Delaware State Parks guide: Amenities, parking, passes and all the fun you can get into

The weather is warming up and it’s time for Delawareans to set its sights on local outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re looking for a chill place to enjoy views of nature, a hike through the forest or a spot to lay out with your beach towel and book, Delaware has plenty of state parks to help you out with that. Seventeen of them, to be exact.

With so many options, it can be difficult figuring out which state park would be best for your activity of choice. Use our guide to Delaware State Parks to make your choices and navigate your way through all the First State has to offer.

Delaware State Parks classifications

Before you leave the house, take note of whether you’ll be visiting an inland park or an ocean park. Parking fees vary based on which type you choose.

Inland parks

• Alapocas Run State Park

• Auburn Valley State Park

• Bellevue State Park

• Brandywine Creek State Park

• First State Heritage Park

• Fort DuPont State Park

• Fox Point State Park

• Holts Landing State Park

• Killens Pond State Park

• Lums Pond State Park

• Trap Pond State Park

• White Clay Creek State Park

• Wilmington state parks

Ocean parks

• Cape Henlopen State Park

• Delaware Seashore State Park

• Beach Plum Island

• Indian River Marina

• Fenwick Island

Most Delaware State Parks are open from 8 a.m. until sunset, but locations with offerings such as swimming beaches, museums and nature centers may have varying dates and times of operations for related facilities. Visit the state park website at destateparks.com or call ahead to find out what offerings will be open at the time of your trip.

Paying for parking

Daily park entrance fees are charged from March 1 to Nov. 30 and allow your vehicle and its passengers to enter any Delaware State Park on the date of purchase, except for Fort Delaware, Fenwick State Line Beach and the Brandywine Zoo.

Inland parks cost $4 per day for Delaware-registered vehicles and $8 for out-of-state vehicles. Ocean parks cost $5 per day for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 per day for out-of-state vehicles.

Vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers will be charged the bus fee.

Delaware firefighters and EMTs can enter free of charge. Contact the president of your fire company or the Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association for more information and an application form.

If you’re on an extended stay near any state park locations, daily pass booklets also are available for purchase at any park office and grant passengers one day’s admission.

Booklets contain six inland park passes for $20 or six ocean park passes for $25 for Delaware-registered vehicles. Out-of-state vehicles can buy a booklet with three inland park passes for $20 or three ocean park passes for $25.

Delaware State Parks

Alapocas Run State Park, near Wilmington

Alapocas Run in Wilmington became a state park in 2002. It is around Delaware’s Blue Rock cliff, home to the state’s only natural rock-climbing wall, and features woodlands, the Brandywine River and local industrial and cultural history, according to Delaware State Parks.

Other offerings at the park include the Blue Bell Barn, the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, the Can-Do Playground for children of all abilities, athletic fields, art exhibits and a picnic area.

Some activities available at the park include:

• Biking

• Club, league and group sports

• Programs and day camps

• Hiking

• Picnicking

• School group programs

• Weddings and receptions

• Summer concerts

• Private parties

For more information about the amenities and offerings at Alapocas Run, visit 1914 W. Park Drive, Wilmington, (302) 577-1164; destateparks.com/Alapocas 

Auburn Valley State Park, Yorklyn

Highlighting Yorklyn’s industrial history, Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn is located along Red Clay Creek and is home to the largest operating collection of Stanley Steamer cars in the world, according to Delaware State Parks.

On location, you’ll find the historic Marshall Brothers Paper Mill, the Queen Anne Mansion and surrounding estate and remediated wetlands and transitional forest outside the former National Vulcanized Fiber site. To help tell the story of the Industrial Revolution, rare 19th-century bridges from across the country can be found in Auburn Valley, along with Baltimore Gneiss, historic twin ponds at the end of the Oversee Farm Trail and the Auburn Valley Railroad.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Riding a vintage steam car

• Fishing for trout at Red Clay Creek

• Hiking or biking a 1.1-mile trail with views of the local farmhouse and barn

• Checking out the historic overlooks along the sight, like Marshall Family Bridge

• Touring Auburn Heights Mansion, which was built in 1897

• Geocaching

• Learning about antique furnishings

• Strolling through Rose Arbor

• Relaxing by the pond with a fountain

3000 Creek Road, Yorklyn, (302) 729-4280; destateparks.com/History/AuburnValley

Brandywine Creek State Park, near Greenville

Brandywine Creek State Park is located in the northern Delaware’s piedmont region and includes 14-plus miles of trails and old-growth forest. "The park, known for its meadowland views, features blue gneiss stone walls built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and oversees four nature preserves — Flint Woods, the Carney Tract, Tulip Tree Woods and Fresh Water Marsh,'' according to Delaware State Parks.

