Best Tent Camping near Middletown, DE

State parks and forests within driving distance of Middletown, Delaware offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Blackbird State Forest Campground in Smyrna, Delaware provides primitive tent camping with eight designated sites, though campers should verify current availability as this location has experienced temporary closures. Additional tent-only camping can be found at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, which features two camping loops specifically designed for tent campers. Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster, Pennsylvania offers walk-in tent sites for those seeking a more secluded experience.

Tent campsites in these areas typically feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and flat areas for tent setup on surfaces ranging from grass to dirt covered with woodchips. Potable water access varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds offering only a single water pump or spigot serving multiple sites. Bathroom facilities are primarily limited to pit toilets or portable restrooms, with Hibernia County Park providing access to flush toilets within walking distance of the camping loops. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions by bringing adequate water supplies and expecting limited cell service in more remote areas.

The tent camping experience near Middletown offers varying levels of privacy and natural immersion. According to reviews, Blackbird State Forest provides spacious, well-separated sites where "each site has good privacy" though hikers occasionally pass by on nearby trails. One camper at Mill Creek noted the "large spaces for multiple tents" and mentioned how sites near the creek provide "a cooler camping experience" with pleasant water sounds at night. Hibernia County Park's Lake Loop is described as "popular with group tenters" with sites that are "very clean and wooded." Walk-in tent sites throughout the region generally offer more seclusion than drive-in options, with greater distance from road noise and other campers, making them ideal for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Middletown, Delaware (12)

    1. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / night

    "This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting."

    "Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it."

    2. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "Terrific space for exploring"

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    3. Hibernia County Park

    8 Reviews
    Coatesville, PA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 383-3812

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."

    "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."

    4. Susquehannock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drumore, PA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 252-1134

    $28 - $72 / night

    "Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."

    "This is Organized Group Tenting Only."

    5. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    "There are two main beaches and there are picnic tables all over the park. There’s a popular boat launch amd small marina/bait store.
    Get there early on weekends and holidays."

    "There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach, pavilions for social gatherings, showers and bathrooms that are kept pretty very clean, and room for backpacking, hiking, picnicking,"

    7. Mill Creek Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Lancaster, PA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-8215

    $23 / night

    "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."

    8. Two Log Campground

    1 Review
    Narvon, PA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 273-3068

    9. Brandywine Meadows Family Campground

    1 Review
    Glenmoore, PA
    44 miles
    +1 (610) 273-9753

    10. Hart-Miller Island State Park

    Be the first to review!
    Fort Howard, MD
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 592-2897

    $6 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Middletown, DE

556 Reviews of 12 Middletown Campgrounds


  • W L.
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Parvin State Park Campground

    Great location; Easy camping for newbies

    We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

    The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

    While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

    Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

    We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

    The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

    While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

    My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

  • Nate & Erika L.
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Susquehanna State Park Campground

    Great State Park Camping

    We decided to stay a weekend at Susquehanna based on the reviews on the Dyrt and it’s closer proximity to home. We arrived and were greeted by super friendly rangers who gave us the lay of the land. We found the rangers to be very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, plants, and trees in the park. They had two display tables full of flora and fauna by the check-in station set up for kids and adults alike to glean some knowledge. On one night while we were there, there was a program run by the rangers where kids could learn about some common native and invasive species.

    We hiked the Green Trail, which had a sign saying it was ‘very difficult’, but we found it to be no problem for our crew of seven kids aged 3-10 and four adults. We only passed one other hiker. We saw some champion trees, lots of deer, and had some run ins with more than a few spotted lantern flies. One ranger told us they have nine champion trees in the park, we’d love to go back and hike to find the others.

    With only two loops, the sites were fairly spaced out with lots of trees between them. We had a spacious electric site for our pop up and camped with friends who had a nice level, secluded tent site. We hardly ever heard any neighbors and all was quiet at night. Each loop shares a bathhouse, and there are some portable toilets spaced around the loop, too. The facilities were cleaned every morning. They even have a large laundry utility sink in the bathhouse should you need it. The only downside we found was that showering at prime time (around 8 or 9 pm) led to very little hot water. A small price to pay for good camping and hiking!

