Camping options near Delaware City extend beyond the well-known Lums Pond State Park. The region sits at the junction of the Delaware River and Chesapeake Bay, creating diverse water-based recreation opportunities with shoreline elevations rarely exceeding 30 feet. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for many visitors.
What to do
Hiking at Fair Hill: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers extensive primitive group camping with specific usage guidelines. A camper noted, "There are two primitive youth group camping areas. There are specific rules that need to be followed and the guidelines are on the website."
Fishing options: Many campsites offer fishing access, sometimes just steps from your campsite. At Old Cedar Campground, visitors report "good fishing" with one camper mentioning that their grandchildren "caught bass" in the on-site fishing areas.
Water activities: Beyond fishing, several locations offer boating opportunities. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, campers can explore waterways near their sites. One visitor mentioned, "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups... There's a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking."
Lighthouse viewing: Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck State Park offers exceptional views. A camper advised, "Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized sites that provide adequate room. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, a visitor described the experience: "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself... the people are friendly, the little office store has everything you forgot to pack."
Natural surroundings: The region offers camping experiences with wildlife viewing opportunities. At Woodlands Camping Resort, one camper described it as "a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground."
Privacy at smaller campgrounds: Less developed sites can offer seclusion. A camper at Blackbird State Forest Campground noted: "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean."
Camp stores: Many campgrounds feature well-stocked stores for forgotten items. A Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA visitor mentioned the "little office store has everything you forgot to pack."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Old Cedar Campground, they have specific policies: "Reservation only includes 2 people - it's 8.00 per day for each additional person."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From primitive to well-maintained, bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, "The facilities are clean, and the grounds are well kept," while at Blackbird State Forest, expect "No running water- only port a potties."
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds have reduced amenities during shoulder seasons. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, a camper noted: "I arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool," indicating seasonal closures of certain facilities.
Cell service considerations: Connection can be spotty at some locations. At Elk Neck State Park, a regular visitor appreciates: "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Several campgrounds offer family-focused amenities. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA offers "activities like mini golf, pedal carts, jump pillow and a pool."
Consider swimming options: Pools provide controlled swimming environments when natural water isn't suitable. At Old Cedar Campground, families appreciate that "the pool was clean - they had a few items that they could borrow - fishing was great - playground was adequate."
Scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programming for children. One visitor at Old Cedar Campground noted: "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for kids... EVERYONE was extremely friendly."
Playground access: For younger children, playground equipment provides essential recreation. At Four Seasons Family Campground, visitors appreciate the "very nice playground" among other amenities like the "beautiful pool" and "arcade."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on rig requirements and hookup needs. At Lums Pond State Park, "Sites are full hook up with about 5 tent sites. All are pretty much level. Close to shopping if needed."
Water hookup challenges: At some campgrounds, water connections may require extra equipment. At Old Cedar Campground, "The water hookups are shared every other site. I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses."
Backing difficulties: Site approaches can be challenging for larger rigs. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, one RVer warned: "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
Site surface considerations: Different campgrounds offer various site surfaces. Elk Neck provides "level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available."
