Trap Pond State Park RV & Campground Guide
Delaware
Boaters, hikers, bird watchers and history and nature lovers alike love visiting Trap Pond State Park in Laurel, Delaware. The 3,653 acre State Park is home to the country’s northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees, and is one of Delaware’s first State Parks. Visitors can enjoy water activities such as pedal boating, canoes, kayaks, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, biking, horse riding, recreation such as volleyball and horseshoes as well as learn about the stunning baldcypress trees and the history of one of the original State Parks at the Baldcypress Nature Center.
There’s so much to do in this quiet State Park, the entire family is sure to have fun. Read on to learn more about what makes Trap Pond State Park, an original State Park so unique, full of history and worth a visit this year!
Spring 64-79 F
Summer 61-87 F
Fall 45-79 F
Winter 24-43 F
Bethel, DE
Delmar, DE
RV Resorts & Campsites in Trap Pond State Park
Let’s face it, sometimes sleeping in a tent can be uncomfortable! If you’re thinking a comfortable, stylish place to lay your head down is more your speed, consider taking an RV on your trip to Trap Pond State Park. RVshare.com is the perfect place to learn more about renting an RV. The world-class team is dedicated to helping you succeed and can help you pick the perfect, totally custom rig that is ideal for your entire family, and just as important, your budget! All rentals come with nationwide insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
The State Park offers a wide variety of camping sites right within the park, including RV and tent sites, two island tent sites, waterfront climate-controlled camping cabins, yurts and much more. All are located beneath the beautiful, tall loblolly pines, for a truly unique camping and nature experience. All campgrounds are popular and can fill up quickly, so here are some of the nearby RV parks and campground worth looking into:
Woodlawn Campground
The Woodlawn Campground is a small campground that offers a wide variety of sites nestled under beautiful, tall trees. It’s located nearby many state parks, including Trap Pond, as well as only 35 miles from Ocean City, MD. Rates start at $30 a night for two people.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: no
Pet-friendly: yes, but must be kept on a leash
Other amenities: gravel “pull-through” trailer sites, tent and trailer sites under tall trees, free showers, bathroom, fishing in nearby ponds and rivers
Fort Whaley RV Resort and Campground
Fort Whaley RV Resort and Campground has over 150 campsites to choose from, offering a variety of campsite amenities. The campground also offers plenty of family-friendly amenities and activities right on-site, including pools, a dog park for your four-legged family members, a mini golf course and much more. Fort Whaley is open March 14-October 27, 2019, and rates start at $32 a night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, a dog park, catch and release lake, clubhouse with billiards and arcade games, fully-stocked general store, mini-golf, laser tag and access via free shuttle to off-site activities.
What to Do at
Trap Pond State Park
Inside Trap Pond State Park
History buffs, bird watchers, anglers and those who just love nature can all find something to do inside Trap Pond State Park, both on water and land! There is something for all ages, too, so the whole family can have fun. Some of the unique experiences and activities to partake in at the park include:
Outside Trap Pond State Park
Boating, Fishing and Water Activities – Love to fish? There is no better place to try to land a big catch than within Trap Pond State Park. Anglers can land a variety of fish, including catfish, American eel, largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie, bluegills and more. The boat launching ramp accommodates small motorized boats for both fishing as well as exploring the pond. A fishing license is required for fishing inside the park.
If fishing isn’t your favorite water activity, there are still plenty of ways to get out on the water and enjoy the park! During the summer season, rowboats, pedal boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented for use within the park. There are also park guide narrated pontoon boat tours available on summer weekends and holidays.
Hiking and Nature Activities – Enjoy and explore the quiet State Park with the wide variety of trails, including hiking, biking and horse trails. Birdwatchers can walk along the trails and spot a wide variety of birds, depending on the season, including Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers, orioles, Wood Ducks, tanagers, and a variety of warblers.
More recreation and nature activities available include volleyball pits, horseshoe pits, a disc golf course, athletic fields and a playground for children! Once you’re done enjoying all the State Park has to offer, you can relax and enjoy a picnic in one of the shaded picnic areas that overlook the pond, or the three larger pavilions that can be reserved for group events.
Baldcypress Nature Center – Trap Pond State Park is home to the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees, and visitors can learn all about how they came to be at the Baldcypress Nature Center. The Nature Center also features a display of reptiles, fish and amphibians found within the Pond itself, plus a nature library and other natural history exhibits.
There are also programs for adults and children, including guided nature walks and hikes, pontoon boat tours, outdoor skills workshops and more, plus opportunities to learn about the history of the State Park itself – dating all the way back to 1951!
Restaurants
From classic pizza to truly authentic Mexican, there are food options for everyone’s tastes nearby Trap Pond State Park. Here are some delicious places you should be sure to try in Laurel after a fun day at the park.
Laurel Pizzeria
Just minutes from the State Park, Laurel Pizzeria is a family owned and operated restaurant that features authentic Italian food and pizza in a casual, family-friendly environment. The whole family can enjoy their favorite pizza as well as specialty pizzas, pastas, seafood, chicken and much more.
Type: Italian
Location: Laurel, DE
Abbott’s on Broad Creek
Located right in the heart of downtown Laurel, Abbott’s on Broad Creek serves fresh American dishes, featuring locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. From pot roast to salmon, shrimp and grits, risotto and much more, plus a kids menu, there’s something delicious for everyone!
Type: American
Location: Laurel, DE
Tacos Chabelita
Perfect on taco Tuesday and every other day of the week, Tacos Chabelita is a family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Mexican dishes.
Type: Mexican
Location: Laurel, DE
Shopping
Tanger Outlets
Looking for some new duds, or forgot your favorite sweater? Stop by Tanger Outlets to do some perusing or pick up essentials. Tanger Outlets features name-brand and designer stores, all offering deep discounts, plus the state of Delaware offers tax-free shopping, so there’s no better place to do some shopping!
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
Sightseeing
Delaware Coastline
The Atlantic Coastline in Delaware is just about an hour from Trap Pond State Park, and worth the drive to take in the beautiful views and ocean water and beach fun! Some of the beaches along the coast include Rehoboth Beach, which features a one-mile long boardwalk, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach and more. There are many restaurants and family-friendly activities at each to enjoy.
Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE; Dewey Beach, DE; Bethany Beach, DE
Salisbury Zoological Park
Located just a half hour away in Maryland, the Salisbury Zoo is a fun, family-friendly activity for all ages and admission and parking are free! Visitors can take in naturalist enclosures for species native to North, Central and South America.
Location: Salisbury, MD
How to Get to
Trap Pond State Park
Trap Pond State Park is located on Goose Nest Road in Laurel, DE. For a map and directions, click here.
Entering Trap Pond State Park
Like many state parks, there is a fee to enter the Trap Pond State Park that is charged March 1 – November 30th. Annual passes are also available.
Residents : $4
March 1 to November 30
Non-residents : $8
March 1 to November 30
No matter if you’re a bird lover, hoping to catch a big fish or just want to experience nature with a nice hike or paddleboarding on the water, Trap Pond State Park has something for everyone! You’re sure to have a great time at the State Park and the local community nearby. Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts or shoot us a photo and some details at [email protected]. We may just feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!