  • Jim N.
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Hibernia County Park

    Hidden gem

    A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends.

  • E
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Good Intro to Camping

    I booked a tent site as my first introduction to the park. Setting up a reservation was incredibly user friendly, park staff was fantastic at getting us checked in, and the camp store was well stocked and priced. 

    Our site, however, left something to be desired. The sites were all very close together, and the tent pad areas were fairly small. You can drive right up to your site and park there, which is incredibly convenient in terms of unpacking and set up. Around our site was pretty loud with neighbors at all hours, regardless of quiet hours, and balls being kicked into our tent pad area from surrounding visitors. There were some bottle caps and garbage on our tent pad upon arrival.

    I think if you had kids and were looking for a "not so quiet" get away into nature, this would be a fantastic spot. There were larger and more private sites on our loop, and if I returned I would prioritize getting one of those. There are also more loops than the one we were on. 

    The firepit had an adjustable height grill grate, and there was a picnic table at each site. Firewood ran $5 a bundle at the camp store.  Ice and potable water was also available. 

    There was a nearby dumpster that was easy to use. Disappointed that there did not seem to be a recycling receptacle. Bathrooms were nice, the handicapped shower was very spacious. No shortage of hot water. 

    We hiked all available trails from the trail map, though it seems there were more than listed, and a portion of the park is closed following previous tornado damage. We saw an abundance of herps, gorged ourselves on pawpaws, and generally foraged and tracked a ton of interesting wildlife. The trails themselves were pretty, but the rankings somewhat misleading. The "hard" trails would be hard in comparison to a flat gravel path, but in terms of general hiking, were comfortable with only a couple mildly steep or narrow points. I am unsure if the ranking system is for general hiking or in terms of ADA accessibility, however. If accessibility, it makes a lot of sense. For hiking? Less so; I'd rank the trails as a normal difficulty for their 'hard' trails. 

    The beaches were lovely! We did not get the opportunity to kayak, swim, or fish, but are hoping to do that sometime in the future. Was still relaxing to sit out with a book and watch the water.

    I do feel like we explored most of what the park had to offer, so while I would be happy to return it feels less urgent to do so. I think I would be better equipped to pick a site (or explore a cabin!) the next time which would resolve my minimal issues. Given the relaxed atmosphere of the trails, close amenities, etc. I think this would be a good choice to bring friends who are new to the camping scene, or for families.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Great Kayaking and Beautiful Woods

    We camped with our 17' travel trailer at site 19E with electric hookups. Some sites have water and sewer as well, which is rare in a MD state park. We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site. Good dry wood was available for $5 a bundle. The restrooms were spotless. Hiking trails everywhere- and all level for easy biking. There's a small lake where many people were fishing for bass, and a calm waterway (Tuckahoe River) excellent for kayaking. We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them. A few miles down the road is a boat launch (Hillsboro) with access to another section of the Tuckahoe River, also great for kayaking. We saw beautiful aquatic plants, many birds, and a gazillion turtles. We paddled past several beaver dams, but they successfully stayed hidden. We love this park and campground!

  • E
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Susquehanna State Park Campground

    Somewhat quiet, clean and friendly

    Staff is very friendly. Bathhouse is clean but ran out of toilet paper often; they supposedly clean 3 times a day since COVID but we didn’t see that happening on a regular schedule while we were there.

    We loved that our site had a path directly to the bathhouse. This meant there wasn’t any foot traffic from people wanting to shower or use the restrooms. Easy access to the utility sink for dishes, too!

    There seemed to be a lot of campers in the surrounding lots and still, everyone was quiet between the quiet hours.

    Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasnt a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren’t putting up our tent on top of the fire ring. We also had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it.

