Best Glamping near Ellendale, DE

Fun for the whole family. Lots to do and the beautiful beaches of Cape May, New Jersey are a short 10 minute drive. The different types of camping/glamping experiences exceeded my expectations. We enjoyed the Deer Crossing Teepee which had far more luxuries than any other glamping I have done. Highly recommend this campground resort.

Very clean camp with all the amenities! Friendly and knowledgeable staff and plenty to do in the area!

This camp offers sites for everyone! There is Cabins, Spots for Tents, xxl RV’s, and more. Close to Ocean City, Assateague and the coolest little town Berlin!

There is a big pond to fish there with bass and bluegill lurking inside and a little camp store for all your basic needs!

Not a bad place for a family getaway or a stop along the way! Prices have gone up but that’s expected with glamping spots.

We started camping for the first time in 2020 and were extremely new.  We jumped right into the Class A and went to Castaways for the first trip.  While there we had many problems with the Class A.  Not mechanical problems but "never having camped" problems.  The staff at Castaways bent over backwards to help us out the entire weekend.  Never did I see a frown or " here they go again" face but always asking if there is anything else they could do for us.  Because of them we have fallen in love with camping or glamping as we know it.  We made several trips to Castaways last year and in 2021 our first inaugural trip was there again. We had no problems this year but it is very reassuring to know that if we need help we can ask.  The staff remembered us from last year (hopefully that is a good thing) and we will definitely go back.  Thank you Castaways for giving us the "Love of Camping" .

Just wow. We made an impromptu visit and camping trip. The walk-in tent sites are BEAUTIFUL!! It’s really great to be able to set up camp and be in nature without the sound of someone charging their phone or blowing up their mattress in the site next to you. All the wall in tent sites on loop E are HUGE!! You can easily fit two tents plus all the glamping extras! The bathrooms are short walk away and are lovely. Clean and big with free showers. The wheelbarrows provided are great for the drop off of equipment. The first night it rained (literal buckets). The site was under 3 inches of water within a half hour!! Once the rain stopped though the puddles were gone just as fast! The hiking is always beautiful and easy to access. The flat trails are wide and loop across to the national park side. The camp store is also a huge plus! They have everything you need for emergency’s and then some! The bikes, ice, and firewood are easy to access. The only complaint is that although there is boating a place to cool off was missed greatly. A pool or splash pad would make a great addition to an almost perfect campground! An added note, during the storm a branch from a tree became loose and we went to the check in to let them know. They gave us expedited care. The checked out the tree and decided for our safety we needed to change sites. They were able to give us a new site right away and even offered to help move us!! Customer camper care is definitely number 1!

For this visit, I stayed in one of their two yurts. The views were just gorgeous.

The yurts have a bunk bed with a queen mattress on the bottom and a twin on top, as well as a futon that folds out into a queen. The bunks were very comfortable, but the futon was so hard we didn't even use it to sit on. The yurts also have electricity, heat and air, and are well equipped with other items such as: a trash can, broom and dustpan, standing lamp, two chairs, two small tables, a fire extinguisher, and two fly swatters.

The views should be the huge selling point of this campground. When you walk out of the yurt, you walk onto your own raised wooden deck to beautiful views of Trap Pond. There are plenty of trees around for shade, but not so many that you can't enjoy the view. The trees also seclude you somewhat from your neighbors in the cabins, but you could interact if you wish.

The closest restrooms to the cabin and yurt area are port-a-potties but they are currently prepping to build a bath house in this area.

The cabins and yurts are walk up and wheelbarrows are provided. The walk is also pretty close. There is no running water, but there is a centrally located water pump.

The campground offers a lot to do and quite a bit of it is free: free bike rentals, free horseshoes and ladder ball, two huge playground area and a nature center. They also have boat rentals and a boat tour available.

We will definitely be visiting again!

We were able to get a yurt as a walk up after the office closed thanks to the help of a kind staff member. The yurt was cozy and had a waterfront view of the pond. They fit up to 5 people and are air conditioned, but you’ll need your own sheets, pillow, & blankets! The campground was well kept with some trails, views of the pond all around, a small play ground, several bath houses, and an activity spot with cornhole and ladder ball set up. Pets are allowed except in the cabins and yurts.

If you like privacy the cabins and yurts provide plenty of it, and they do offer secluded island tent spots as well. The Reginald spots were a bit open and close to gether but they had electric and non electric available. There were canoe and kayak rentals for $10 an hour. Overall a fun place for the family. The only reason I gave it a 4 outta 5 is the fact that the bathrooms and showers were a bit dirty but other than that it was a great stay!!!

