Best Tent Camping near Dagsboro, DE

Tent campsites near Dagsboro, Delaware include several primitive options in surrounding state forests and natural areas. Redden State Forest Campground offers seven reservable tent sites in a secluded pine forest setting, while several backcountry tent sites are available at Assateague Island National Seashore, including Pine Tree, Tingles Island, Green Run, Pope Bay, and State Line, approximately 30-40 minutes from Dagsboro.

The tent sites at Redden State Forest feature basic amenities including fire pits, grills, and picnic tables with firewood available via an honor system payment box. No potable water or electric hookups are provided, making this a true primitive camping experience. Campsites are situated on either packed gravel pads (sites 8-18) or dirt/grass surfaces (sites 1-7), with the latter better suited for tent stake placement. A single portable toilet serves as the only sanitation facility. According to one visitor, "The campsites are small and close together, but the campground is beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful."

Tent camping areas within reasonable driving distance maintain varying reservation requirements. Redden State Forest now requires advance reservations through bookyoursite.com with a maximum stay of three consecutive nights, while Assateague Island's backcountry sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis through the ranger station. Sites are typically shaded and level enough for tents, though some highway and train noise may be audible at Redden. A review mentioned, "Where this little area shines is in its proximity to Lewes and Cape Henlopen" with beaches about 30-40 minutes away. Most tent sites in the region do not permit vehicles larger than 25 feet, and campers should be prepared for carry-in/carry-out policies requiring them to pack out all trash and leave no trace of their stay.

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Best Tent Sites Near Dagsboro, Delaware (9)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dagsboro, DE

1 Photos of 9 Dagsboro Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Dagsboro, DE

802 Reviews of 9 Dagsboro Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 14, 2022

    Assateague State Park Campground

    Fantastic for autumn tent camping at J Loop

    BOTTOM LINE: Assateague State Park was a fantastic family tent camping experience. 

    BACKGROUND: We camped with our then-3 year old for two nights in early-October 2022 and stayed on the J Loop (walk-in tent camping only). The temp was low-40s to mid-60s, clear skies, slight continuous breeze. 

    • Key equipment: Nemo Wagontop 6-person tent, Exped MegaMat (double), ThermaRest single sleeping mat, Eureka! Ignite+ camp stove

    DETAILS: Sorry for the random order of things, but here it goes...

    Assateague State Park is very well-run and in great shape. Rangers are very friendly, though we interacted with a few rangers/staff who couldn't answer certain questions (but they did try to help or found someone who knew). There are also camp hosts--long-term visitors with additional responsibilities for managing camping areas--who were helpful, knowledgeable, and nice. 

    The facilities are really great. Particularly the bathhouses, which were immaculate for park bathrooms/showers. Expect potable water, private shower stalls with warm water, and very clean bathrooms.

    Loops A-H were too cramped for our liking.  Spaces are very close together, and it appears >75% of visitors are RV/camp trailers, so tent campers were stuck in between towering, loud vehicles. I Loop was still mostly vehicle campers, but there was a bit more space. I'd consider staying there if J Loop wasn't available.

    J Loop (where we stayed) is a no-vehicle, no-generator area. It's technically a "walk-in" site, but the parking lot is about 200 feet from the loop entrance (it took about 2 mins to walk from our truck to the tent). We were able to quickly and easily carry all our gear from car to site, and still manage a toddler running around. J Loop sites are spaced-out far enough that you cannot hear each other--even during the quiet morning period or in the evening as the late-nighters stay up by their fires--but you have the comfort of knowing you're not totally alone and isolated. From J Loop sites, the walk to the beach is about 3-4 mins down a pedestrian (and horse) only sand trail. In October, the beach was effectively empty. We highly recommend J Loop for tent campers.

    Tent pads are soft beach sand. Bring tent stakes made for sand! Regular piton stakes will not hold your tent in even the slightest wind. We used some plastic screw-in stakes from Amazon and they worked beautifully. Recommend 10" stakes, but you could get by with 7.5".

    Sites include picnic tables (very sturdy and in very good shape), with a built-in food locker underneath the table. Lockers are not raccoon or bear proof -- just horse proof. Being so close to the beach, there's a steady light breeze all the time; and sometimes it a mild wind with slightly stronger gusts. Nothing worrisome--sand and dust were not flying in the air or anything--but for camp stove bring your wind shield, and for tents be sure to use sand stakes.

