Trap Pond State Park offers campers diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation within a pine forest setting 10 miles from Delmar, Delaware. The campground sits at an elevation of 50 feet above sea level in Sussex County's coastal plain region, where temperatures average 74-87°F in summer months. The park's distinctive cypress swamp creates a unique microclimate that affects camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Paddle through historic waterways: Explore the 90-acre millpond and connecting water trails at Trap Pond State Park Campground, where you can navigate among rare bald cypress trees. "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite," notes one camper who appreciates the variety of paddling routes.
Bike the forest trails: Take advantage of the free bicycle rentals at Trap Pond, where you can explore miles of wooded trails. "Good site space... Great biking (mountain and gravel). All in..would stay again," shares a visitor who enjoyed the cycling opportunities in the area.
Experience coastal wildlife viewing: At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, located about an hour from Delmar, campers can observe diverse coastal ecosystems. "The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," reports one visitor who appreciated the park's historical features alongside natural attractions.
Fish in cypress-lined waters: Anglers find productive fishing spots throughout the region's waterways. "Good fishing in the area...I always catch fish here, but not so lucky elsewhere!" reports a visitor to Pocomoke River State Park, noting the reliable fishing conditions in the cypress-lined waters.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers at Shad Landing Campground appreciate the secluded waterfront options. "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required," notes one reviewer who found the site layout convenient for setup.
Clean, updated facilities: Modern amenities receive consistent praise across area campgrounds. "Bathhouses are very clean, including the showers. When we were there, they were delivering a new bath and shower facility to one of the loops," mentions a reviewer who was impressed with the ongoing improvements at Pocomoke River State Park.
Proximity to multiple attractions: The strategic location between beaches and forests offers diverse day trip options. "This park is within an hour's drive (or less) to Ocean City, Historic Berlin, Chincoteague, Assateague, Wallops Island, and many other popular destinations," explains a visitor appreciating the central location for regional exploration.
Free amenities: Value-conscious glampers highlight the included features at many parks. "They have a great store with all your needs plus hot/cold food to order. The campground has a new golf course that is free to campers," notes a camper about Fort Whaley's unexpected amenities.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season at Pocomoke River State Park Campground fills quickly, especially for specialty accommodations. "The eastern shore gets busy quick, even on the weekdays," warns a camper who recommends booking well in advance.
Insect considerations: The humidity and water features attract bugs, particularly in warmer months. "It gets insanely humid here, and the mosquitoes, flies, and ticks take full advantage - especially if you decide to hike through the nearby State Forest," cautions a visitor who suggests bringing appropriate repellent.
Weather preparedness: Sites can flood during heavy rains in some areas. "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay," reports a camper who experienced weather impacts firsthand.
Campfire supplies: Firewood availability and quality varies by location. "Firewood was for sale at $6 bucks a bundle, fair warning - it's primarily fireproof as it didn't burn well," notes a camper who suggests bringing your own starter materials.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with children. "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)," suggests a visitor to Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, noting the thoughtful amenities for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programming specifically for children. "Has a Nature Center, very nice campground and clean bath houses. Has events for children for Easter and at the Nature Center," shares a camper who appreciated the family-focused activities.
Swimming options: Several parks feature pools or swimming areas to keep kids entertained. "The pool is a nice size and refreshing. They have done great activities for the kids to keep them busy," notes a reviewer who found the water features particularly valuable for family trips.
Multi-day planning: Reserve enough time to experience all available activities. "Been here several times. If you do go make sure you go for a week so you can try to do it all," advises a camper about Frontier Town, emphasizing the abundance of family options.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify measurements carefully when booking at Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, especially for larger units. "They have different types of sites, some gravel, some paved and some with concrete patios and nice furniture included," explains a reviewer who appreciated the site variety for different RV sizes.
Leveling challenges: Prepare leveling equipment for sites with sandy or uneven bases. "They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers," shares an RVer who encountered setup challenges.
Loop selection: Research specific loops for amenities and RV-friendly features. "30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run. No water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot," notes an experienced camper who appreciated knowing the utility specifics before arrival.
Size limitations: Larger rigs face access challenges at some parks. "RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," warns a camper who observed access difficulties for larger vehicles.
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