Stayed in Yurt 1 waterfront. It may be the most beautiful campsite I’ve had the pleasure of staying at. Stayed in early June. There was plenty of tree cover, and the breeze coming off the pond was wonderful. It was such a lovely surprise. The Yurt had electric and AC! Big cozy inside with a small table and two beds. There is water Spickets close by and the bathrooms are close as well. It’s nice that the cabin area is walk-in only so no worries about loud trucks all times of day. The bathrooms are shared individual and free clean showers!! There is a park and boat launches everywhere. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE HIKING! Such beautiful trails all over. Could spend a whole weekend doing a separate trail each day. Long and short ones.

I’ve only ever camped here in the spring. Summertime will be extra buggy so bring spray. If you own a kayak  or a canoe you have to bring it. Getting out on the pond and being one with the  bald cypress is amazing! You can roll in with your RV, tent camp, or rent  a cabin or a yurt. Our last visit here we stayed in a cabin and it was so much fun. It’s a little on the small side and the mattress was less than stellar, but we didn’t mind at all. It’s a perfect little shelter for when you’re not outside enjoying all the beautiful nature. I highly recommend checking it out.

One of our go-to camping sites near Laurel, DE. Situated on Trap Pond and an old cypress swamp. Multiple sites a short distance to the pond and most have at least a view of the water. Sites are water and electric. Some loops have 50 amp service, so check the reservation system for your specific needs. Some pull through sites, tent hike-in area and yurts available. Small camp store at the check-in cabin. Small boat launch area also for canoeing and kayaks. Believe there is a group camping area as well and a group picnic pavilion.

Have been there for several July 4th's and they had an Elvis impersonator in concert across the pond at the swimming/picnic area!

Trap Pond is wonderful, we camp there a lot. It's great for kayaking and canoeing, freshwater fishing, birding, biking and hiking. There are miles of well maintained trails for bicycles, and free bike rentals from the campground bike shed. There are also loads of well marked water trails, one of which leads to a really nice cypress swamp with active beaver dam. Pontoon boat tours and kayak and canoe rentals are available for a reasonable fee. There is a nice play area for children in the campground that's just been upgraded, and a larger one across the pond in the public area. A lovely nature center is available for visiting during the day at no charge. It's fairly quiet and great for families and children.

Campsites are wooded and well kept, with fire rings and picnic tables at each, and there are a range of scheduled activities for all ages from free to a small fee. Staff and volunteer hosts are friendly and courteous, and there is a camp store and laundry facilities. Bath houses, while a bit dated, are kept clean and neat. Pets are welcome. Cabins and Yurts are available, (And adorable).

Last family trip of the year and it didn’t disappoint. We stayed in site D25 again just as we did 2 yrs ago. It’s a pull through site as are all sites in loop D. This is pet friendly and has electric and water. Dump station is across from loop D. There are 5 loops with Loop E being tent and cabins/hurts only. That Loop also has island tent sites. We couldn’t walk into that area. Each loop or area has its own bathhouse which appear to all be individual family style bathrooms.

The layout of the sites in loop D is not typical. All sites in this loop are pull through and parallel to the road, so the left drivers side of your camper faces the road and the right side faces your camp area. If you stay in an inside loop site you will be facing the camper on the other side of the loop. For instance D11 and D14 face each other. The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24. If you stay on the outside of the loop you will either face the woods (higher numbered sites) or loop C through the trees ( lower numbered sites). Our site is pretty level as are most sites. This is Delaware which is flat land.

The one issue with most every site are the trees. Most every site has a tree to watch out for. Other loops are all back in sites and many of those have trees to keep an eye on as well. This is a shaded campground. At the end of each loop is a pier on the pond which is large and beautiful. There are playgrounds in each loop and bike rentals at the camp store.

The tent area is walk in but they provide wheelbarrows or carts to haul your stuff. These sites are very private and well spaced off the walk-in path and from each other. The cabins and yurts are also walk-in but again you have the use of carts. Some of the cabins are facing the pond and offer gorgeous views.

There is a primitive group camp area complete with bathhouse, screened in pavilion, open air pavilion, numerous picnic tables, horseshoe and volleyball courts and sits at the point so the views of the pond are plentiful.