At the park, you’ll find rolling meadows, rare native plants, a pollinator garden and wildlife like bluebirds, American kestrels and eastern meadowlarks. Chipmunks also are popular park visitors. On the water, small-mouth bass, crappies and bluegill are plentiful.

Some activities at the park include:

• Birding

• Primitive camping

• Canoeing and kayaking

• Disc golf

• Fishing

• Geocaching

• Mountain biking

• Summer day camps

• Sledding

• Tubing

• Picnicking

• Cultural, nature and historical programs

41 Adams Dam Road, Greenville, (302) 577-3534; destateparks.com/BrandywineCreek

Bellevue State Park, Bellevue

Bellevue State Park is a former DuPont estate that was once owned by William Dupont Jr. and sits in the middle of Wilmington, according to Delaware State Parks.

The land includes Bellevue Hall, the main attraction,, along with a 1?-mile-long horse track that includes 20 exercise stations, meadows, the Percheron Barn, disc golf, the Northern Greenway Trail and rentable pavilions.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Hiking and biking on unpaved or paved paths

• A catch-and-release pond

• The Bellevue Tennis Center

• Wellspring Farm

• Event venues like the Figure 8 and Hunter barns, the historic Mount Pleasant Meeting House and Parsonage, the Tim Ross Music Gardens and the Bandshell

• Summer camps and concerts

• Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve

• Geocaching

• Seasonal hayrides

• Horseback riding

• Ice skating

• Sledding

• Volleyball

• The arboretum

800 Carr Road, Wilmington, (302) 761-6963; destateparks.com/Bellevue.

Fort Delaware State Park, Delaware City

Found on Pea Patch Island in the middle of the Delaware River, Fort Delaware dates to the mid-1800s, when it was built to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia from enemy attack. It served this role through World War I and housed prisoners of war during the Civil War, eventually becoming a state park in 1951, according to Delaware State Parks.

At the park, you can see Battery Torbert, explore the Prison Camp Trail and observe the Pea Patch Heronry, one of the largest mixed-species nest colonies for ibis, herons and egrets in the country. Paranormal tours and living history interpretation also are offered.

Some things you can do at the park include:

• Ride the ferry

• Photograph nesting birds

• Hike to the observation platform

• Interact with costumed interpreters

• Visit exhibits

• Host an event

2540 Colter Road, Delaware City, (302) 834-7941; destateparks.com/History/FortDelaware.

Fort DuPont State Park, Delaware City

Fort DuPont in Delaware City was built to protect port cities along the Delaware River, like Wilmington and Philadelphia, from enemy ships and gets its name from a Civil War U.S. naval hero. The site primarily focused on training after its weaponry became obsolete after WWI. Coastal defenses like a rifle, mortar and rapid-fire batteries can still be seen today, according to Delaware State Parks.

On location, visitors can find a theater dating to the 1930s, wildlife like waterfowl and bald eagles, the Riverview Trail and views of the Delaware River and Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Boating

• Fishing

• Picnicking

• Hiking

45 Clinton St., Delaware City, (302) 834-7941; destateparks.com/History/FortDupont

Fox Point State Park, Fox Point

Fox Point State Park in Fox Point is no stranger to cargo ships, trains and cars whizzing by on the ground as wildlife like birds of prey fly in the sky above. The park is named after S. Marston Fox, who worked to convert the land from a waste dumping site into a waterfront recreational park, according to Delaware State Parks.

While walking through the park's meadows and grassland, visitors can see Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, along with the Delaware Memorial and Commodore Barry bridges.

Some things to do at the park include:

• Look for bald eagles

• Play at the playground

• Picnic at the pavilions

• Bike or walk on paved trails

• Fly kites

• Play volleyball

• Play horseshoes

Lighthouse Road, Wilmington, (302) 761-6963; destateparks.com/PondsRivers/FoxPoint.

Lums Pond State Park, near Glasgow

Lums Pond near Glasgow features Delaware’s largest freshwater pond and offers ample recreational opportunities for visitors. It was once home to the St. Georges Creek and Native Americans. Highlights of the park include 17 miles of trails through hardwood forest, the Go Ape Treetop course and wetlands that are home to amphibians, reptiles and notable dragonfly species, according to Delaware State Parks.

