Campsites near New Castle, Delaware spread across three states, creating a diverse range of environments within easy driving distance. The region sits where the Coastal Plain meets the Piedmont, with elevations ranging from near sea level to about 400 feet in northern areas. Sandy soil conditions are common at many campgrounds, which drain quickly after rainfall but can create dusty conditions during dry periods.
What to do
Hiking through history: At French Creek State Park Campground, campers access numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes one visitor.
Water activities: Elk Neck State Park Campground offers multiple water-based recreation options. A camper reports, "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. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it."
Frisbee golf: French Creek State Park features a wooded course that adds natural obstacles to the game. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" explains a frequent visitor who enjoys the additional challenge.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing at Lums Pond State Park Campground, located just 7 miles south of New Castle. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," notes a winter visitor.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at Lums Pond receive frequent praise. One camper observed, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease." This attention to cleanliness extends to other facilities throughout the park.
Easy access from highways: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides convenient access for travelers passing through the region. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," explains a visitor who used it as a base for city exploration.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially at Lums Pond State Park. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a regular visitor. Many campers report difficulty securing summer weekend reservations without booking months in advance.
Site leveling challenges: At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, some sites require careful setup. "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," warns one RVer.
Seasonal amenities: While most state parks maintain year-round camping access, many facilities operate seasonally. A visitor to French Creek State Park noted, "We were there in October, so the pool was closed, but it looked nice." Water activities and concessions typically run Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer provides extensive child-focused amenities. A visitor explains, "The water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area. Has a full grill inside with a large 'convenience store' with everything you could need for your trip including your go-to items that you might of forgot at home."
Nature programs: Many state parks offer ranger-led educational activities for children. At French Creek State Park, "They hold a Sunday morning 'Church at the Park,' which we were planning to go to, but then it rained, and we didn't know there was a rain location (the park office), so we ended up missing that," shares a family who enjoyed the various programming options.
Weather preparation: Families should prepare for variable conditions. A camper at Lums Pond noted, "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet." Winter camping requires additional planning but offers a different experience with fewer crowds and easier reservations.
Tips from RVers
Water hookup challenges: At Old Cedar Campground, shared utilities can create issues. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," advises an RVer who stayed at this campsite near New Castle, Delaware.
Pull-through availability: Lums Pond offers both back-in and pull-through options. "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites. Very level and spaced apart from neighbors if you pick the right spots," notes a camper, highlighting the importance of site selection when making reservations.
Approach angles: Philadelphia-West Chester KOA has challenging site access for larger rigs. "I think this would've otherwise been a 5-star review. Don't stay in this site in a big motorhome. The trailers/5th wheels seem better because they 'bend' at the hitch," warns a motorhome owner, suggesting that site selection should account for your specific RV type and length.