    Sites also include fire rings with adjustable grills. Fire wood is sold at the ranger station, $5 per bundle. It's mostly yellow pine, which burns pretty quickly, so you'll probably go through 1-2 bundles per night, depending on your usage. After hours, firewood payments are on the honor system (cash box), or you can pay by card during business hours. Firewood sold out on our last night, so I recommend stocking up for a couple days worth of wood at a time. Sites do not have much in the way of natural shade, so if it's going to be sunny and/or if you are particularly sensitive to sunlight/burns, then consider bringing your own canopy, sun shade, or umbrella.

    Weather-wise, in early October, the temperature was perfect for camping: warm enough during the day to be comfortable in pants or shorts and a long sleeve shirt, but not sweat; but cool enough to keep away all the bugs, and enjoy the warmth of a camp fire in the evening. We were able to enjoy daytime temps on the beach, and we could splash in the surf a little, but the water was way too cold to go swimming. For sleeping, this time of year I recommend a regular 3-season sleeping bag, but bring an extra warming layer if you sleep cold. (Of note, during warmer months the mosquitoes and flies can be overwhelming and oppressive. We were lucky to mitigate this by choosing a cooler time to camp.)

    The Nature Center was closed while we were there, but it looked interesting -- a small building on stilts. It wouldn't be enough to fill a day, but maybe an hour or so (pending any programming the rangers might have). There was also a decent little playground, if you have kids -- but who needs a pg when you've got nature and a beach!?

    From the state park, it's a short 7-10 min drive out, around, and south to the National Seashore (operated by the National Park Service). Assateague National Seashore has some nice, but short hiking trails/boardwalks, a couple historic sites, and more beach to explore. Being an entirely separate park, you will have to pay to access the Natl Seashore. To access the Chincoteague side of the national seashore, you'll have to drive the 1.5 hours back over the bridge, south to Chincoteague, and re-enter from the south entrance. You cannot get to Chincoteague (Virginia) from Assateague (Maryland).

    The ranger station itself is pretty basic. They do sell ice and firewood, but not food/water/provisions, and the selection of knick-knacks was pretty scant. 

    In the future, we'll probably bring our bikes so we can quickly move between the state park and national seashore (it's probably quicker and simpler than driving), and we'll definitely bring our own canopy/sun shade.

  • BA K.
    Apr. 3, 2023

    Redden State Forest Campground

    Beautiful, secluded, not free, nothing larger than 25 ft allowed

    This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed. I stayed in March, paid $28 per night. Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed. There is firewood, but it is not free. You pay for it on the “honors system”. Bring cash. There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a “leave no trace, carry in/carry out” facility. The campsites are well maintained, clean and for the most part, it’s quiet, some highway noise and noise from other campers, but still very nice. There is a ranger on duty who stopped by to say hello, a quick visit. Drive to your site, no check in. Redden State Forest is very beautiful and although you’re in the woods, still very close to shopping and gas stations in Georgetown. Beaches are about 30-40 minutes away, leave early to avoid traffic. Verizon 2-3 bars, consistently.

  • M J.
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Amazing location

    First time camping in a long time. Oceanside walk in requires a good amount of work. You’re carrying your gear in to your site, setting up in howling wind (potentially), no water at site. Cold showers. Pit toilets. But man oh man. The rewards are high. Wild horses every day. Beach was right over the dune. Campsite is set behind one dune so there’s a little wind protection. We had one wild thunderstorm night. Survived with our good tent and screen house (do not come without some kind of screen house). But the next morning the mosquitoes were wild. Everyone had bites from our morning packing up. It was hot (camped at end of July/beginning of August), but water was a good escape. We escaped into the town of Berlin on some of the hotter hours of the day for ice cream to beat the heat (and charge our electronics in the car). Great spot. I’d come back, but maybe later in the year when it’s not so hot!

  • Jennifer O.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Pocomoke River State Park Campground

    Shads Landing Camping

    I definitely had the best site on the block! Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel, clothes, etc. Well kept site with built up flat tent pad, (down side is limit 2 tents & must be on pad when there was plenty of room for several tents without an RV. ). Nice long picnic table with benches, fire ring is a safe distance from tent pad. There is a fish cleaning station w/ hook & all, for any who want to fish in the park lake. Can rent canoes/kayaks & there is a pool that I think has a lifeguard. Friends had a much smaller site next to mine & on the other side of them were our friends with a huge RV w/ pull outs, where we had plenty of room for twenty to cook breakfast & dinner, gather round the fire for s'mores & lounge in camp chairs & still had room for most of the tour bikes in "the driveway". Other friends had sites peppered around the loop and all said they were comfortable. A little spooky Thurs. night for this woman to camp alone before more campers arrived Fri, but all-in-all a nice place to camp in a forest with a lake that is far enough away , but not too far, from Berlin, Assateague Island, & Ocean City, MD. Best to have what you need before you get there because the camp store was closed & stores are not close enough to run out for toothpaste.

