Rehoboth Beach, Delaware provides a mix of state parks and private campgrounds with options for tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals within minutes of coastal attractions. Campgrounds near Rehoboth Beach range from state-run sites with water and electric hookups to private resorts with pools and organized activities, giving campers flexible options along Delaware's coast. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground offers year-round accommodations directly in Rehoboth Beach with water and electric hookups, while Cape Henlopen State Park Campground in nearby Lewes features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals amidst wooded surroundings. Several private campgrounds including Big Oaks Campground, Holly Lake Campsites, and Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay supplement these options with varying levels of amenities and seasonal availability.
The camping season in this coastal region typically runs strongest from April through October, with most private campgrounds operating seasonally while state parks maintain year-round access. "Cape Henlopen camp sites fill up so quickly, and for good reason! After missing out on reservations year after year, this year, we booked a weekend tent site for July back in January," noted one camper, highlighting the need for advance planning during peak summer months. Campgrounds within the area maintain paved roads and modern facilities including showers, restrooms, and in many cases, electrical hookups. Both state park campgrounds provide convenient access to beaches, though Cape Henlopen's beach requires either a mile walk or short drive from the camping area.
Beachside camping experiences near Rehoboth Beach consistently receive positive reviews for their proximity to both natural attractions and urban amenities. Cape Henlopen State Park earns particular praise for its combination of forested campsites, bike trails, and beach access. According to reviews from The Dyrt, the park offers "paved trails to the beach, the bay, nature center and bike trails" along with "clean sites and bath houses." Many campgrounds in the region maintain playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities during summer months. The Rehoboth Beach area features over 100 campgrounds and campsites where visitors can enjoy coastal Delaware's natural beauty while staying just minutes from popular beaches and boardwalks. Rehoboth Beach camping options provide the perfect blend of seaside relaxation and outdoor adventure with easy access to Delaware's famous beaches. These diverse camping options around Rehoboth Beach provide excellent bases for exploring Delaware's coastline, whether you're seeking family-friendly campgrounds or more secluded sites. Several private campgrounds provide more resort-style experiences with amenities like markets and organized activities, while the state parks focus on natural settings with hiking trails, fishing access, and historical attractions like Cape Henlopen's World War II observation tower and military bunker.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$30 - $99 / night
"Nice facilities, most of the walking trails would have been much for our little guy. It would be an awesome place to have bikes and cruise around."
"He was very thorough about the best showers (with air conditioning), the nature center with trails, bikes to loan, and other things to do."
$30 - $168 / night
"Park Name-Delaware Seashore State Park Date of Stay-June 2018
Site-237
This is one of favorite local parks!"
"The really great aspect of Delaware Seashore State Park is your close proximity to the water. The park is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian River, and Indian River Bay."
"It is a bit of a ride to Rehoboth Beach but you don’t have to venture out."
"Will be back in the future. 35 min drive to Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk."
$45 - $70 / night
"We stayed here for two nights during a three day trip to Rehoboth beach. Very reasonably priced and had a lot for the kids to do."
"Close to the beach, state park, the outlets and a great bike path . Note, they only accept cash, but ATM is close if you forget. Worth a visit if you want a beach vacation."
$67 / night
"I actually forgot it was in Delaware since it’s so close to where we grew up as kids in jersey!"
"A quick drive to the beaches and a gorgeous rail trail! Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming which was the biggest selling point for us."
"Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."
"The front of the park is close to the pool and store- if pool noise is a concern you should stay further back. A mix of seasonal,"cabins" and overnight camping. Park was very clean."
$22 - $56 / night
"This is Delaware which is flat land. The one issue with most every site are the trees. Most every site has a tree to watch out for."
"From well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely."
"Campground well maintained and relatively quiet given its peak season for Delaware beaches. Off the beaten path from beach noise but does require a 15-30 minute drive to popular beaches."
"Close proximity to the beach. Lots of family friendly activities. Full stocked camp store."
"Great Location and close to Cape May City. 10 min drive to Washington Street Mall. Lots to do during the day."
"Beautiful main building. close to a lovely walking trail."
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
TravelerTrap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
GuideWebsite says RV Resort and cabins. Turns out 75%+/- of camping area is made up of Tiny Homes, owned by people, and some for rent, plus cabins.