There is a disc golf course within walking distance and the weekend we were there a competition was happening. There is a day use area with boat rentals and lots of trails for hikers or horses to use.

The town of Laurel nearby has a few stores. I found This and That Country Store which was so cute. The owner was super nice. The beach areas of Delaware are not too far away if you want a beach day.

This has become one of our favorite campgrounds in DE.

General: 129 sites with water and electricity, eight tent sites, one island site, two yurts, and eight cabins. 

Site Quality: All are level and sand/grass. There are many trees and reasonable separation between sites (although you can easily see your neighbors). A large picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Our site had a water view and was peaceful. 

Bath/Shower house: Bathhouses are located in the A and C loops plus additional ones by the tent camping area. All seemed to be reasonably clean and were cleaned on a rolling basis, starting at 10 am for the A loop. The shower had immediate hot water, but you only get about 30 seconds of water before you have to push the button again. A little clunky but a good way to save water. 

Activities/Amenities: So much to do! Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season). 45-minute Pontoon boat tours are available on weekends Memorial Day– Labor Day. There are several boat docks if you bring your own boat. There is a small camper store/office that closed shortly after our arrival. There is a single washer/dryer in Loop C. I was mystified that you could only use liquid detergent (I use laundry sheets). Because there is only one for the entire campground, I wouldn’t count on doing laundry. 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). There is an additional playground in the day-use area, plus a volleyball net. There is also a nature center. Recycling and dumpsters between Loops A and B and another between Loops C and D. 

We camped here several years ago but in the off-season, and wanted to kayak among the bald cypress trees (I highly recommend this). Glad we came back!

We spent the last three nights camping and hiking at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes Delaware. They have a very nice campground with clean bath houses and a nice camp store. There are excellent bike trails and great places to hike and enjoy the area

Facilities (camp store, restrooms, showers etc.) were clean and well-maintained. Great bike paths all over the state park to explore the army bunkers, Ft. Miles, and the beach. We rented stand-up paddleboards and explored the calmer waters in Delaware Bay (pro-tip, don't wear your wedding ring out there, or it may end up at the bottom of Delaware Bay...oops). We were out there in the afternoon, but the guy at Quest kayak rentals (right in the state park, at the fishing pier) if you go out in the morning, you can sometimes see dolphins!

This campground was pretty busy. You need reservations well in advance if you want to have a choice of sites in the summer. We got a site at the last minute, just for one night. It wasn't the best site and a little expensive for us (we tent camp and were in an RV site), but there was shade, free showers, and lots to see and do. We had a great time here!

I am a Delawarean at heart, and number one on my list of favorite Delaware parks is Trap Pond. The tent and RV sites are clean, but not so much that it feels unnatural. The cypress trees are truly a sight to behold, and the pond itself is breathtaking to paddle through. The staff are incredibly kind, lighthearted, and cheery. Make no mistake—you absolutely should come visit this amazing state park!

Treasure Beach is one of our favorite campgrounds in Delaware. Beautiful sites on the water and a lot of activities for the kids. They have a small beach where they have bands playing on the weekends. Two nice pools, one for adults. Jumping pillow, water balloons and a nice playground for kids. They have a four person site with a fireplace in the middle to share that is new. They are making a lot of new sites for 2019. Also a great place to crab right from your campsite or the beach.

Cape henlopen is one of five or six Delaware state parks that offer RV camping. Sites vary in size so make sure you check the details before you book. Using their online campground map along with google earth will give you a pretty good idea. Water and electric hookups only. There are 3 dump stations as you exit the park which is really nice. I have never had to wait. Most sites offer good shade by the local pine trees. Nice bike trails and hiking through the dunes. They even offer free bike rentals. Clean bath houses as well. If they had Full hookups I would give 5 stars (I am spoiled I know).

Ranger Review: HeadSpin Convertible Light System at Trap Pond State Park

Campground Review: 

We enjoy camping in the off or shoulder season more than peak because the campgrounds are quieter, however, sometimes this means we cannot enjoy the full amenities a place has to offer. At Trap Pond, we missed being able to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat by a week. Free bike rentals were still available (donations accepted) so we were able to take a ride around the pond (about 4.5 miles). There are four loops plus cabins and yurts. All sites appeared level and some have a view of the pond. Bathhouses were very clean, including the showers. When we were there, they were delivering a new bath and shower facility to one of the loops. Although I did not check it out, there is also a laundry facility. The camp staff was extremely friendly and helpful and there is also a small store for t-shirts and essentials. We only stayed for one night but would definitely consider returning at a time when we could rent a boat to be able to see the Cypress trees up close.

