Camping options near Middletown, Delaware range from full-hookup state parks to seasonal private campgrounds throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level, with the peninsula's flat terrain creating easy access but sometimes poor drainage during heavy rains. Summertime humidity levels regularly exceed 85% in this region, making air conditioning a necessity for many campers from June through September.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Multiple campsites at Elk Neck State Park Campground provide waterfront access where visitors can fish directly from camp. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron. Very well stocked camp store," notes Kate J. The park features boat ramps for larger fishing vessels plus shore fishing options.
**Go Ape zipline course: Located within 20 minutes of several campgrounds, this aerial adventure course offers treetop challenges. "There's a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it," says David G.
**Kayaking access: The Chester River provides paddling opportunities for campers staying at Duck Neck Campground, with five premium waterfront sites available for direct water access. "A beautiful view of the river if you want to pay a premium for these sites," explains Roscoe T., though noting facilities are "very dated and NOT CLEANED OFTEN."
What campers like
**Clean bathhouse facilities: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, campers consistently mention well-maintained restrooms. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," writes Mark. This state park maintains individual shower rooms in their bathhouses.
**Pool access during summer months: Many private campgrounds offer swimming options when temperatures climb. "Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," notes Beth B. about Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
**Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds schedule seasonal activities in October. "We went for Halloween, they had plenty for kids to do and was a pretty nice park. Sites were nice size and orderly. Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it," mentions Jwalker about their experience.
What you should know
**Cell service limitations: Communication can be spotty at most campgrounds in the region. "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect," writes Megan S. about her stays at Elk Neck State Park Campground, which she visits "multiple times a year."
**Site drainage problems: The flat terrain around many rv sites near Middletown, Delaware creates challenges during wet weather. "It poured and hailed for 1 hr and it still made a swamp," reports Nicole S. about her experience at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, despite staying at a gravel site.
**Booking competition: Securing reservations requires advance planning, especially for popular state parks. "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. I don't know if it's the host campers or the management, but they're definitely doing something right," explains Mark about his experience.
Tips for camping with families
**Mini golf options: Several campgrounds offer on-site putting courses, though maintenance varies. "Miniature golf course could use some upkeep as there was trash strewn throughout the course. There was a pond for swimming and there were dead fish," notes Jen R., though still rating Spring Gulch Resort Campground positively at 4 stars.
**Playground equipment: Many facilities include play structures for children. "My daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," writes Mark about the facilities at Lums Pond.
**Height restrictions: Some water attractions have minimum size requirements. "The pool and splash park were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house," explains Nicole S. about her experience at Jellystone Park during a Father's Day weekend stay.
Tips from RVers
**Actual site conditions vs. descriptions: RV campers should verify site details before arrival at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," explains Laure D.
**Campground navigation challenges: Larger rigs require careful maneuvering at some facilities. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises Craig Z. about accessing this waterfront camping option.
**Seasonal accessibility: Several campgrounds near Middletown operate only during warmer months. "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," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about winter camping at Lums Pond State Park Campground, one of the few year-round options.
