Tent campsites near Claymont, Delaware range from rustic to accessible, with many positioned in the densely forested Pine Barrens of New Jersey or the rolling hills of Pennsylvania. Most sites sit at elevations between 200-500 feet above sea level, experiencing humid continental climate patterns that bring hot summers and moderately cold winters. The camping season typically runs April through October, with many facilities closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures and limited water access.
What to do
Hiking the Pine Barrens: Access miles of sandy trails directly from Batona Campground in Wharton State Forest. "Trails vary in length but all are flat and easily accessible," notes reviewer Meghan G., who appreciates that "trailheads begin directly from campsites."
Fishing opportunities: Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers stocked fishing areas specifically for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," writes Anna, who visited with children ranging from 3-12 years old.
Bird watching: Fort Washington State Park provides observation platforms for seasonal raptor migration. "If you are a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," notes Stuart K., who visited the park's observation deck.
What campers like
Wooded isolation: Blackbird State Forest provides secluded tent sites within reach of Claymont. "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy," writes Blind, who adds that "each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents."
Water access: Goshen Pond Campground in Wharton State Forest offers convenient water access for paddlers. "Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent. We were able to put our kayaks in right next to the site which was very convenient," reports Anna D.
Ground surface quality: Several campgrounds feature woodchip-covered sites for comfortable tent sleeping. "The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles -- pretty easy to sleep in a tent," notes D R. about Blackbird State Forest's camping area, which has around 8 designated tent-camping sites.
What you should know
Water availability limitations: Most campgrounds offer minimal water sources that may be seasonal. At Batona Campground, "Water is seasonal. Be bear aware," warns Trip Over Life, while Meghan G. notes the "Fresh water pump is located at entrance to campground."
Restroom facilities: Toilet options vary widely across the region's campgrounds. "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park's facilities.
Privacy considerations: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy," reports Tiffany B. about Green Lane Park, while at Goshen Pond, "Our site was very quiet, but a lot of the sites are close together without any barriers, so if the campground got crowded it wouldn't be very private," notes Anna D.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers family-friendly amenities within walking distance of campsites. "The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," writes Anna, adding that "we loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12."
First-time camping location: Ridley Creek State Park provides excellent beginner-friendly campsites with moderate amenities. "This place is great for first time campers," explains David K., who continues, "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on."
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas separate from camping zones. About Goshen Pond, Anna D. notes, "It's also a 5 minute drive from Atsion lake, a great place for kayaking and swimming."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup sites: RV camping near Claymont requires careful planning for water and electrical needs. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park, advising, "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Dump station access: Many campgrounds lack on-site dump facilities. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," explains Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Site leveling challenges: Expect to make adjustments for uneven terrain at most campgrounds. About Hibernia's sites, Jennifer S. notes "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
