Camping options near Middletown, Delaware include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits within the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain at elevations generally below 60 feet, resulting in relatively mild temperatures year-round. Water access figures prominently in the camping experience with the Chesapeake Bay watershed influencing both recreation options and campground layouts.
What to do
Hiking trails: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers 20 miles of trails open for hiking, biking and horseback riding. A camper noted, "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike."
Water activities: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy various water recreation options. One visitor shared: "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful."
Fishing options: Multiple water bodies near campsites in the region provide fishing opportunities. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, a camper mentioned: "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed. We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail."
Bird watching: The proximity to water bodies makes this region excellent for spotting birds. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)."
What campers like
Large, level sites: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One visitor noted: "Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. At Tuckahoe State Park, a reviewer wrote: "The bathroom/ showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year."
Privacy between sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers secluded camping when open. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!"
Easy water access: Proximity to rivers, ponds and creeks makes water activities accessible. At Susquehanna State Park, a camper shared: "Canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake with more of the creek on the other side of the lake."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance planning. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer."
Off-season conditions: When camping outside summer months, be prepared for variable facility access. A camper at Elk Neck State Park shared: "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Site selection importance: Research specific site characteristics before booking. One visitor to Tuckahoe noted: "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."
Limited cell service: While coverage is generally reliable at established campgrounds, coverage may vary. At Elk Neck State Park, a visitor mentioned: "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Many regional parks feature playgrounds for children. At Susquehanna State Park, a visitor mentioned: "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)."
Youth-focused activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer offers numerous planned activities about 30 miles from Middletown. A camper shared: "Been here 2 years in a row, going again this June (2022). Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
Family-friendly campground layout: Some campgrounds organize sites to accommodate families. At Tuckahoe, a visitor noted: "The 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."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature learning experiences. "There is a Bird Aviary that houses those that cannot be fully healed. We tend to use Tuckahoe as a way station while camping our way up and down the Bay."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup options exist at several campgrounds near Middletown. At Lums Pond State Park, a camper noted: "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern."
Site dimensions: Pay close attention to pad sizes when booking. At Tuckahoe, one RVer warned: "I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites."
Dump station access: For campgrounds without full hookups, plan for dump station locations. At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned: "The pump out station was very nice."
Road conditions: Access roads vary considerably between parks. One camper at Tuckahoe noted: "The farm roads around the park are very bumpy."
