Tent camping options near Little Creek, Delaware extend beyond nearby state forests. Located in Kent County at 16 feet above sea level, Little Creek sits in Delaware's coastal plain with mild temperatures throughout camping season. Nearby camping areas offer dense pine forest settings with varying terrain, though most sites feature flat ground for easy tent setup within wooded surroundings.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Blackbird State Forest features multiple trail systems through dense pine forest. "Nice hikes in the area, great weekend!" reports Emily M., who found the trails accessible despite occasional hiker traffic near campsite areas.
Explore Georgetown: The small town near Redden State Forest Campground provides supply opportunities and local attractions. A camper notes, "You're in the woods, still very close to shopping and gas stations in Georgetown. Beaches are about 30-40 minutes away, leave early to avoid traffic."
Waterfront activities: Tinicum Island offers primitive camping for those arriving by watercraft. Bobby S. describes it as "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," making it ideal for paddlers seeking waterfront tent camping without crowds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blackbird State Forest offers well-spaced tent areas. Sarah M. reports, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!"
Budget-friendly options: Shellbay Campgrounds provides affordability with tent sites within cycling distance to multiple beaches. Christopher notes, "We stayed here because it was within biking distance of the beaches at Stone Harbor, Wildwood, and Cape May."
Pine forest setting: Many campers appreciate the shade and atmosphere of pine forests at state forest campgrounds. John C. from Blackbird State Forest describes his experience: "Spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it."
What you should know
Reservations required: Redden State Forest now requires advance booking. "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed," explains a camper who paid $28 per night in March.
Vehicle restrictions: Vienna Maryland Wooded Campsite and other primitive areas have size limitations similar to Redden, which prohibits "nothing over 25 ft allowed. Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed."
Hunting awareness: During hunting seasons, be aware of shared forest use. Hunting is generally prohibited on Sundays in state forests, providing safer hiking days during hunting seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Family campers value access to pools and water features. At Shellbay Campgrounds, Suzi S. reports, "Enjoy evenings by a campfire and days by the pool or at the beach. The family owned campground makes you feel at home away from home from May - October 1."
Campground activities: Look for organized events for children at established campgrounds. Alyssa D. recalls her childhood experiences: "I remember my excitement to go camping, meet other kids at the campground, and have plenty of things to do close by (beach, shopping, swimming pool)."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds offer more peace than others. At Hart-Miller Island State Park, boat-in access limits crowds, while other campgrounds like Shellbay can be lively on holiday weekends when "several sites were playing music until 11:00 every night."
Tips from RVers
Site surface variations: RV campers should check site specifications carefully. At Redden State Forest, Evan C. discovered: "These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table... can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent... I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites."
Camp host proximity: Most primitive camping areas have limited staff presence. "The gate system was a little strange... everything is pretty much done as self check in with no one to really ask questions to," reports one camper at Redden State Forest, suggesting RVers should research access procedures before arrival.
Self-service amenities: Many tent camping areas operate with honor systems. At Redden State Forest, "Wood was cheaper than usual (5 dollars per bundle) and is located under a self serve honor system payment across from site 3."
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