    We bought their firewood for $5/crate and it was really wet. It was challenging to get a fire going, which was frustrating. Ended up not being able to have a fire the last morning there and gave away our leftover firewood.

    Probably my biggest complaint is that several times, the park maintenance truck drove down the loop where we camped. Our kids are running around and playing and the only vehicle that sped past every time was the park crew vehicle. All other vehicles (belonging to visitors) were respectful and drove slowly. It surprises me that with families camping here, they wouldn’t be more cautious.

    All in all: for our first time camping here, it was a decent experience. I don’t know that we’d go there again, but it was a fun one-and-done trip.

  • Marc P.
    Mar. 24, 2024

    Killens Pond State Park Campground

    Quick quiet weekend.

    Camped weekend before Easter. Only 3 loops open and mostly full. Camp host never bothered us (there are currently 3 onsite). Really odd rules with campfires (must buy wood from park, can not burn anything laying on ground like sticks/dead branches). Nice walk around the lake.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Muddy Run Recreation Park

    Older but great day use area

    We visited the day use area but drove through the campground for future reference. The campground offers a lot of sites (189 sites). 148 sites have electric and water. Some sites are monthly rental only. They also offer seasonal sites. There are 38 tent only sites as well. There are 3 primitive group sites. There are paved parking pads, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and of course a fire ring in each. No sewer hookups but we saw 2 dump stations. There are laundry facilities and bathhouses. $35 a night or $185 a week. Use of the day use area included is awesome. Plenty of playgrounds, disc golf, boat rentals, an observatory (closed due to covid for now), snack bar that is open 8-5 or 6 daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks, and a splash pad (free!) for water fun open 10-7 daily but shuts down Sept 6. All this is all nestled around a 100 acre lake. You can fish, or rent boats (kayak, paddle boats, canoes, or rowboats with electric motors) on the lake. Tons of fun here!

  • Nate & Erika L.
    Jun. 21, 2021

    Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    Good Family-oriented Campground

    This campground is a good campground to go to if doing all the things is what you’re after. There is so much to do. A splash pad, a lake with rentals, several playgrounds, hiking nearby, disc golf, and lots of activity. The campsites themselves however are fairly close together and open with little privacy. We were looking for a little more privacy and relaxation, so we didn’t use many of those amenities. We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot that made sitting at the picnic table or camp chairs a bit of a struggle. Also just for anyone planning a trip, make sure you have a long hose for water hookup. Water pumps were spaced pretty far and we needed at least a 100 ft hose to reach. I don’t want to give a bad review, this is a great campground for more of that resort-style feel where kids and adults alike can make new camp friends, but it just wasn’t what we were looking for on this trip!


Guide to Middletown

Tent camping near Middletown, Delaware offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly environment, there are several options to consider.

Tips for tent camping near Middletown

  • Tinicum Island is a fantastic choice for those with a watercraft, providing a serene escape with the freedom to explore the surrounding waters.
  • Hibernia County Park offers a budget-friendly experience at just $15 a night, making it an excellent option for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
  • Susquehannock State Park Campground features organized group tenting, perfect for those planning a camping trip with friends or family.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Hibernia County Park, you'll find essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and clean toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Susquehannock State Park Campground provides electric hookups and well-maintained bathhouses, making it a convenient choice for campers who appreciate modern comforts.
  • Gamlers Boat Yard Campgrounds offers a unique experience for those looking to camp near the water, although it lacks some traditional amenities like showers and trash services.

Local activities for tent campers

  • Enjoy scenic hiking trails at Susquehannock State Park Campground, where you can explore beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and discover local wildlife.
  • Hibernia County Park features a children's pond and playground, making it an ideal spot for families with young kids to enjoy outdoor activities together.
  • For those with a love for fishing, Hibernia County Park also provides access to well-stocked fishing areas, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Middletown, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Middletown, DE is Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Middletown, DE?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Middletown, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.