Best Campgrounds near Clayton, DE

Campgrounds near Clayton, Delaware include several state parks and established facilities within a 30-mile radius. Lums Pond State Park Campground in Bear offers year-round camping with sites for tents, RVs, and glamping options including yurts. Killens Pond State Park Campground in Felton provides cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping areas. Most established campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations.

Delaware state parks require advance reservations for most campsites, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity quickly. "The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints," noted one visitor to nearby Elk Neck State Park in Maryland. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability and facility access during winter months. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat with sandy or clay soil conditions that can become problematic after rainfall. Cell service varies considerably, with some campgrounds reporting limited connectivity, especially in more remote areas like Blackbird State Forest, which has primitive camping options but is currently closed until further notice.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with several campgrounds situated near ponds, rivers, or the Chesapeake Bay. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, though farther south near Lewes, receives consistently high ratings for its beach access and bike trails. A camper highlighted that "there are great camping options and a lot to do in the park aside from camping." Visitors frequently mention clean facilities and well-maintained grounds as positive aspects of Delaware state parks. Sites at most campgrounds tend to be spacious, though proximity to neighbors varies considerably depending on the specific location and loop. For those seeking more seclusion, primitive camping areas typically offer greater privacy than the more developed campgrounds with full hookups and amenities.

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Best Camping Sites Near Clayton, Delaware (94)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Great place to stay and check out “Lower, slower Delaware.”"

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.

    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area

    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    3. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / night

    "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."

    "I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."

    4. Killens Pond State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Felton, DE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 284-4526

    $22 - $89 / night

    "First time staying overnight at a campground in Delaware. The cabins are tiny on the inside but that porch really provides very useful space.
    No paper towels, soap or kitchen utensils."

    "Delaware seemed short on camping options and this one was probably top of the line 40 years ago. It's dated in every way, but it's in a good spot.

    Seemed to have some residents mixed in."

    5. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

    "It is less than 40 mins from Annapolis and close to DC and Baltimore.   Yet it is isolated and quiet.  There’s some great trails as well as walking between the camp loops and picnic areas.  "

    6. Canoein’ Sue’s

    2 Reviews
    Kennedyville, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 837-7977

    $42 - $52 / night

    7. Dover AFB Famcamp

    2 Reviews
    Little Creek, DE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 677-3959

    $8 - $20 / night

    8. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "Had a great weekend trip here, close to DC and Delaware. Wonderful hiking trails with river views. Only caveat- got pretty muddy since it rained the day before and our site didn’t have a tent pad."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    9. Martinak State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Denton, MD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $77 / night

    "Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."

    "Just off highway, nice wooded area, access to a good boat ramp."

    10. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Lewes, DE
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 645-2103

    $30 - $99 / night

    "Cape henlopen is one of five or six Delaware state parks that offer RV camping. Sites vary in size so make sure you check the details before you book."

    "My group was there, on two adjacent sites, from Sunday to Tuesday, in early June. The weather could not have been more ideal! We were on sites G12 and G13, which were both really large."

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Recent Reviews near Clayton, DE

671 Reviews of 94 Clayton Campgrounds


  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Tiffany P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ocean View Resort Campground

    Lots of fun

    This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head. We loved where our site was located. Will definitely be visiting again.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Redden State Forest Campground

    Secluded and improving

    8/15/2025

    Arrived after dark to find that I had the campground to myself. As noted in other reviews, turn right as you drive past the office/house and let yourself in through the closed (but unlocked) gate. Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The restroom featured on the map is just a portalet, but there is plenty of overflow parking in that branch. Apparently you're not supposed to pull onto the gravel with your vehicle, just park parallel to the road alongside it. 

