Campgrounds near Lewes, Delaware range from primitive sites to full-service facilities across inland forest and coastal landscapes. The region averages 45 inches of annual rainfall with summer humidity levels frequently exceeding 80%. Most camping areas sit at elevations below 50 feet above sea level, with minimal terrain variation throughout the coastal plain where Lewes is located.
What to do
Water recreation beyond beaches: Cape Henlopen State Park Campground offers bay access for kayaking and fishing in addition to beach activities. "You can walk into the water for what seems like miles and it only gets up to your shins. There is bay access for kayaking and fishing," notes one camper.
Off-season adventures: Visit during shoulder seasons for a quieter experience with more wildlife viewing. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet," shares a camper about Cape Henlopen.
Historical exploration: The region contains numerous military historical sites from World War II. "Because it used to be a fort, there are 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," according to a visitor to Cape Henlopen.
Nature center activities: Trap Pond State Park Campground offers educational programs at their nature center. "Has a Nature Center, very nice campground and clean bath houses. Has events for children for Easter and at the Nature Center," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Less crowded beaches: Accessing quieter beach areas away from main facilities. A Cape Henlopen camper notes, "There are nice play facilities for kids, loads of water and beach access. Great fishing, with a large open pier complete with well stocked, well informed and reasonably priced tackle shop on the pier."
Free equipment rentals: Some parks provide complimentary recreational equipment. At Trap Pond, "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)."
Shaded sites: Tall Pine Campground offers wooded camping spots for summer heat relief. "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," explains a camper about their experience.
Year-round availability: Unlike some seasonal campgrounds, certain facilities remain open throughout winter. As one winter camper at Trap Pond describes, "This place has been great to us. Even though we are tent camping in the middle of winter we have still made it work. It has great warm bathrooms that are very clean and sanitary."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, "There are two units to this state park campground - one north of the Charles W. Cullen Memorial Bridge and one on the south side. The south side has over 300 campsites, some with hookups and some without."
Seasonal impacts: Campgrounds near Delaware beaches have dramatically different experiences depending on timing. "We were there on a Monday the week after Memorial Day and while the sites with the hookups were completely full, there were plenty of empty non-hookup sites."
Noise factors: Bridge traffic can affect certain camping areas. At Delaware Seashore, "It's right next to a bridge- which is beautiful at night- but we didn't hear the traffic as much as I expected. Tent sites were closer to the bridge, though, so I'm not sure how noisy they were."
Weather preparedness: Coastal camping requires preparation for sudden changes. "The winds were nuts and over 50mph. We switched sites to spare our slide side, so caution to look at windy before going," warns a Delaware Seashore camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach alternatives: Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay provides water activities without ocean waves. "The location cannot be beat. Lots of kids activities and the kids love the night swimming while adults can sit at the swim up bar," notes a visitor.
Educational activities: Look for campgrounds with nature centers and historical features. A visitor to Cape Henlopen shares, "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."
Playground access: Select sites near recreational facilities for easier supervision. "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)," recommends a Trap Pond camper.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. At Sun Outdoors Cape May, "We've stayed here 2 years in a row. We returned due to all the activities the campground offers for the kids. A nice lake with a giant inflatable slide, floating trampoline, kayak and paddle board rentals."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify actual measurements before booking. A Cape Henlopen visitor warns, "This is a VERY busy campground. Rigs in and out daily and nearly always full. None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together. The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is."
Leveling challenges: Come prepared with leveling equipment for coastal sites. At Trap Pond, "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers."
Beach shuttle services: Some campgrounds offer transportation to beaches. "Being able to stay in a peaceful campground with beautiful views and still be able to drive to the boardwalk and ocean beaches," is what one camper appreciated about Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay.
