Camping options near Bethany Beach, Delaware span from state parks to resort-style properties across varied coastal terrain. Located between sea level and 20 feet above sea level, the area features a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and high humidity. Campers face limited tent camping opportunities in the immediate Bethany Beach area, with most dedicated tent camping found at state parks within 30 minutes' drive.
What to do
Explore bald cypress trees: At Trap Pond State Park Campground, kayak through unique stands of northernmost naturally-growing bald cypress trees in the United States. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet," notes Chris G. The pond offers calm waters perfect for beginners, with kayak and canoe rentals available seasonally.
Discover military history: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground features WWII observation towers and bunkers to explore. "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such," explains Lisa B. The park offers self-guided tours of these historic structures, with interpretive signs explaining their significance.
Fish in stocked lakes: Many campgrounds offer fishing opportunities without needing to travel to the ocean. "We enjoyed fishing in the stocked lake, caught some bass and large brim," reports Penny C. about her stay at Treasure Beach RV Park. Some campgrounds provide fishing docks, and many don't require Delaware fishing licenses for their private ponds.
What campers like
Convenient shuttle services: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway offers transportation options to popular destinations. "They have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to Assateaque Island, Frontier Town, and Ocean City," shares Randi J. These shuttles typically run hourly and eliminate parking challenges at crowded beach destinations.
Waterfront camping sites: Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay provides direct bay access for water lovers. "We stayed in the 'big rig' site within Club Castaway right on the water as we have a 40ft rig," notes Julie F. Waterfront sites often cost 20-30% more than standard sites but provide immediate water access and better breezes during humid summer months.
Free bike rental programs: Several state parks offer complementary bicycle use. "Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers," mentions Lisa B. about Cape Henlopen. These programs typically operate on a first-come basis with time limits ranging from 2-4 hours per rental, allowing campers to explore extensive trail systems without bringing their own equipment.
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early," warns Chris G. about Cape Henlopen State Park. For summer camping, reservations should be made 6-9 months in advance for weekend stays.
Site spacing varies significantly: Redden State Forest Campground offers more spacious sites compared to beach-area campgrounds. "Secluded. Spacious sites. Firewood available. No facilities. Quiet," notes Fern B. Meanwhile, at busier campgrounds, "Sites are close together" and sometimes "not level" according to multiple reviewers.
Limited tent-only options: Many resort-style campgrounds cater primarily to RVs. "Doesn't allow tent camping," states Dannielle L. about Treasure Beach RV Park. For dedicated tent camping near Bethany Beach, Delaware, look to state parks like Trap Pond, which offers eight designated tent sites plus a unique island site accessible by boat.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities beyond the ocean: Sun Outdoors Ocean City offers multiple water options for families. "They have a beach on site (soundfront) and a dog beach area as well," notes April L. These protected bay swimming areas provide calmer waters than ocean beaches, making them safer for young children.
Look for kids' entertainment programs: Scheduled activities keep children engaged throughout the day. "The camp store has everything you could want and more... It was fun paddle boarding on the calm water," shares Erika S. Many campgrounds offer structured activities like tie-dye workshops, nature programs, and evening entertainment specifically designed for families.
Yurt camping availability: For families wanting to try yurt camping near Bethany Beach, Delaware without investing in equipment, several options exist. "They have a small beach where they have bands playing on the weekends. Two nice pools, one for adults. Jumping pillow, water balloons and a nice playground for kids," describes Tammy K. Yurts typically include beds, electricity, and sometimes climate control.
Tips from RVers
Site length accuracy matters: Check actual site measurements when booking. "If you have a trailer, make sure that you input your trailer length to find a site that fits as they vary," advises Stu T. Most campgrounds in the region have maximum RV lengths of 35-40 feet, though some premium sites accommodate larger rigs.
Consider site surface: Different campgrounds offer varying site surfaces. "Sites are all a good size and even though the campsite is usually always packed, everyone is super friendly and respectful of each other," reports Amanda R. Concrete pads provide the most stable setup but may cost more than gravel or grass sites, which can become problematic during heavy rains.
Bathroom facility access: Campgrounds vary widely in bathroom accessibility. "The newly built bathhouses are great! They're always clean and I've yet to not get a hot shower, even though they get used a lot," notes Amanda R. Some campgrounds close facilities for regular cleaning, so check schedules to avoid inconvenience.
