Located a short drive from Delaware Bay, Dover is ideally positioned for campers wanting to explore both forest and coastal environments. The camping season typically runs April through October, with July temperatures averaging 85-90°F. Interior campgrounds near Dover offer quieter alternatives to the more popular beach destinations during summer weekends.
What to do
Kayaking on Tuckahoe Creek: Martinak State Park's water access provides excellent paddling opportunities. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground."
Fishing at multiple locations: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers stocked waters and gear rentals. "You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear," writes one camper. Another mentions, "There is a kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short."
History exploration: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground features military historical sites from WWII. A visitor explains, "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views."
Hiking forest trails: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers wooded trail systems. One camper observed, "The woods are full of nature and diverse species. We counted over 17 different species of fungi in a 25 foot stretch!"
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground earns praise for its infrastructure. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks offer bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Martinak State Park shared, "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."
Spacious, private sites: Blackbird State Forest receives compliments for site layout: "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Killens Pond State Park Campground provides dedicated children's facilities. "My son absolutely loved this place. There's anything and everything you could think of available to keep everyone busy. A water park, volley ball field, playgrounds, amphitheater, nature center, nature trails, and boat rentals at the lake," writes one parent.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some parks require advance planning, especially for summer. A Lums Pond visitor advises, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Military base access restrictions: Dover AFB Famcamp has specific entry requirements. "This campground is on Dover Air Force Base so you must be able to access the base with a Department of Defense identification card," explains one reviewer.
Site sizes and layouts differ significantly: Some campgrounds have size limitations. At Tuckahoe State Park, one camper warns, "I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites. We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small."
Seasonal facility closures: Water systems often shut down in winter. At Elk Neck State Park, a late-season camper mentioned, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for different ages: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive water features. "Splash pad was nice, I enjoyed that more so than the pool. My son absolutely loved this place," writes a parent. Another adds, "The pool area was closed but looks very nice. Cabins look very nice, one of the best camping cabin options I've seen."
Nature centers with interactive exhibits: Several parks offer educational opportunities. At Cape Henlopen, a camper notes, "There is a fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff. Free bike rentals are available, some with baby seats and trailers."
Book cabins for easier family trips: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort. A Martinak State Park visitor shared, "We stayed one night in a small cabin. It was cosy and warm on a cold night for fall. The cabins are clean and tidy and the campground is well run."
Playground proximity considerations: When booking, check proximity to play areas. One Killens Pond camper explained, "This site and the one next to it are the closest to the port-a-potties. This site is also the closest to the playground. You can't hear the kids on the playground, but it's close enough to be able to send them in a group and call for them."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lums Pond, experienced campers advise checking site details. "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Full hookup availability varies: Not all dover delaware campgrounds offer sewer connections. Tuckahoe State Park has "sites with electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both."
Dump station locations: Most state parks provide dump stations even without full hookups. At Martinak, "Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a dump station available. Sites are level, in a loop around the bath house."
Off-season advantages: Shoulder seasons provide better availability for larger rigs. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early."
