Best Campgrounds near Ellendale, DE
State parks and forests surrounding Ellendale, Delaware feature diverse camping environments within a relatively compact area. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground in Lewes offers tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options with beach access and maritime forest settings. Just 15 miles west of Ellendale, Killens Pond State Park provides year-round camping with electric and water hookups in a more wooded environment. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, located about 25 miles southeast along the coast, features oceanfront camping with full hookups. Trap Pond State Park, known for its cypress swamps and water recreation, offers a more secluded camping experience with tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and yurts.
Reservations for Delaware state parks should be made well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods. As one camper noted, "The sites go fast and I felt lucky to get the site I ended up with." Most campgrounds in the region have paved roads and level sites, though sandy soil is common, especially at coastal locations. Delaware's coastal campgrounds like Delaware Seashore typically have limited shade and can be windy, while inland options like Trap Pond offer more tree cover. Bathhouses and facilities are generally well-maintained across the region, with most campgrounds providing electric hookups, water, and dump stations. Cell service is reliable throughout the area.
Beach access represents a major draw for campers visiting the Ellendale region. At Delaware Seashore State Park, "beach access is so easy, my 80-year-old grandmother who came camping with us made it over with no problem." Cape Henlopen State Park is particularly noted for its extensive bike trail network, with one visitor highlighting that "biking is hugely popular and they have bike rentals at the nature center if you forgot yours." Fishing opportunities abound, with both freshwater options at Killens Pond and saltwater fishing at coastal parks. The proximity to towns like Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Bethany Beach provides convenient access to restaurants, shopping, and additional attractions, making the area suitable for both dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a mix of camping and amenities.
