Best Campgrounds near Smyrna, DE

Camping options near Smyrna, Delaware include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Blackbird State Forest Campground, located directly in Smyrna, provides primitive camping with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though it is currently closed until further notice. Lums Pond State Park Campground in nearby Bear features more developed facilities with full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities, making it suitable for both tent and RV camping. Delaware state parks dominate the camping landscape in this region, with Killens Pond State Park to the south offering year-round camping with electric hookups and cabin options.

Access to campgrounds in the Smyrna area varies by season, with most state park facilities open year-round but experiencing higher demand during summer months. Many campsites require advance reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The terrain throughout the region is generally flat with sandy or clay soil that can become muddy after rainfall. Cell service is typically reliable at most established campgrounds, though coverage may vary in more remote areas. Facilities at state parks are generally well-maintained, with most offering clean bathhouses and hookups for RVs. According to one visitor at Killens Pond State Park, "The park seemed nice but the campground was a clay, dirt, sand, silt surface with ravines from rain. I spent hours trying to get sand out of the camper days after my exit."

Campers frequently mention the spacious sites and natural surroundings as highlights of Delaware state parks near Smyrna. Lums Pond State Park receives positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities and proximity to hiking trails around the pond. One reviewer noted, "This was our first time here and it's only an hour from home. I was hopeful for another nice DE state park and I wasn't disappointed. All DE parks are nicely laid out. There were shaded spots and sunny spots." Water activities are popular at several nearby campgrounds, with Lums Pond offering fishing and boating opportunities. For military families, Dover Air Force Base Famcamp provides a convenient option with full hookups. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, with varying levels of electric and sewer hookups depending on the specific campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Smyrna, Delaware (102)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $27 - $45 / night

    "Great place to stay and check out “Lower, slower Delaware.”"

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    3. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / night

    "The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."

    "I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."

    4. Killens Pond State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Felton, DE
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 284-4526

    $27 - $103 / night

    "First time staying overnight at a campground in Delaware. The cabins are tiny on the inside but that porch really provides very useful space.
    No paper towels, soap or kitchen utensils."

    "Delaware seemed short on camping options and this one was probably top of the line 40 years ago. It's dated in every way, but it's in a good spot. Seemed to have some residents mixed in."

    5. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

    "It is less than 40 mins from Annapolis and close to DC and Baltimore.   Yet it is isolated and quiet.  There’s some great trails as well as walking between the camp loops and picnic areas.  "

    6. Canoein’ Sue’s

    2 Reviews
    Kennedyville, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 837-7977

    $42 - $52 / night

    7. Dover AFB Famcamp

    2 Reviews
    Little Creek, DE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 677-3959

    $8 - $20 / night

    8. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "Had a great weekend trip here, close to DC and Delaware. Wonderful hiking trails with river views. Only caveat- got pretty muddy since it rained the day before and our site didn’t have a tent pad."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    9. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

    10 Reviews
    Elmer, NJ
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."

    "I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."

    10. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Lewes, DE
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 645-2103

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Cape henlopen is one of five or six Delaware state parks that offer RV camping. Sites vary in size so make sure you check the details before you book."

    "My group was there, on two adjacent sites, from Sunday to Tuesday, in early June. The weather could not have been more ideal! We were on sites G12 and G13, which were both really large."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 102 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Smyrna, DE

679 Reviews of 102 Smyrna Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    King Nummy Trail Campground

    Nice campground

    This was a nice campground. There are a lot of long term campers but they've got sites for weekenders too. Very close to local shops and attractions. The pool was great. They have 2 on site with a shallower one and an 8ft. No real activities or events when we were there. Bathrooms very clean and located throughout

  • Scott K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Great Place

    Really enjoyed everything about this place. Kayaks. Camping. All of it. Clean and friendly.

  • Stu T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Cape Henlopen State Park Campground

    So Much To Do - Not Enough Time

    Spent one night here as we were in transit from a campground near the bottom of the Eastern Shore of Virginia to home (fortunate to get a spot that fit my camper) - spots are close together - full campground even in the middle of the week after school started- but quiet at night.  Almost a mile walk to the beach - great trails for bike riding.   Restrooms were clean!  If you have a trailer, make sure that you input your trailer length to find a site that fits as they vary.   Close to food.   Staff very friendly.   Tons of stuff to do - will return when we have more time.  If you want the experience of driving on the beach - go for it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Tiffany P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ocean View Resort Campground

    Lots of fun

    This place had a lot to do with kids! Lake, pool, ice cream, arcade, mini golf, mining station, activities. Does get very crowded and definitely have to book a head. We loved where our site was located. Will definitely be visiting again.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Redden State Forest Campground

    Secluded and improving

    8/15/2025

    Arrived after dark to find that I had the campground to myself. As noted in other reviews, turn right as you drive past the office/house and let yourself in through the closed (but unlocked) gate. Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The restroom featured on the map is just a portalet, but there is plenty of overflow parking in that branch. Apparently you're not supposed to pull onto the gravel with your vehicle, just park parallel to the road alongside it. 