The park’s boathouse allows guests to rent various watercraft and the campground welcomes tents, RVs and groups looking for a primitive campsite experience. Sports opportunities include disc golf, cricket, football, tennis and soccer.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Taking your pet to the off-leash dog park

• Visiting the nature center to see live animal exhibits

• Fishing

• Boating

• Horseback riding

• Purchasing gear from the nature store

• Exploring the Lums Ponds Woods Nature Preserve

• Participating in Day Camps

• Geocaching

• Enjoying hayrides

• Hunting

1068 Howell School Road, Bear, (302) 368-6989; destateparks.com/PondsRivers/LumsPond.

White Clay Creek State Park, near Newark

White Clay Creek State Park near Newark is named after the clay that was once mined in the area and is known for its natural vistas, woodlands and creek. The creek, a National Wild and Scenic River, is Delaware’s most heavily stocked body of water and is home to largemouth bass. The forest provides a critical habitat for nesting and migrating birds, including the cerulean warbler,'' according to Delaware State Parks.

The park’s history can be seen through the ruins and buildings remaining on the property, like the 1790s Judge Morris Estate and Chamber’s House Nature Center.

Some things you can do at the park include:

• Catch-and-release fishing

• Hike, bike or run through 37 miles of trails, including the Pomeroy Rail-Trail

• Play at the playground

• Play disc golf

• Enjoy summer concerts at the bandshell and stage

• Geocaching

• Play horseshoes

• Mountain bike

• Organized youth camping

• Homeschool programs

Park office: 750 Thompson Station Road, near Newark, (302) 368-6900; destateparks.com/WhiteClayCreek.

Wilmington State Parks, Wilmington

Wilmington State Parks offer recreation along the Brandywine and consist of Brandywine Park, Rockford Park and H. Fletcher Brown Park, along with Kentmere Parkway and the Hobbs Property, according to Delaware State Parks.

With a mix of local history, education and sports and community events, the parks are filled with opportunities for all. Highlights include the Josephine Garden, Rockford Tower, the Jasper Crane Rose Garden and the Sugar Bowl. On location, you’ll also find memorials, historic bridges and ample spots to play games on the tennis courts and ball fields or exercise at the fitness stations.

Activities at the parks include, but are not limited to:

• Biking

• Visiting the Brandywine Zoo

• Hiking

• Attending festivals and concerts

• Picnicking

• Participating in

• Cultural or nature programs

1 Saint Rocco Way, Wilmington, (302) 577-7020; destateparks.com/Wilmington.Brandywine Park: 2000 N. Park Drive. Rockford Park: 2000 Lookout Drive. H. Fletcher Brown: South Park Drive and North King Street  

First State Heritage Park, Dover

First State Heritage Park in Dover is centered on the Dover Green, where many pieces of history intersect. The half-acre site is where the United States Constitution was ratified, Freedom Seekers escaped slavery, Revolutionary soldiers marched and suffragists expanded equality, according to Delaware State Parks.

Aside from American Revolution interpreters, visitors will find the Old State House, John Bell House, Jonson Victrola Museum, Legislative Hall, the Biggs Museum and Delaware Public Archives. Once you need a break from all the fun, you can relax under trees that have been around for more than a century.

Some things to do at the park include:

• Visiting the Governor’s House at Woodburn

• Enjoying the 18^th Century Market Fair in November

• Going on a guided tour

• Explore exhibits and galleries

102 S. State St., Dover, (302) 739-9194; destateparks.com/History/FirstStateHeritage.

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Killens Pond State Park, near Felton

Killens Pond, named after the 66-acre Killens Pond, was once home to the Lenape people. It now houses a variety of fish, like crappies and sunfish, and is frequented by guests looking for an afternoon of serenity or recreation, according to Delaware State Parks.

The park offers watercraft rentals and features the popular Pondside Loop Trail and a waterpark. Within the park, you’ll also find plenty of Delaware’s state tree, the American holly, along with the sounds of the pileated woodpecker, barred owl and prothonotary warbler.

Park activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiking

• Biking

• Visiting the park’s nature center to see live animal exhibits

• Enjoying waterslides at Killens Pond Water Park

• Kayaking and boating

• Fishing

• Camping

• Playing on the playground

• Geocaching

• Playing sports like baseball, volleyball and disc golf

5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton, (302) 284-4526; destateparks.com/PondsRivers/KillensPond.

Cape Henlopen State Park, near Lewes

Cape Henlopen State Park near Lewes is located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay and includes more than six miles of coastline. The area is home to Fort Miles, constructed during World War II, which features fire control towers and served as a federal defensive site, testing location and training area during and after the war. The Point is where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, according to Delaware State Parks.

