timber rattlesnakes, copperhead snakes, and deer ticks.
If you see a jellyfish on the beach or in the water, stay away from it. If you do get stung, seek help from the lifeguard on duty. Watch your step while hiking to avoid snakes, and wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat when walking through tall grass and tree-covered areas in order to avoid ticks.
Don’t approach or try to feed wildlife, and if you see an animal that looks sick or injured, call the local animal control office.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to have a fun and relaxing RV camping trip to Delaware. If this is your first time planning an RV camping trip, be sure to check out our tips for beginners!
