RV camping near New Castle, Delaware offers both year-round and seasonal options within a 30-mile radius. The region features a mix of private and state park campgrounds with full hookup sites ranging from basic electric-only options to complete amenities. New Castle sits along the Delaware River, with most nearby campgrounds positioned around waterways or ponds, providing water recreation opportunities during the warmer months from April through October.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Lums Pond: Access 200 acres of pond water at Lums Pond State Park Campground, where electric motors only are permitted. The park offers a 7-mile hiking trail and 8-mile multi-purpose trail around the pond. "We took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore," notes one camper about early season fishing conditions.
Tubing on the river: At Thousand Trails Circle M, the campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" Riverside sites are available but can get muddy during rainy periods.
Miniature golf and arcade games: Many campgrounds in the region offer family recreation facilities. Spring Gulch Resort Campground has a miniature golf course, though some reviewers note it "could use some upkeep." The resort also offers sports equipment: "Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes."
What campers like
Concrete pads and spacious sites: The renovated sites at Lums Pond State Park provide solid foundations for RVs of all sizes. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," notes a regular visitor. Another camper adds, "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced."
Indoor and outdoor pools: For year-round swimming, Lake-In-Wood Campground provides both indoor and outdoor pool options. "Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)," mentions one visitor. Facilities at many campgrounds are seasonal, with most outdoor pools operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Waterfront camping: Direct water access from your site is available at multiple locations. Bar Harbor RV Park positions many sites right at the water's edge. "Some sites you are right on the waters edge. Bathroom was clean, pool was closed...not too many campers but it sure was a nice time," reports one off-season visitor who enjoyed kayaking directly from their site.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate April through November, with limited winter options. Village Scene Park in Hatfield, PA remains open year-round and offers electric hookups. "We've stayed here a couple times in past... This visit we stayed six months may to October," explains one long-term camper.
Varied cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location. Sun Valley Campground reports: "No internet. 2 bars LTE on T-Mobile." Most campgrounds near Interstate 95 have better cellular reception than those in more rural settings west of New Castle.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Lums Pond State Park: "Book early because it fills up fast!" Weekend reservations should be made 2-3 months in advance for summer stays, while shoulder season (April-May, September-October) may allow for more last-minute bookings.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with recently updated play areas for younger children. "Our kids love all the activities to do!!" notes a family at Thousand Trails Circle M. Another campground, Mays Landing Resort, received this feedback: "The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt."
Special events and activities: Weekend programming is common at larger resorts. "This campground was very nice. They had a live band one evening. Activities though the day were fun," reports a camper at Spring Gulch Resort. Halloween events are particularly popular, with one visitor to Mays Landing Resort noting: "Halloween decorations were the best. The playground was great my daughter really enjoyed the scavenger hunt."
Swimming options: Indoor pools extend the swimming season at select locations. Lake-In-Wood Campground has "indoor and outdoor pool." At Sun Valley Campground, a visitor highlighted the "Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers" as features that made their stay enjoyable enough to extend it.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "Sites were nice size and orderly. Sites next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it," notes a camper at Spring Gulch Resort. At Mays Landing Resort, a camper reported: "Site are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a bit more level but still very unleveled."
Maneuvering considerations: Some parks have tight access roads. Village Scene Park sits "in the middle of an otherwise sprawling suburban area" where "you'll be driving down tree-lined, shady streets one moment and the very next, you'll happen across this unusual spot." This can create challenges for larger motorhomes.
RV size limitations: While Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina accommodates big rigs, access requires caution: "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution." The park does offer waterfront sites, with a camper noting "many sites are on the water" despite the somewhat confined layout.
