RV camping near Clayton, Delaware offers visitors a mix of waterfront sites and wooded locations across the region's state parks and private campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the area sit below 100 feet elevation with relatively flat terrain making setup easier for large rigs. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with high humidity from June through August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with less crowding.
What to Do
Fishing access: Lums Pond State Park Campground features a large pond with fishing opportunities. "We took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore," notes one visitor who enjoyed the well-marked trails despite not catching fish.
Water recreation: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides direct water access for various activities. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," mentions a reviewer who appreciated the proximity to water.
Biking trails: Several parks offer dedicated cycling paths with varying difficulty levels. "Perfect place to hike, bike and picnic!!" reports a Lums Pond visitor who enjoyed the multi-use trails that circle the park's pond, including an 8-mile multi-purpose trail system.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers generous camping areas with concrete pads. "Sites are huge and level. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern," reports a February visitor who found the park quiet with only about 25% occupancy.
Waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate direct water access at several parks. "You can fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the waterfront sites at Bar Harbor, noting it's "close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any."
Swimming options: Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort provides multiple water recreation spots. "Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may," mentions one camper who visited twice and appreciated the water amenities despite noting some maintenance issues during their second visit.
What You Should Know
Seasonal operations: Most private campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well," shares a November visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, which unlike many nearby private parks remains open year-round with waterfront sites.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness vary widely between parks. "Bathhouse was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," reports a Lums Pond camper, contrasting with experiences at other parks.
Reservation challenges: Popular parks fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns an experienced Lums Pond visitor who camps there twice yearly when they can secure a spot, highlighting the park's popularity.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better facilities for children than others. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," mentions a Lums Pond visitor whose daughter "fought us about leaving the playground."
Entertainment options: Mays Landing Resort offers activities for different age groups. "The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt. The miniature golf course could have been maintained better, but it was so inexpensive I couldn't consider it an issue," notes a first-time camper with children.
Budget planning: Costs vary significantly between parks. "It was a little extravagant for what we were looking for with our trip," explains a tent camper at Seashore Campsites who paid $65 per night, noting "everything cost extra. It was a quarter run shower."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some parks. "Sites are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," reports a visitor to Mays Landing Resort who appreciated the staff's help despite the challenging site conditions.
Access challenges: Several parks have navigation difficulties. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, so big rigs take care/caution," warns a reviewer who notes the tight entrance and exit can be challenging for larger vehicles.
Hookup positioning: Check utility locations before setup. "The sites offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," cautions a Lums Pond visitor, highlighting the importance of checking utility placement before committing to a specific orientation.