In fairness, this isn't our type of camping. Many RV's were season with no one there. Thursday was dead, but Friday campers came in for Mother's Day weekend. We went to the bathhouse only to find out it was closed (seasonal). So a nice easy walk to do laundry turned into a lengthy walk or drive. Made no sense. Then on Friday, I was outside reading a book and an employee rolled into our site on a riding mower kicking up dirt all over me and into the trailer, with rocks kicked up into the picnic table. Lucky, no broken windows. Lippert no longer makes the window, so they would have been buying five (5) ones
This is a great place for families with young children. Just not our cup of tea
ScoutWe stayed at this campground for approximately one month and paid full price with the expectation of reliable utilities and access to advertised amenities. The property itself is nice and quiet, which we appreciated, but unfortunately that did not outweigh the issues we experienced.
During our stay, we had ongoing electrical problems at our site. Our air conditioner would not function properly, and we were unable to use it for essentially the entire month, including during several hot days. Our hot water heater also could not reliably run on electric, which forced us to operate it on propane and refill our tanks twice at our own expense.
In addition to the electrical issues, the water quality was also a concern. The water from the faucet would often come out brown and murky for a period of time when first turned on, and at times even after it had been running.
Our site also did not include basic amenities such as a fire ring or picnic table, which are typically expected and commonly included with full-price sites.
At one point, the entire campground lost power. Despite that, we were told our pedestal had been tested and was functioning properly, which was not possible given the campground-wide outage at the time.
After leaving and connecting to power at a different campground, all of our systems—including AC and hot water—worked immediately without issue. This confirmed the problem was not with our RV, but with the power supply at this campground.
Additionally, one of the listed amenities (the pool) was unavailable when we attempted to use it.
We brought these concerns to the owner and requested a reasonable refund or adjustment based on the lack of usable electrical service and the additional expenses we incurred. That request was refused.
We are sharing this so others are aware. If you rely on consistent electrical service, clean water, and standard site amenities, this is something to seriously consider before booking.
GuideWe arrived on a beautiful mid April day. We were walk-ins and had the choice for a site on the beach or the inland campground. The inland sites were in a very open, treeless circle along the marshlands. Not particularly attractive or ugly, not private, but WARM compared to what we experienced mid April along the beach. Although beautiful and right on the beach, the wind nearly blew us over. Fires were impossible due to wind and damp wood purchased at a beach kiosk. No one could brave those winds for more than a short time. Showers are cold water. Pit toilets were good. That being said, what a unique experience with the horses and proximity to the beach.
ScoutThe area was well maintained, lots for the kids to do, and everyone that worked there was so nice. Close to beaches and food. We’ll be back!
ScoutLived there full time up until a branch fell on our camper and totaled it. We took her rent and told her our plans and she sat there and said keep me updated. We were going to get another camper so I called to let her know and asked if it was ok and she was very quiet then said I'd rather you not. So you knew what we intended on doing a month before we decided to go with another camper but you instead of telling us face to face you were a coward and delayed us finding another camper so now we are scrambling to find a place. She doesn't know how to run the campground, she never even sent us a formal notification to vacate our lot just word of mouth. washers are old and don't work correctly. I would not recommend it at all. Always nitpicking my son for being outside and being a boy. Very flat and bizarre affect. Hard to deal with. No tent sites no activities for the kids. Bugs are super bad no kind of pest control done.
TravelerI called the reservation number and was told to call a different number. I call that number and it was a wrong number. Then I went back to their website. And put in my information. It's been a day and a half , and I still haven't heard from them. So I moved on and got a different reservation.Somewhere else. The lucky I gave him a star.
GuideNo hookups but no problem with solar as there is little shade. Nice clean bathrooms. Very windy.
Camping near Rehoboth Beach, Delaware offers varied terrain from coastal marshes to inland pine forests, with most sites situated less than 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with daytime averages of 65-75°F. Mosquitoes are particularly active from June through September, requiring campers to prepare with appropriate repellents and screens.
Kayaking through cypress trees: At Trap Pond State Park Campground, campers can explore unique bald cypress trees from the water. "The hikes in the campground are beautiful. The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," shares a visitor who appreciated the natural and historical elements.
Beach driving access: Delaware Seashore State Park provides specialized opportunities for vehicles on the sand. As one camper noted, "If you want the experience of driving on the beach - go for it!" This activity requires a permit and appropriate vehicle capabilities.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to view native species. At Holly Lake Campsites, one visitor mentioned appreciating "the goats, deer and ducks in the pond," providing children and nature enthusiasts with animal encounters without leaving the campground.
Free bicycle rentals: Several state parks offer complimentary bike usage. At Trap Pond, "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted)" according to a recent visitor, making it easy to explore the extensive trail systems without bringing your own equipment.
