Established Camping
Trap Pond State Park Campground
Trap Pond State Park Campground, near Laurel, Delaware, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern comforts. With spacious campsites, many equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for gathering around the fire and sharing stories under the stars.
The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of outdoor activities. Many campers have highlighted the beautiful walking trails around the pond and the opportunity for water activities like canoeing among the stunning cypress trees. One visitor summed it up nicely: “The hiking is always beautiful and easy to access.”
For those who want to explore further, the campground offers a variety of accommodations, from tent sites to yurts, ensuring there's something for everyone. The camp store is well-stocked with essentials, and you can even rent kayaks to paddle through the scenic waterways. Plus, the free concerts at the nature center during the summer add a nice touch to the camping experience.
While some sites can feel a bit close together, the overall atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Whether you're planning a family trip or a weekend getaway with friends, Trap Pond State Park Campground has plenty to offer for a memorable outdoor adventure.
Description
State Park
Just an hour’s drive south of Dover, Trap Pond State Park is a 3600-acre recreation area that features a freshwater wetland that supports one of the last natural stands of baldcypress trees. The pond was created in the 1700s when it was dammed to provide power for the local sawmills that were harvesting the area’s old-growth timber. Once the trees were gone, the area was used as a drainage for the surrounding farmlands. Finally, in the 1930s, the state acquired the land and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rehabilitated Trap Pond and surrounding woodland as a nature preserve and recreation space. This created Delaware’s first state park. It has since become a haven for herons, owls, woodpeckers and eagles, and a place where campers and recreationists can enjoy some outdoor time.
The campground at Trap Pond features 142 sites for tent and RV campers. Sites are set in five wooded loops: A, B, and C Loops have back-in sites with full hookups; D Loop has pull-through sites with full hookups; E Loop has primitive, walk-in tent sites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. All camp loops have access to bathhouses with showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and trash and recycling receptacles; a dump station is available near the campground entrance. The campground also has a picnic pavilion and kids’ playground between A and B Loops. The park also offers several rustic cabins and a couple yurts. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $15–$25; cabin and yurt rates are $40–$52; reservations accepted.
The nature center at Trap Pond is a good place to start a visit to the park. Interpretive exhibits and nature programs provide information about the history of the wetlands, as well as its flora and fauna. Once acquainted with the park, it’s time to hit the trails and water to discover more and enjoy the natural setting. More than 10 miles of multi-use trails invite hikers, bikers and horseback riders to explore the woods and wetlands. Paddlers can take to the ponds and explore 2.5 miles of water trails. Boat rentals are available in the park, as well as launches and docks for small watercraft. For anglers, common catches in the ponds include pickerel, crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Visitors can also play at the sports courts or disc golf course, or take in bird-watching for waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors.
Location
Trap Pond State Park Campground is located in Delaware
Address
33587 Baldcypress Lane
Laurel, DE 19956
Coordinates
38.48030932 N
75.4848934 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 13 min from Salisbury
- 56 min from Dover
- 2 hrs 26 min from Vineland
- 2 hrs 38 min from Lexington Park