    Another note about the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent so I didn't tent adjacent to the pad amidst the pine needles. I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites and probably would be ideal for tenting/staking (and in case you haven't guessed, I don't have a freestanding tent). The area is densely forested with pines and is quite pleasant in that regard.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Pros and cons

    We have been to this campground twice. First time everything was very clean and lots to do. The last time things had slipped a little bit. Campground was definitely not as clean. The first time there was staff riding around picking up garbage and keeping things neat. Last time it seemed like it was just a bunch of teenagers flying around on golf carts not doing much. Almost all the games were broken in the arcade. Plus a lot more seasonals. The seasonals also have a lot of political flags with profanities. Not very family friendly! Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may Cons broken equipment, kids racing golf carts all hours of the nights, lots of seasonals with over the top decorations, with flags with profanities and cleanliness slipping. We will try it again. Hopefully they were just having an off year.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do
  • Frank J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Belleplain State Forest

    Relatively new to this

    Stayed in site 116 in CCC section (only section with electric and water). Good privacy. Check-in went smoothly. Staff at office said all the roads in the CCC section were 2-way. Not wide enough in my opinion but we didn't have a problem. Restrooms/showers were ok. Sea Isle City is not too far away if you're into the Jersey shore, restaurants, live music.

  • A
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches

    Great First Camping Trip

    My family tent camped for 1 night here at site 190. Decent array of electrical hookup options. My kids had a blast in the water area with the pool and large slides. It was our first time camping and we had trouble sleeping due to groups around us having fun until 11, but overall it was a really great experience and we will be returning

  • Joshua N.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Some issues

    The campsite is very nice except for a few issues not have not been addressed over the many years we have been coming here. First, the WIFI is absolutely terrible! I have complained before and it never improves. 2nd, when we checked in, we were told that there currently no cable TV. We were told to stream which was terrible as I stated above. Last, there was an older gentleman that works there as a pool attendant. He told one of the guests that vaping is not allowed in the fenced area of the swimming lake in a scolding tone and told the guest that it's against the rules and that he did not make up the rules. He then ran off to find the woman in charge of the pools(her name is Marie). She came in hot on her golf cart like Bo Luke in the Dukes of Hazzard and came over to the guest and started yelling at the guest like she committed murder. Totally uncalled for!!! She has an absolutely terrible personality and should not be working in the hospitality industry. There were a few other staff members that were very rude towards guests(including us). When I'm paying over$1000 for a week here, I expect to be treated much better. We almost felt like we were bothering the staff. We have seen Marie many times over the years and never see any behavior changes. The staff could use a good training session on hospitality and appreciation that guests come here to relax and spend a lot of money here to do so, so they are employed.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Nice full hook up

    Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless.

    Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy.


Guide to Clayton

Camping near Clayton, Delaware, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and beautiful scenery. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do

  • Explore Nature Trails: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking and biking. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, one visitor shared, “This park has a LOT of activities: the beach, a nice nature center. Biking is hugely popular.”
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, Lums Pond State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper mentioned, “Had a nice time camping for two nights. If you like small breweries, about 20 minutes away is Stewarts Brewpub.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers at Trap Pond State Park Campground have enjoyed the natural beauty. One reviewer noted, “The walk-in tent sites are BEAUTIFUL!! It’s really great to be able to set up camp and be in nature.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms are immaculate… The town of Northeast is a hidden gem.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Trap Pond State Park Campground mentioned, “Spacious campsites in the D loop with half-circle drive in.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Martinak State Park Campground said, “The staff were super friendly and the bathrooms were kept clean.”

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A reviewer at Susquehanna State Park Campground pointed out, “The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape, but the sites are fairly small and some of them are right on top of each other.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, at Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, one camper noted, “The bathhouses were okay, hard to keep clean especially after the rain we got.”
  • Primitive Camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers primitive camping. One camper mentioned, “The campground was fully booked for the weekend but the other areas weren't crowded.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “There are cabins & primitive sites with their own bath house.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can be buggy, especially near water. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground noted, “If it rains, some sites are flooded.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. One camper at Trap Pond State Park Campground suggested, “The hiking is always beautiful and easy to access.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Elk Neck State Park Campground mentioned, “Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most.”
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Some campgrounds have decent Wi-Fi. A visitor at Delaware Seashore State Park Campground said, “The amenities are good and nearby nice, but expensive restaurant within walking distance.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: If you’re sensitive to noise, consider this before booking. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground mentioned the nearby highway noise.

Camping around Clayton, Delaware, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clayton, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clayton, DE offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Clayton, DE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Clayton, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clayton, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clayton, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Clayton, DE.