Elk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
97 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Harrington, Delaware encompasses several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, providing access to both inland water recreation and coastal experiences. Killens Pond State Park, located just 5 miles from Harrington, serves as a central camping hub with year-round availability for tents, RVs, and cabins. G & R Campground in nearby Houston offers similar accommodations with full hookups. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Trap Pond State Park in Laurel features a more diverse camping environment with yurts and island tent sites among its offerings.
Most campgrounds in the Harrington area require reservations, particularly during the peak summer season from May through September. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Winter camping is available at select locations like Killens Pond, though facilities may be limited. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with good coverage reported at most established campgrounds. Fire regulations vary by location, with some parks offering fire rings at individual sites while others, particularly those near the coast, restrict fires to communal areas.
The camping experience varies significantly between inland and coastal options. Inland parks like Killens Pond feature more wooded sites with shade and freshwater recreation, though campers note the sandy soil can be challenging. According to reviews, "The park seemed nice but the campground was a clay, dirt, sand, silt surface with ravines from rain." Coastal options like Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore State Parks offer beach access but typically have more exposed sites with limited shade. These coastal campgrounds tend to book quickly, with one visitor noting that "getting a reservation on the north side requires a year lead time if you want a site with a view." Most state park campgrounds accommodate large RVs, though interior roads can be narrow at some locations.
"First time staying overnight at a campground in Delaware. The cabins are tiny on the inside but that porch really provides very useful space.
No paper towels, soap or kitchen utensils.""Delaware seemed short on camping options and this one was probably top of the line 40 years ago. It's dated in every way, but it's in a good spot. Seemed to have some residents mixed in."
from $24 - $105 / night
Check Availability"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
"Just off highway, nice wooded area, access to a good boat ramp."
from $18 - $77 / night
Check Availability"Campground well maintained and relatively quiet given its peak season for Delaware beaches. Off the beaten path from beach noise but does require a 15-30 minute drive to popular beaches."
"Close proximity to the beach. Lots of family friendly activities. Full stocked camp store."
"Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."
"It is less than 40 mins from Annapolis and close to DC and Baltimore. Yet it is isolated and quiet. There’s some great trails as well as walking between the camp loops and picnic areas. "
from $21 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"My group was there, on two adjacent sites, from Sunday to Tuesday, in early June. The weather could not have been more ideal! We were on sites G12 and G13, which were both really large."
from $39 - $131 / night
Check Availability"Quickly stopped through G&R which is a nice, quiet campground hidden in the middle of Delaware. Plenty of spaces for campers and more than enough utility spaces available."
"There is a smell due to being next to a chicken or animal farm; however, after a few minutes outside, the smell goes away."
"Was close to casino only like 7 min drive and shopping everywhere was a weekend full of busy even while it rained."
"We found this place by accident as us and several friends planned on attending the 45th Annual June Jam in Houston and wanted somewhere close to stay. "
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Wood was cheaper then usual (5 dollars per bundle) and is located under a self serve honor system payment across from site 3."
"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $49 - $57 / night
Check Availability"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."
"From well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely."
from $24 - $66 / night
Check Availability











Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Enjoyed the stay here June 19-21, 2026, in the tents-only section at a campground just 10 minutes from home. I've lived near this campground for 45 of my 66 years but never camped there.
The cramped campsites always turned me off but my wife and I decided to try it as a test run when we bought all new camping gear after not camping for 15 years(well, except for the 40-year-old Coleman stove that still works).
The campsites are tight and strictly BYOS(Bring Your Own Shade). The weather cooperated with temps in the low 80s and cool westerly winds. Because this campground sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet and Indian River Bay, it fills up on weekends for camping, beach-going, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. I'd suggest going weekdays if you can.
Even with all the people, though, it was mostly quiet. The traffic from the Indian River Inlet bridge didn't bother me much but it did keep my wife up the first night. The bridge lights up at night and looks most spectacular at sunrise.
We ate dinner at camp the first night and then went to the inlet walkway to watch the sun set. The sunsets over the Indian River Bay, serenaded by the U.S. Coast Guard station's bugle calls with the lowering of the colors at its station at the north side campground, are a must. We also got to see a green heron foraging on the rockpiles and a dolphin swimming through the inlet. Fishermen lined the walkway to add to the atmosphere.
The next morning we drove over to the north side of the inlet to the Burton's Island trail-- another first for me. The trail was probably a mile or so and took about an hour, though it looked like we could have gone further into the brush had we not been wearing shorts and t-shirts. We came across a horseshoe crab traveling along a dirt path and a turtle trying to hide itself under downed tree branches. Blue water surrounded us in the marshes.
An excellent dinner at Matt's Fish House capped off our anniversary and we returned to the campground to watch the sunset again.
The bathrooms were well-placed. They were mostly clean but the five-second" Navy shower" intervals in the showers were annoying. There's no water or electric at the tent sites but a high-powered community water tap works for cleaning dishes.
The ban on open fires at the campground did disappoint. There is a community fire pit but no one used it our two nights there.
Oh, I can't forget the Diamondback turtles. Be careful driving so you don't hit them as they wander through the campground. We saw several lay eggs on the sand volleyball court and one scurried through our campsite and under our picnic table on its way to points unknown. The picnic table at each site is heavy but movable.
The people were friendly even in such crowded conditions. Lots of kids on bikes, skateboards and scooters and at the playground. Basically, you don't come here as much for the camping as you do for the water sports and activities.
As a tent camper, I'd opt for the tent-only loops versus the Standard sites that accommodate tents and small RVs and popups. Our tent-only loops looked less congested than the Standard sites.
I'd give this campground 4.5 stars. It would be an easy 5 if not for the crowded conditions.
We have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
Wasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
We spent a weekend at Avalon Campground to tour the trailers at the Vintage Trailer Rally. We toured about 15 RVs which was a lot of fun. The owners all took time to share details about their renovations and how they use the trailer.
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of lack of wifi and cable tv. We normally bring our own wifi, but are waiting on a replacement unit to arrive this week. That’s why I was hoping they’d have wifi, or at least cable tv as a backup.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Nice campground— nothing fancy, but everything worked and it was pretty clean and well-maintained
— Friendly staff including an escort to the site(which was a good size with working utilities)
— Lots of nearby beach towns
— Easy access from Exit 17 off Garden State Parkway
— They have a concrete pickleball court which we enjoyed
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— WiFi cost extra fee and didn’t work well at all
— Cable TV reception wasn’t good
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Absolutely, this is a great spot! They’re adding a swimming pool which is under construction now, so that should be a good addition
Nice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
Overall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Harrington, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Harrington, DE offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Harrington, DE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Harrington, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Harrington, DE is Killens Pond State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Harrington, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Harrington, DE.
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