Best Tent Camping near Felton, DE
Tent camping near Felton, Delaware provides access to secluded forest sites within a short drive. Redden State Forest Campground in Georgetown offers primitive tent campsites in a wooded setting approximately 20 miles south of Felton. Blackbird State Forest Campground near Smyrna, though currently closed until further notice, has historically provided tent-only camping opportunities with spacious, well-separated sites about 15 miles north of Felton. Both state forests maintain walk-in tent sites that accommodate traditional tent setups while prohibiting large recreational vehicles.
Tent campgrounds in the region operate with specific limitations and amenities. Redden State Forest requires advance reservations through bookyoursite.com with a maximum stay of three consecutive nights at approximately $28 per night. The campground enforces a 25-foot vehicle length restriction, making it suitable for cars, small vans, and tent campers only. Firewood is available on-site through an honor system payment box. Most tent sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and level ground for tent setup. No potable water, electric hookups, or permanent bathroom facilities exist at these primitive tent camping locations. Campers must follow strict carry-in, carry-out policies for all waste.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Felton offers seclusion with convenient access to coastal attractions. Redden State Forest provides quiet, wooded sites with moderate privacy between campsites. According to reviews, the campground is "beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful," though occasional train and highway noise can be heard. Campers noted that while the sites are primitive, they remain within 30-40 minutes of Delaware beaches and close to shopping in Georgetown. One visitor reported that the self-check-in process requires navigating through a yellow gate system with minimal staff interaction. Mosquito repellent is essential during warmer months, and campers should be aware that hunting is permitted in certain forest areas, though it is prohibited on Sundays.