Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Cape Henlopen
Overview
Overview
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, offers a quintessential coastal camping experience nestled where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. This destination is defined by its natural landscape, featuring pine-covered dunes and expansive sandy beaches. Unlike commercial resorts, this park provides a serene, back-to-nature atmosphere that invites travelers to slow down and reconnect with the environment while staying in a well-maintained, scenic campground.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the northeastern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, the park serves as a gateway to the historic town of Lewes. Guests will find themselves surrounded by protected coastal ecosystems and maritime forests. The surrounding area offers a peaceful retreat from the busier boardwalk towns nearby, while still providing convenient access to the charming shops and dining options found in downtown Lewes, making it an ideal home base for coastal exploration.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed to accommodate a variety of setups, offering electric and water hookups along with sites suitable for larger rigs. On-site facilities include modern bathhouses, laundry areas, and a camp store for essential supplies. Beyond the campsites, the park provides access to extensive multi-use trails, a swimming beach during the summer months, and a unique nature center that showcases the diverse wildlife and history of the local barrier island habitat.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Visitors can explore the historic Fort Miles, a former coastal defense installation that now houses a fascinating military history museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can rent bicycles to traverse the scenic Gordons Pond Trail or climb to the top of the observation tower for panoramic views of the coastline. Whether you enjoy bird watching, surf fishing, or simply walking along the wide, pristine beaches, there is no shortage of activities to fill your daily itinerary.
Who This Park Is Best For
Cape Henlopen is ideal for nature lovers, families, and couples who prioritize a peaceful outdoor setting over high-end resort glitz. It is the perfect fit for travelers who enjoy hiking, cycling, and beach combing right outside their RV door. Because of its popularity and limited availability, it is best suited for those who appreciate the beauty of a state-managed facility and are comfortable planning their visits well in advance.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Sasha Drummond
Went for a 5K run. It was a beautiful morning. The signs on how to get to the event were limited no one at the front or signs to state which way to go but overall it was a good time. The park was clean and quiet.
Ken Hagge
This is a campground for RVs and tents. They also have cabins available. They have a huge hike and bike trail. Beautiful. This is a WWII historical place that once was a military base. 🇺🇸 1.5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean.
Erica Molina-Potter
This a wonderful park! I want to highlight especially the Bike Barn where you can loan adult and kid bikes and helmets for free (donations appreciated!) and the staff is kind, friendly and eager help. The loop is 3 miles which you can easily bike with just a few moderate/gentle hills. A short walk from the Bike Barn is a fantastic playground which is partially shaded, with benches and picnic tables in the shade as well- a gift for parents with young kids. We can’t wait to come back! Oh and they have a water station where you can refill your water bottles!
Bryan Rupert
Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the best destinations in Delaware. The beaches are clean, wide, and perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing. The trails are well-marked and offer great hiking and biking through dunes, forests, and marshes. The WWII observation towers and Fort Miles add interesting history to the visit. Restrooms and facilities were very clean and well-kept, and parking was easy with plenty of space. Wildlife is abundant—you can spot deer, birds, and more along the trails. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore nature, or learn some history, Cape Henlopen has it all.
Zachary Frieben
Came here with my wife during our 1-year anniversary trip 😊 Our entry wasn't the greatest, we didn't have any cash and the ranger seemed disappointed by this. She told us that we could go to the kiosk and it'd take "A minute and a half." No it doesn't 😂 Does she really think someone my age carries cash? 😂 But after that everything was cool! The observation tower you can climb up is neat and gives you a great view of the surrounding area. And just seeing the guns up close is crazy, they're so big! The beaches are nice too, though some of the sand was a little squishy for our tastes. And its a great spot to go birding if you're into that! We saw hundreds of birds here! Definitely worth a stop if you're visiting Delaware regardless of hobbies 👍🏻