    Another note about the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent so I didn't tent adjacent to the pad amidst the pine needles. I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites and probably would be ideal for tenting/staking (and in case you haven't guessed, I don't have a freestanding tent). The area is densely forested with pines and is quite pleasant in that regard.

  • C
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort

    Pros and cons

    We have been to this campground twice. First time everything was very clean and lots to do. The last time things had slipped a little bit. Campground was definitely not as clean. The first time there was staff riding around picking up garbage and keeping things neat. Last time it seemed like it was just a bunch of teenagers flying around on golf carts not doing much. Almost all the games were broken in the arcade. Plus a lot more seasonals. The seasonals also have a lot of political flags with profanities. Not very family friendly! Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may Cons broken equipment, kids racing golf carts all hours of the nights, lots of seasonals with over the top decorations, with flags with profanities and cleanliness slipping. We will try it again. Hopefully they were just having an off year.


Guide to Smyrna

Campsites near Smyrna, Delaware rest on flat terrain with sandy soil at elevations typically below 100 feet. Most camping locations in this area experience a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. Many campsites remain open year-round, though summer temperatures can reach the upper 80s with high humidity, making spring and fall particularly pleasant for tent camping.

What to do

Hiking trails around Lums Pond: The 7-mile hiking trail and 8-mile multi-purpose trail at Lums Pond State Park Campground offer extensive outdoor exploration. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," notes one visitor.

Fishing opportunities: Access to freshwater fishing is available at several parks within 30 miles of Smyrna. "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," shares a Lums Pond camper. At Tuckahoe State Park, the river provides additional fishing access.

Water activities: Paddling is popular at Tuckahoe State Park Campground, especially during warmer months. "You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear. If you stay on the tent side there is a kayak launch," explains one regular visitor. Most rental equipment is reasonably priced with kayaks and canoes available by the hour.

Historical exploration: History buffs can explore the working grist mill and historic buildings at Susquehanna State Park Campground. A visitor notes, "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat."

What campers like

Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Blackbird State Forest Campground despite its current closure. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" reports one visitor. Another adds, "The tent site was big with lots of choice locations for your tent. There is a lot of privacy between the tent sites because of the trees."

Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews across multiple parks. At Susquehanna State Park, a camper notes, "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated." Similarly, at Tuckahoe State Park, "The bathhouse is very clean."

Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds and activities for children. At Killens Pond State Park, one camper shares, "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."

Convenient access to water: Proximity to ponds, rivers, and lakes is a highlight for many campers. "The water park is great and had something for everyone. The area for the younger kids has two small pile and various slides and water features," notes a visitor to Killens Pond.

What you should know

Site selection matters: Choose carefully when booking campsites, as quality and layout vary significantly. At Killens Pond State Park Campground, "Sites are large and shaded. Bathrooms are basic showers are ok but hot water is limited at times." Another camper adds, "Some sites are very close together or are basically surrounded by other sites (Loop C and Loop E)."

Weather considerations: The sandy soil at many parks can create challenges during rainy periods. A visitor to Tuckahoe State Park noted, "Nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors."

Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a Lums Pond State Park visitor. Military families have an additional option with Dover AFB Famcamp, though access restrictions apply: "This campground is on Dover Air Force Base so you must be able to access the base with a Department of Defense identification card."

Off-season advantages: Visiting during shoulder seasons can provide a more peaceful experience. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet," shares a Cape Henlopen camper.

Tips for camping with families

Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds near Smyrna offer play facilities for children. At Susquehanna State Park, "Our site was A9 and it was covered by trees with very level dirt. 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."

Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or seeking more comfort, cabin rentals provide an alternative to tents. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, "We've stayed both on sites and in one of the really nice cabins. The cabins are great for families, but do not allow pets." Another camper notes about Killens Pond, "We stayed in one of the cabins for thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. They are cozy but very comfortable!"

Pack for sandy conditions: Many campsites in the area have sandy soil which can be challenging with children. "The sandy soil at many parks can create challenges during rainy periods," notes a frequent camper. Bringing extra tarps and footwear that can handle sandy conditions is recommended.

Check ranger programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities that appeal to children. "They had a few ranger-led events that night that I was able to partake in (a hay ride for a small fee, and a night hike that was free). They were both enjoyable," shares a visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site measurements are crucial: When booking, pay close attention to the dimensions listed for each site. An RVer at Cape Henlopen advises, "If you have a trailer, make sure that you input your trailer length to find a site that fits as they vary."

Hookup variations: Electric service varies between parks, with some offering 30-amp while others provide 50-amp connections. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, a visitor notes, "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."

Seasonal availability: Water hookups at some parks may be winterized during colder months. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November," shares an Elk Neck camper, highlighting the extended season availability.

Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling. "None of the sites are level," notes one Cape Henlopen camper, while another adds that their site at Elk Neck was "a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Smyrna, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, Smyrna, DE offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Smyrna, DE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Smyrna, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Smyrna, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smyrna, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Smyrna, DE.