Combination of forests and beaches: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground receives praise for its dual environments. One visitor noted, "This is a beautiful campground! It is a mile walk to the beach. It has some of the best water and electric hookups I've seen. The tent sites are a good size and have a good mix of shade and sun."
Educational elements: Many campgrounds incorporate learning opportunities into the experience. A Cape Henlopen visitor highlighted, "There is a fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff. Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers."
Swimming options beyond the ocean: Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay offers alternative water recreation. "The kids love the night swimming while adults can sit at the swim up bar," commented one guest, appreciating the extended hours that allow for evening water activities.
Historical structures: World War II installations provide unique exploration opportunities at several parks. One camper at Trap Pond noted, "There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views and photo opportunities."
Reservation timing: Cape Henlopen's popularity requires advance planning. "Sites are close together. I'd recommend renting 2 sites if there are more then 2 in your party," advised one camper about managing the limited space.
Off-season advantages: Several campgrounds offer better experiences outside peak summer months. A Cape Henlopen visitor shared, "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early."
Bathroom facility variations: Delaware Seashore State Park Campground offers clean but basic amenities. One camper noted, "Reasonably clean, especially being so close to the ocean. No garbage receptacle which was slightly annoying. The utility hooks are outside of the showers compromising some privacy."
Site privacy considerations: Campgrounds differ significantly in site separation. One camper at Delaware Seashore observed, "There is zero privacy/separation between sites, but this is the price you pay for easy and close beach access!"
Playground accessibility: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches offers dedicated children's facilities. "They have a beautiful heated pool, waterfront tiki bar, on site store and restaurant, kayak and golf cart rental and they seem to be adding more every year!" shared one visitor, highlighting the family-focused amenities.
Water activities for different ages: Many campgrounds have modified water features beyond natural bodies of water. A visitor to Jellystone noted, "Great for a long getaway or a quick one like ours. Loved our stay. It was clean and full of fun."
Junior ranger programs: State parks offer educational opportunities specifically designed for children. A Cape Henlopen visitor recommended, "There is a nice nature center (FREE) with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff," providing engaging learning experiences for kids.
Tent site selection: When camping with children at Big Oaks Campground, location matters. "My wife and I took our 2 grandkids on their first real camping trip. They had a blast. The campground people were extremely nice, the pool was nice and clean, the camp site was nice and big enough for our larger tent," reported one satisfied camper.
Site leveling preparations: Many campgrounds require additional equipment. At Trap Pond, an RVer noted, "They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers."
Campsite dimensions: Verify actual space measurements when booking. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, a visitor warned, "Sites were a little too close to each other. I'd recommend renting 2 sites if there are more then 2 in your party."
Hookup quality considerations: Electric and water connections vary significantly between parks. One Cape Henlopen visitor specifically mentioned, "It has some of the best water and electric hookups I've seen," which can be particularly important for RV campers requiring stable utilities.
Pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier access. A visitor to Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay shared, "They also offer different types of sites, some gravel, some paved and some with concrete patios and nice furniture included," highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate site type for your specific RV setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Rehoboth Beach?
Two top-rated campgrounds near Rehoboth Beach are Delaware Seashore State Park Campground and Cape Henlopen State Park Campground. Delaware Seashore offers an ideal location between Rehoboth/Dewey and Bethany Beach, with easy access to both touristy and secluded beaches. The park features beautiful waterfront views, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River, and Indian River Bay. Cape Henlopen provides excellent facilities, walking trails, nice beaches, and an awesome playground. It's conveniently located near both Lewes and Rehoboth Beach towns, making it perfect for exploring the area.
Is tent camping available at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware?
Yes, tent camping is available near Rehoboth Beach at several campgrounds. Big Oaks Campground offers reasonably priced tent sites a short drive from Rehoboth Beach. It features well-maintained facilities including a pool and bathrooms, plus activities for kids. Brumbleys Family Park in nearby Milton also accommodates tent campers with a nice pool and central pond. The campground is well-kept though somewhat dated, with its main appeal being proximity to Rehoboth Beach and other coastal attractions.
How close are Delaware beach campgrounds to the ocean at Rehoboth?
Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay is situated directly on Rehoboth Bay with its own private beach. While it's not on the Atlantic Ocean, it offers waterfront camping with a beach experience. The resort does require a short drive to reach Rehoboth's ocean beaches. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches is another option located inland but within easy driving distance to Rehoboth Beach. Most campgrounds in the area require a 10-20 minute drive to reach the Atlantic Ocean beaches at Rehoboth, though several offer water access on bays or inlets.
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