  • Diane T.
    Jul. 13, 2020

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Plan early, one of the best places to camp near the beach!

    Cape Henlopen camp sites fill up so quickly, and for good reason! After missing out on reservations year after year, this year, we booked a weekend tent site for July back in January and immediately realized the spark of this place. The campground is large with various loops full of RV, popup, and tent sites. There is also a section of walk-in tent sites, each with 1 parking spot semi close by. (Bring a wagon if you stay at one of these). We stayed in site T021 (walk-in site) and had plenty of privacy and space to set up our screen room, tent, and firepit. All camp sites come with the standard picnic table, as well as fire pit and grill grate. There is a camp store in the center of the campground where you can purchase firewood, coffee, batteries, ice or other camping needs.  There are several bath houses strategically placed throughout the campground so that you can easily find one a few minute walk away no matter where you stay. Bath houses were clean, updated, well maintained and air conditioned. There are both public showers that are stall-like within some of the bath houses, as well as large private shower + bathroom stalls (perfect if you have young kids). I didn't find the bugs to be any worse than typical summer camping spots (I heard they maybe spray for bugs on the sites?) but definitely bring your spray and citronella candles. It also POURED from a small tropical storm the morning we arrived yet our site and the full campground was well and dry by the time we set up in the afternoon  - looked like most of the sites were set up on hills, which is great to avoid pooling in inclement weather.  Pets are allowed and there are water spigots near every site. Although our site (T021) was spacious and private, my brother's family was staying on T011 and there were about 4-5 sites all in an open space back to back with one another near his. The neighbors were friendly so no complaints but the lack of privacy there is worth nothing in case you wanted to feel more 'remote'. The sites are mostly tree lined and semi shaded by pines. The campground gets extremely dark at night and the stars are so beautiful from the lack of light pollution! The campground is in a large state park, full of many bike trails, hiking spots, historical WWII sites, fishing pier, and of course the beach. There is a separate entrance for campers so make sure to follow that when you drive in. The beach *is* walkable (maybe a mile away) but much easier /quicker to drive, and there is plenty of parking by the beach. The beach can get crowded but is clean and has lifeguards.  The best part is on a quiet night, if you listen really closely, you can hear the waves crashing in the distance. Due to the nature vibe, proximity to beach, and modern  bathhouses, I think this campground has become our new favorite one!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2017

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    Nice Newly Renovated Sites

    We came back for another visit this September and the campground has undergone lots of renovations since I was here last so I wanted to provide an updated review.

    As always, the biking and walking trails in the park are top notch! The Gordon's Pond trail offers beautiful salt march views with lots of birds especially first thing in the morning. Beach access is quick and easy from the campground, too!

    We stayed in tent site 114 which was among a cluster of tent sites. Here you have to park in a parking lot and cart your stuff into your actual site. It's not a long haul but could be a pain in the neck if you tend to bring a lot of stuff with you when you camp. From our site there was a small path through the back of the site that provides quick and immediate access to the bike trails in the area.

    The sites have newly built picnic tables (very heavy and sturdy) as well as new concrete pad fire rings with grates. They sit a little high off the ground than a traditional fire pit but are nice and well maintained thus far. As I mentioned, the tent site we were in was among a cluster of sites spaced out relatively evenly. However, if all of the sites had been full it would have been a bit close together for my liking. One thing that is nice about these sites is the amount of shade, super helpful in the late summer heat.

    The bathroom facilities are also nice and well maintained. Be advised that many Delaware state parks require that you pack out all of your trash at most of their day use areas, the campground however DOES have a dumpster available for trash.

    If you can get a reservation here it's totally worth the stay!

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Trap Pond State Park Campground

    Quiet, natural simplicity

    We had a great experience at Trap Pond. Price was reasonable. D Loop sites were a good size. Comes with a fire ring and picnic table. Site wasn't super level, so just bring enough leveling blocks if you're in a camper. D14 specifically is the last site on the row with an unobstructed view of the pond- we loved it. All sites in D loop had great tree coverage. It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend. There was a dock within walking distance of our site. Canoes were available for rent & I highly recommend canoeing water trails through the beautiful Cypress trees. No sewer connects, but there are 2 dump stations and we didn't wait long at the dump station heading out on a Sunday in July. Camp store has all the necessities, yet still simple. Free concerts at the nature center every Saturday in the summer. Nice walking/hiking trails around the grounds also. Dog friendly was a plus!! Lots of dogs were on leads at campsites including ours.

