Best Campgrounds near Milton, DE
The coastal region surrounding Milton, Delaware features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds primarily oriented toward beach access. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground in nearby Lewes offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options within a forested setting that provides shade uncommon at other coastal sites. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, located between Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, provides year-round camping with direct beach access. Deep Branch Family Campground in Milton itself offers a more traditional camping experience with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, serving as a convenient base for exploring the Delaware beaches.
Advance reservations are essential during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with many campgrounds requiring bookings months ahead. As one camper noted, "Getting a reservation on the north side requires a year lead time if you want a site with a view and several months lead time for other sites." Beach-adjacent campgrounds like Delaware Seashore typically lack shade trees and privacy between sites, while inland options like Trap Pond State Park offer more wooded settings. The sandy soil common throughout the region can be challenging, particularly for tent campers. Most state park campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with dump stations available but full hookups limited to private campgrounds.
State park campgrounds near Milton receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to beaches and recreational opportunities. Cape Henlopen stands out for its extensive bike trail network, historic WWII observation towers, and nature center. According to visitor reviews, "The biking and walking trails in the park are top notch! The Gordon's Pond trail offers beautiful salt marsh views with lots of birds especially first thing in the morning." Delaware Seashore appeals to fishing enthusiasts with opportunities for surf fishing in the Atlantic and bank fishing in the Indian River Inlet. Campers seeking more amenities might prefer private options like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, which features a water park, pool, and organized activities, though these come with higher nightly rates than state parks.
