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Camping in Delaware: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Delaware starts in one of a few places: Delaware State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Delaware state park campgrounds are booked through Delaware State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Delaware

Delaware has no national park, but it has National Park Service sites such as monuments, historic parks and trails. See them on the National Park Service Delaware page ↗.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Delaware doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Delaware are sold by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Delaware. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Delaware State Parks.

Best time to camp in Delaware

June to mid-October. Peak foliage weekends in late September and October sell out first; black-fly season can affect late spring.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Northeast)