Best Campgrounds near Newark, DE
Camping options near Newark, Delaware range from established state parks to private campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Lums Pond State Park Campground, located in Bear just 7 miles south of Newark, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and yurt accommodations. Elk Neck State Park Campground in North East, Maryland, approximately 20 miles southwest, provides cabin camping along with tent and RV sites. The region includes several KOA locations like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which features cabin rentals alongside traditional camping options.
Access to campgrounds in the Newark area varies with the seasons, though many remain open year-round. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Lums Pond State Park offers full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, making it popular for RV campers. The relatively flat terrain throughout the region makes most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles or equipment. Visitors should be aware that some campgrounds have specific pet policies, with designated pet-friendly loops at certain parks. A camper at Elk Neck State Park noted, "The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. Site 166 offered a wooded path directly back to the nearby bathhouse, which was otherwise inconspicuous from my site."
Campers consistently mention the spacious sites and natural settings as highlights of the Newark area camping experience. Lums Pond State Park receives praise for its well-maintained facilities and large, level sites. According to one visitor, "This State park campground is very well maintained. The staff is friendly. Quiet, clean area and had no problem navigating in our 40' 5th wheel." Many campgrounds in the region feature water access, with Lums Pond offering fishing and boating opportunities. Elk Neck State Park provides hiking trails with scenic water views, though reviews mention trails can become muddy after rain. Several developed campgrounds in the area include amenities like clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and camp stores, though amenities vary by location. Proximity to Philadelphia and other attractions makes these campgrounds convenient bases for exploring the region.