The park's beachy habitat and maritime forest make for a mix of plant and animal species calling the location home. Guests can enjoy plenty of fun activities, from a classic beach day to a historical tour to learning about local wildlife.

Some things to do at the park include:

• Camping

• Swimming at the beach

• Enjoying water activities like boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding and windsurfing

• Visiting the Seaside Nature Center to participate in an interpretive program

• Clamming

• Boating

• Exploring Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area

• Visiting Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve

• Sledding

• Participating in summer camps

• Geocaching

• Visiting the scenic overlook

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, near Lewes, (302) 645-8983; destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen.

Delaware Seashore State Park, near Rehoboth Beach

Near Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Seashore State Park is another one of Delaware’s ocean parks offering a variety of beach day fun. The park features six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, with the Indian River Inlet connecting the Indian River and Rehoboth bays with the Atlantic Ocean. There is a beach on either side of the inlet, according to Delaware State Parks.

Previously known as Indian River State Park in 1965, Delaware Seashore became a state park in 1967. It features the Indian River Life-Saving Station, built in 1876, which is used as both a homage to the area’s maritime history and a coastal event space and education center.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Enjoying views atop the Indian River Inlet Bridge

• Swimming

• Surfing

• Camping at one of two campgrounds at the park

• Launching boats from the Indian River Marina

• Fishing along the banks of the Indian River Inlet

• Dining at Big Chill Beach Club or Dockside Marina Bar + Grill

• Crabbing

• Windsurfing and sailing

• Hiking

• Horseback riding

• Kayaking

• Participating in the annual sandcastle competition in July

• Going on a tour

39415 Inlet Road Rehoboth Beach, near Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-2800; destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore.

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Fenwick Island State Park, Fenwick Island

Fenwick Island is Delaware’s southernmost beach offering three miles of ocean beaches. The park used to include to the Fenwick Island Life-Saving Station in the late 1800s before it was lost in the storm of 1962. It is home to a World War II-era fire control tower, according to Delaware State Parks.

The park offers various programs to educate visitors about ghost crabs, frequently found in the area, and other wildlife and natural resources. Popular activities in Fenwick include swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing, with rental equipment available if you don’t have your own. The park also provides access to Little Assawoman Bay.

Some things to do at the park include:

• Fishing

• Hiking

• Surfing

• Horseback riding

• Surf fishing

Route 1, Fenwick Island, (302) 227-2800; destateparks.com/Beaches/FenwickIsland.

Holts Landing State Park, Dagsboro

Holts Landing State Park is located along the Indian River Bay and features salt marsh, shoreline, maritime forest and intertidal zone, according to Delaware State Parks.

As one of the quieter recreational parks, Holts Landing is a great spot for family fun, fishing or a walk through a variety of ecosystems. The Seahawk Trail is a popular route for visitors seeking a hiking adventure while amenities like the Grove are great for celebrating special occasions.

Activities at the park include, but are not limited to:

• Crabbing from the crabbing pier, Delaware’s only pier built specifically for crabbing.

• Clamming.

• Attending summer concerts.

• Camping at primitive campsites.

• Kayaking or paddleboarding through the bay.

• Enjoying Family Fun Nights during the summer.

• Boating.

• Hunting.

• Participating in youth group camping.

27046 Holts Landing Road, Dagsboro, (302) 227-2800; destateparks.com/HoltsLanding.

Trap Pond State Park, near Laurel

Trap Pond State Park near Laurel was once used as an industrial logging pond in the late 1700s. Today, it is most notably known for being the northernmost location with a naturally occurring stand of Baldcypress trees, according to Delaware State Parks.

Trap Pond’s thriving ecosystem is filled with diverse tree and plant species and is a home to bass and other warm-water fish species. The park features nearly nine miles of kayak and canoe trails and more than 12 miles of woodland trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Some things to do at the park include:

• Renting paddleboards, kayaks, boats and canoes

• Fishing

• Participating in pontoon tours or other guided tours of the cypress swamp, an 1800s church or area cemeteries

• Camping in tents, RVs, cabins or yurts

• Visiting the Baldcypress Nature Center

• Exploring the Barnes Woods Nature Preserve

• Playing disc golf, volleyball or other team sports

33587 Baldcypress Lane, near Laurel, (302) 875-5153; destateparks.com/TrapPond.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at [email protected].   

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: A guide to Delaware's 17 state parks, including parking and pricing