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**Product Review: **

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the awesome opportunity to occasionally test products. At this campground, we tested the HeadSpin Convertible Light System by Headspin Outdoors. The first thing I noticed when I unboxed my HeadSpin was how compactly it was fit into its semi-hard, zippered carrying case. That said, however, if packing space is at a premium, you may want to decide which elements you want to use before taking a trip to reduce what you pack. Although intuitive to figure out how to use, there were no instructions (maybe missing from mine?). Because of this, I was not sure when the unit was fully charged (the green light was flashing and did not change to solid, but the unit seemed to be charged). We travel in a campervan, so we have USB and electric charging capabilities while camped but if you are tent camping, make sure everything is charged before you leave home (or, if you are driving a distance to your campground, you can charge it in your car using the USB port). Assuming the flashing green light indicates it is charged, this process did not take very long. 

There is one light that can be attached to three base options: flashlight, headlamp, and bicycle mount. There are three light strength options, as well as a wide or narrow beam, and a strobe setting. The light is attached via magnets and I found it very easy to attach and detach the light from the different mounts. We also used the light as a stand-alone magnetic mount on our van door and on the metal lantern post; making the magnet system very versatile.

I have a favorite flashlight I have used for over 10 years, so it was going to take a lot to convince me to change. I was very pleased with the HeadSpin flashlight– it is very lightweight and easy to hold, however, a strap would be helpful. My husband thought the strap was necessary since the handle was so slender (this was a plus for my smaller hands!). Also, there was a warning in the packaging about how strong the light is and not to place it face down while on. Because of the design of the flashlight, I would likely have done this, so this warning was good to include. 

We had recently used headlamps on a guided trip and had considered buying them to add to our supplies, so I eagerly looked forward to trying this one out. Although it worked fine, it was a bit bulkier/heavier than the headlamp I recently used. I used it to go to the restroom and to cook dinner and wash dishes in the dark; the more I used it, the more comfortable I became with it. 

We don’t travel/camp with bicycles, so we were not able to try this mount. I rarely bike at night (if I can help it!) so not sure I would use this option, but it is a good addition, as I know many do bike in the dark. 

Overall, I really liked giving the HeadSpin a try. I loved the flashlight, and the packaging is top-rate, however, it is pricey, so it is an investment. Picking up a battery-operated flashlight to find the batteries were dead would convince me it is worth the price! I think campers who like gadgets will like this product very much.

My family had a great time staying at fort Whaley. We had two lodging options, one back in campground for our pull along camper and a 2-room cabin for the extended family. Everything was clean, organized, and amenities like the camp store and putt-putt golf were great additions to our stay. Bathrooms were also clean and spacious for tent campers. It was more expensive than we anticipated. Lots of different types of sites and lodging settings for any kind of camper. Definitely would recommend others visit this place at least once! It’s a close distance to Salisbury (20 mins), ocean city (20 mins) and assateague (20 mins). Also close to Delaware for someone looking to explore there. We also visited a few wineries within driving distance.

  The 5th & last state on our East Coast trek is Delaware! 

 We took the ferry from Cape May & it was a novelty for us. We enjoyed it so much! 

  The state park is just a half mile on the left when you pull out.

   For Delaware I had my heart set on Cape Henlopen State Park. The sites go fast & I felt lucky to get the site I ended up with. When we got there we found out a water main broke& there was no water. Fortunately, we only went a day without. 

 There are cabins  & primitive sites with their own bath house. The water/electric sites are in rows A-F. We were in B 14.The sites are laid out at an angle, but some were a straight backin. The even A sites- you park your rig or car on the road in a straight line & you get a big wooded site. Not sure if these sites have electricity.

There's 2 dump stations on the way out. 

There's shower houses for E/F/T, the G loop& on the B loop road. They were clean. There's an asphalt trail leading through the main sites for bathroom access. It's clearly marked on the map, so keep it in mind when you pick a site.

 There are some pullthroughs that can take big rigs. The sites are not uniform, some larger, some smaller. Watch the site dimensions or you might not be able to fit your vehicle AND camper on the site. It HAS to all be on the asphalt behind the white line.

  There are combo toilet/showers which I'm not fond of. You're a tenter & want to go for your morning BM& all the doors are locked with people showering. :(  They're clean.

