Places to Camp near Wilmington, DE
Camping near Wilmington, Delaware
Camping near Wilmington, Delaware offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From state parks with serene lakes to family-friendly campgrounds with plenty of activities, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or simply relax by the campfire, the campgrounds around Wilmington provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top campgrounds near Wilmington, what you can do while camping, what campers like and dislike, and tips for families and RVers. Get ready to discover the best spots for your next camping adventure!
What to do
The campgrounds near Wilmington offer a range of activities to keep you entertained. From hiking trails and fishing spots to playgrounds and pools, there's no shortage of things to do.
At Lums Pond State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking around the lake and even visit a nearby Ape Adventure park. Laure D. mentioned, "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by." Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers a variety of activities, including a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, and a playground. Nicole S. shared, "There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more."
For those who enjoy exploring nature, Ridley Creek State Park is a great option. Meg F. said, "I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful and I absolutely loved it."
What campers like
Campers appreciate the clean facilities, friendly staff, and variety of activities available at the campgrounds near Wilmington. Many campgrounds also offer spacious sites and beautiful natural surroundings.
At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, Nicole S. praised the cleanliness and friendly staff, saying, "The place is so clean including the bathrooms. Everyone we came in contact with staff wise was so friendly." Lums Pond State Park Campground also received high marks for its clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere. Bernie C. noted, "Peaceful state park. Clean facilities and lots of room to spread out."
Campers also enjoy the variety of activities available at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA. Nancy W. shared, "This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids—swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc."
What you should know
While there are many positives to camping near Wilmington, there are a few things to keep in mind. Some campgrounds have limited amenities or may be crowded during peak seasons.
At Old Cedar Campground, Matt S. mentioned, "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75’ hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses." Additionally, some sites at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA may not be level. Nancy W. noted, "Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs."
It's also important to be aware of the rules and regulations at each campground. At Old Cedar Campground, Matt S. shared, "The website, posted signs, confirmation email, and check-in instructions all included a list of strict rules regarding conduct while on property and everyone seemed to abide by them during our stay."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you choose a campground with plenty of activities for kids. Many campgrounds near Wilmington offer family-friendly amenities and organized activities to keep everyone entertained.
At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, Nicole S. appreciated the variety of activities for kids, saying, "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget." Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer is another great option for families. Nicholas V. shared, "Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
When camping with kids, it's also important to choose a campground with clean and well-maintained facilities. YM C. noted, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I’ve ever seen on any campgrounds ever. Sparkling," when describing Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Tips from RVers
RVers will find plenty of options for camping near Wilmington, with many campgrounds offering full hookups and spacious sites. However, it's important to be aware of any potential challenges, such as uneven sites or limited amenities.
At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, Nancy W. shared some helpful tips, "The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well."
RVers should also be prepared for narrow and winding roads when traveling to some campgrounds. Nancy W. mentioned, "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."
Finally, it's always a good idea to check for any updates or changes to the campground before your trip. Nancy W. advised, "A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!)"
Camping near Wilmington, Delaware offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family adventure, the campgrounds in this area have something for everyone. With clean facilities, friendly staff, and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable camping trip.