  • Tiffany K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2018

    Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    Great coastal camping experience

    Visited in late October on a last minute weekend trip. Had no issues finding a campsite upon arrival, luckily. The staff was super friendly and helpful in picking a site for us. We decided to stay ocean side and was just over the summer dune from the water. Lot had fire ring and table. Set up our tent in the flattest spot we could find. Neighbors next to us had five tents and seven people. There also were quite a few RVs that ran their generators long into the evening. We brought our dogs, and rangers said they were allowed at any campsites but told us where they were restricted. It was really awesome to be able to camp that close to the ocean. The quiet hours were pretty well followed, which allowed us to hear the Sika dear bugle late in the night. The showers and bathroom had much to be desired, but for being on the coast it was nice to have them. No sink near them but there was two faucets (one was locked off, not sure if the other). It got super windy over night, which caused issues to some of the campers at other sites. The check out time was pretty strictly checked up on. Overall we would love to go back and take our bikes to ride the trail. Neat experience and would completely recommend to others.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2023

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    Wild Horses by the Seashore

    Assateague National Seashore on the Maryland side offers an incredible experience. 

    Along with soft sand, balmy breezes and coastal views, wild horses wander the park at will.

    We chose a campsite that did not require hiking onto the sand to reach. This made setting up camp much easier as no carrying was involved. We were early enough in the seasons that the mosquitoes hadn't kicked in yet, so it was an enjoyable stay. 

    The restroom facilities are primitive. with a dump toilet, and exterior showers with warmish water. To turn on the shower water, one has to hold down a line to get it to run.

    There was a good mix of tents and a variation of camper trailers on both the oceanside and bayside camp areas. The camper trailers are boondocking as no hookups are offered at this campground.

    I find the restrooms on the bayside to be better, but in the warmer months, be prepared for lots of mosquitoes in that area.

    The horses do their rounds in the morning for breakfast and in the evenings for dinner. DO NOT FEED THE HORSES  ! They are rather aggressive and persistent. KEEP ALL FOOD LOCKED UP IN YOUR CAR! They are Houdini's and have no trouble opening up any types of coolers with either their mouths or their hooves. There is a storage cubby below the picnic table - use it. 

    The best way to shoo them away from your campsite is to bring a metal water bottle with small rocks in it. Shake it at them and they know to move along. It's what the rangers use to get them to move.

    To reserve use recreation.gov


Guide to Dagsboro

Dagsboro, Delaware sits at an elevation of 23 feet in Sussex County, approximately 8 miles inland from the Atlantic coast. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows around 30°F. Camping options near Dagsboro range from primitive forest sites to developed campgrounds with amenities, all within a 30-minute drive radius.

What to do

Hike forest trails: Redden State Forest Campground offers secluded trails through pine forest. "The campground is beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful. I think it's a best kept secret," notes Tiffany M. However, she cautions that "the trails to hike weren't marked well enough for this first timer so I didn't explore much."

Beach excursions: For the best tent camping near Dagsboro, Delaware, consider proximity to coastal attractions. Pine Tree Backcountry Site at Assateague Island National Seashore provides a unique experience. Jacob shares, "This is a ~6 mile hike-in campsite that is first-come first served by showing up at the ranger station when it opens day of. This was an excellent campsite at the perfect time of year."

Family recreation: When looking for established tent camping sites near Dagsboro, Shellbay Campgrounds offers recreational options. Alyssa D. remembers, "I remember my excitement to go camping, meet other kids at the campground, and have plenty of things to do close by (beach, shopping, swimming pool)."

What campers like

Secluded forest camping: Many campers seeking tent sites near Dagsboro appreciate the privacy at Redden State Forest Campground. Fern B. highlights the "Secluded. Spacious sites. Firewood available. No facilities. Quiet" nature of this location.

Beach proximity: Campsites within driving distance of coastal areas rate highly. Christopher E. notes about Shellbay Campgrounds, "We stayed here because it was within biking distance of the beaches at Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May."

Seasonal timing: Fall and spring camping near Dagsboro offers fewer insects and moderate temperatures. At Pine Tree Backcountry Site, one camper experienced "No insects, great weather. 5 sites each with a picnic table and fire pit."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds near Dagsboro now require advance booking. BA K. explains about Redden State Forest: "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed."

Vehicle restrictions: Size limitations apply at some sites. "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed," notes BA K. about Redden State Forest.

Primitive facilities: Many forest campgrounds lack amenities. Madison S. observed at Redden State Forest, "Clean, feels safe, good open space, nice seating, pretty level, and wood on site. Only complaint is the train that's right next door and you can here the traffic on the busy road not too far away."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dagsboro, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dagsboro, DE is Redden State Forest Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dagsboro, DE?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Dagsboro, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.