Tent campsites near Bear, Delaware are positioned within the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain with elevations ranging from 30 to 80 feet above sea level. Most camping options sit along the Piedmont region's eastern edge, characterized by gentle slopes and mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and hickory trees. Winter camping is limited with most facilities closing between November and April due to seasonal freezing temperatures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, visitors can explore nearby fishing spots. "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy...Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," notes one camper, highlighting the comfortable base for fishing excursions.
Bird watching: The region offers strong opportunities for birdwatching with several rare species. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," shares a visitor to Evansburg State Park Campground, where water birds are common along creek areas.
Disc golf courses: Several parks with tent camping feature disc golf layouts. "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing," reports a camper at Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, where the course is accessible directly from the camping area.
What campers like
Wooded isolation: Unlike the open sites mentioned in the existing description, some campers enjoy more secluded areas. "The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you'd occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn't still feel secluded. Nice hikes in the area," reports a visitor at Blackbird State Forest.
Overnight access to historical areas: The region offers camping near Revolutionary War sites. "Fort Washington is comprised of 492 acres of unbridled, very well-manicured landscapes that offer up great spots for birding, hiking and exploring. This very place lies in significance from the Revolutionary War when it housed troops led by then General George Washington," explains a camper at Fort Washington State Park Campground.
Waterfront camping options: While many sites are wooded, others offer water access. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes a review for Tinicum Island, which provides unique boat-in camping opportunities not mentioned in existing descriptions.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Tent campers report widely different experiences with site proximity. "The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots," warns a camper at Green Lane Park, contrasting sharply with more private options elsewhere in the region.
Bathroom facilities range from basic to modern: "Campground is as basic as they get. Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy. Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park," explains a camper about Deep Creek Campground, highlighting the contrast between site layout and facilities.
Weekend-only operations: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules beyond what's mentioned in existing descriptions. "Easy commute," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park, who appreciated the park's accessibility despite limited operating days.
Tips for camping with families
Children's fishing areas: Some parks offer designated youth fishing zones. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," notes a Hibernia County Park visitor, highlighting family-friendly water features.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment not mentioned in existing descriptions. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12...The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," shares a family camper.
Trail difficulty considerations: Parents should research trail ratings before hiking with children. "This is a good place for a day hike with the family. It's look out over the Susquehanna River is fantastic and puts you up with the birds," recommends a visitor at Susquehannock State Park, suggesting suitable terrain for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: While tent camping is widely available, RV options are restricted. "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites...RV camping is not encouraged. Horseriding is encouraged," explains a camper at Blackbird State Forest.
Leveling challenges: RV campers should bring leveling equipment. "As I said in the first paragraph, we mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18...They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," shares an experienced RVer.
Water access limitations: RVers must plan for water needs. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom," advises a camper describing regional tent campsites near Bear, Delaware.