The camp store/ laundry is the building next to that. The playground is also right there.

 This was my husbands favorite campground on our trip. It was a very enjoyable place!

   This park has a LOT of activities: the beach, a nice nature center. Fort Miles for WW 2 history. Biking is hugely popular & they have bike rentals at the nature center if you forgot yours. You can climb a WW 2 watchtower. There's hiking trails, a fishing pier. So much to do.

Lots of good restaurants in the area also.

We had a great time there. Sorry we had to leave...

My wife's family has been coming here for YEARS and I've been fortunate to join them the last 2 years and this place is fun!

There are great camping options and a lot to do in the park aside from camping. There's a fun little store with some natural interpretive exhibits and staff to answer questions you might have. Also within the park is a cool old observation tower from WWII and a military bunker. There are cool historical exhibits to explore while you're there if you get bored of the beach or biking.

Speaking of biking, this area of Delaware has amazing biking. There is a connector that you can take from the park all the way to the beach in Rehoboth. We really enjoy the Gordon's Pond bike trail as well as the Junction and Breakwater trail. The biking options are truly endless! Catch awesome views of coastal maritime forests and salt marshes teeming with birds.

There are also several hiking trails within the park to explore if you want to give your bum a break from the bike saddle.

You're close enough to the city of Rehoboth if you want to spend a day or night away from the more secluded campground. This is a LARGE campground in a popular destination so reservations go quickly.

General: Large park with both hookups and non, plus cabins, located right on the Atlantic Ocean. 

Site Quality: Paved pads but many were covered with pine needles when we were there. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Sites in the B Loop have the advantage of the camp store (which was only open on weekends when we were there in early November) and the bathhouse. Some of the sites have good separation between them but not all. 

Bathhouse: Separate “pods” with toilet, sink, and shower. The floor in the one I used upon arrival was completely wet, either by design flaw or a messy user but the one I used the next morning had a dry floor. Did not use the shower. There were detailed instructions with photos on how to lock the doors but even though I thought I followed the photos, the door still wasn’t locked (as I discovered when someone opened the door!). This led me to believe others have struggled with this too! 

Activities: If you bring a bike, there are a plethora of bike trails throughout the park that are good for walking as well. Biking will give you the opportunity to get to more areas of the park such as the giant sand dune, the lookout towers, Herring Point, and the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse. If you are interested in World War II history, this is a good park to explore. You are also conveniently located near the Lewes-Cape May ferry terminal. 

Conclusion: We only spent one night here and did not have bicycles so I feel like we could not take full advantage of all the park had to offer (but I did get a good photo of the lighthouse during the golden hour)!

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!

My first time visiting TPSP. The site is gorgeous throughout. The camp store is small but has everything that you need. Personnel were warm and friendly, very helpful for a first timer... spent some time chatting with them. I stayed at a tent site. The tent sites are walk in only but parking is not very far. The site provided hand trucks and wheelbarrows for you to car your items into your site. I had brought my own wagon which was helpful in keeping some of my gear off the ground during a rain storm. The site I stayed at was clean, level and well appointed; a t bar for hanging trash or a shower pack. Fire pit with grill. The tent sites are far enough from each other that you are not disturbed by neighbors, lots of trees between sites. There are water pumps every few yards, some are a Bit tricky to get working but I did not have an issue. The campground has trash and recycling bins so you do not have to carry out. I checked out some of the drive in and RV sites. They are large and well maintained, good for camper or tent camping, although fewer trees separate you from adjacent spots, so if you’re interested in more privacy opt for a tent site. The weekend I stayed we had torrential rain for about six hours but my site did not flood. Be sure to bring a large enough footprint to account for rain however, as I needed to really clean my tent and fly when I got home due to splash back of mud and leaves. Thee bathhouse was clean and the playground looked pretty good as well. Hoping that for my return trip the new bathhouse bear the tent sites is completed. If you’re not keen on using port a Johns or hiking to the bathhouse near the camper sites I suggest bringing a travel composting toilet. I hiked the full Bob Trail which is breathtaking. Easy level hike that winds all around the park and connects to the campground. I also rented a kayak for about three hours and was able to travel the full pond and connecting Terrapin Trail and back. The recreation area(where you rent boats and kayaks) has a nice picnic area and playground. I have camped at Henlopen State Park in the past and can say that TPSP is my new favorite in delaware. I enjoyed my time so much that I am already booked to return in late September and again in early November.