S
Steven W.
Traveler
TravelerCape Henlopen State Park Campground
Tight spaces
Nice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
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 (105)
1. Lums Pond State Park Campground
52 ReviewsKirkwood, DE19 milesWebsite+1 (302) 368-6989$22 - $40 / 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 ReviewsPerryville, MD24 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsTownsend, DE7 milesWebsite+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
22 ReviewsFelton, DE22 milesWebsite+1 (302) 284-4526$22 - $89 / 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 ReviewsRidgely, MD28 milesWebsite+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. "
8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
10 ReviewsElmer, NJ24 milesWebsite+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."
9. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
69 ReviewsLewes, DE45 milesWebsite+1 (302) 645-2103$30 - $99 / 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."
10. Martinak State Park Campground
24 ReviewsDenton, MD32 milesWebsite+1 (888) 432-2267$18 - $77 / night
"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
"Just off highway, nice wooded area, access to a good boat ramp."
Recent Camping Photos near Smyrna, DE
207 Photos of 105 Smyrna Campgrounds
Andrea H.
Huck and Buck Farm
Emily M.
Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE
Barbara W.
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Laure D.
Killens Pond State Park Campground
Maggie A.
Elk Neck State Park Campground
Debbie W.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
Michael W.
Woodlands Camping Resort
William C.
G & R Campground
Adam and Suzanne B.
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
William W.
Parvin State Park Campground
Aliceon W.
Adventures Await Retreat
Paul Q.
Four Seasons Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Smyrna, DE
695 Reviews of 105 Smyrna Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendLums Pond State Park Campground
Clean, big-rig friendly, large sites.
Overall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
Matt S.LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
- SShannon D.
ScoutLums Pond State Park Campground
Lums Pond
Bathrooms are clean and staff is nice
- John D.
GuideBeachcomber Camping Resort
Beachcomber RV Resort
Website says RV Resort and cabins. Turns out 75%+/- of camping area is made up of Tiny Homes, owned by people, and some for rent, plus cabins.
In fairness, this isn't our type of camping. Many RV's were season with no one there. Thursday was dead, but Friday campers came in for Mother's Day weekend. We went to the bathhouse only to find out it was closed (seasonal). So a nice easy walk to do laundry turned into a lengthy walk or drive. Made no sense. Then on Friday, I was outside reading a book and an employee rolled into our site on a riding mower kicking up dirt all over me and into the trailer, with rocks kicked up into the picnic table. Lucky, no broken windows. Lippert no longer makes the window, so they would have been buying five (5) ones
This is a great place for families with young children. Just not our cup of tea
CarmenScoutAdventures Await Retreat
Nice, Quiet Campground but Ongoing Electrical Issues and No Resolution
We stayed at this campground for approximately one month and paid full price with the expectation of reliable utilities and access to advertised amenities. The property itself is nice and quiet, which we appreciated, but unfortunately that did not outweigh the issues we experienced.
During our stay, we had ongoing electrical problems at our site. Our air conditioner would not function properly, and we were unable to use it for essentially the entire month, including during several hot days. Our hot water heater also could not reliably run on electric, which forced us to operate it on propane and refill our tanks twice at our own expense.
In addition to the electrical issues, the water quality was also a concern. The water from the faucet would often come out brown and murky for a period of time when first turned on, and at times even after it had been running.
Our site also did not include basic amenities such as a fire ring or picnic table, which are typically expected and commonly included with full-price sites.
At one point, the entire campground lost power. Despite that, we were told our pedestal had been tested and was functioning properly, which was not possible given the campground-wide outage at the time.
After leaving and connecting to power at a different campground, all of our systems—including AC and hot water—worked immediately without issue. This confirmed the problem was not with our RV, but with the power supply at this campground.
Additionally, one of the listed amenities (the pool) was unavailable when we attempted to use it.
We brought these concerns to the owner and requested a reasonable refund or adjustment based on the lack of usable electrical service and the additional expenses we incurred. That request was refused.
We are sharing this so others are aware. If you rely on consistent electrical service, clean water, and standard site amenities, this is something to seriously consider before booking.
MBOLScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
- SSarah G.Guide
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Spacious, Well Maintained, and Top Notch
This campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
Ashley H.ScoutThousand Trails Lake & Shore
First time campers and we loved it here
The area was well maintained, lots for the kids to do, and everyone that worked there was so nice. Close to beaches and food. We’ll be back!
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?
What camping is available near Smyrna, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, Smyrna, DE offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Smyrna, DE and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Smyrna, DE?
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 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smyrna, DE?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Smyrna, DE?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Smyrna, DE.
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