Camping near Harrington, Delaware offers a mix of state forests, family-friendly parks, and water-based recreation within driving distance. The area sits at elevations of 30-50 feet above sea level with predominantly sandy soil and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Seasonal considerations include high humidity from June through August, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months that can disrupt camping activities.
What to do
Kayaking the cypress trees: At Trap Pond State Park Campground, campers can paddle among rare northern bald cypress trees. "We took a day and rented boats and kayaks and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," notes one visitor. The park also offers 45-minute pontoon boat tours on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Explore historical military sites: Visit Cape Henlopen State Park Campground to see WWII observation towers and underground bunkers. "There are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views," explains a reviewer.
Free bike rentals: Several parks in the region offer complimentary bicycles. At Trap Pond, "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals." Similarly, Cape Henlopen provides "free bike rentals... some with baby seats and trailers."
What campers like
Wooded sites with privacy: Tuckahoe State Park Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Spacious, wooded sites with privacy" make it popular, with one camper noting "lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground." Sites are arranged around central facilities for convenience.
Clean facilities: Martinak State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Campsites and bathrooms are clean. Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports," reports one visitor. Another adds, "Bathhouses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Island camping spots: For a unique experience, Trap Pond offers island sites. "My sons and I spent four nights on the island site and loved it. We lucked out and had both sites to ourselves which I recommend. We set up our hammocks on the edge of the water," shares one camper. These sites provide a more secluded experience but require planning as they're accessible only by water.
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary widely: Many campgrounds have specific fire rules. At Killens Pond, "Some sites are very close together or are basically surrounded by other sites" which affects fire safety. One camper noted, "You have to put your fire out before midnight & they will come around to check."
Reservation lead times: The region's popularity requires advance planning. For tent camping at Redden State Forest Campground, "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed."
Tent site limitations: Some campgrounds prioritize RVs over tents. "If you're going to camp at one of the RV sites, you'd better have an RV. They are neither RTT nor tent friendly. The sites are packed in so closely that if you don't have the privacy of a camper, everyone will see your business," warns a Cape Henlopen visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks and pools: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches offers water recreation for children. "My kids had a blast in the water area with the pool and large slides. It was our first time camping and we had trouble sleeping due to groups around us having fun until 11, but overall it was a really great experience," shares one family.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing enriches children's experiences. At Killens Pond, families enjoy "a nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff." Another camper at Tuckahoe mentioned "if you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program."
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature animal encounters. At Adventures Await Retreat, visitors enjoy "Lots of animals with personality fresh eggs for purchase and good catch and release ponds caught 4 bass in like 20 min big guys." Another camper noted it would be "a gem of a find with children" because of the animal interactions.
Tips from RVers
Limited large rig access: Some forest campgrounds restrict vehicle size. At Redden State Forest, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed."
Hookup availability: Most parks offer partial hookups. At Tuckahoe, "Sites are laid out in a circle with the bathhouse in the center. You can purchase ice and firewood from the ranger station and some other odds and ends." RVers should note that many state parks provide electric and water only, with dump stations available upon departure.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Trap Pond, "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. 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."
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