Camping cabins near Townsend, Delaware provide access to the region's coastal plains and forested areas with elevations generally below 100 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers where temperatures frequently reach the 90s and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most cabin rentals in the region require reservations at least two weeks in advance during peak summer months.
What to do
Water activities at Elk Neck State Park: The park offers multiple water-based recreation options including swimming at the beach along the North East River. According to one visitor, "In summer there is a beach on the North East River for swimming and the Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby. The town of North East is close and is a quaint town with a Main Street and great little shops."
Hiking at Tuckahoe State Park: With 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, this park provides ample outdoor exploration options. A camper noted, "Nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors." Another visitor mentioned the "small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full."
Fishing opportunities: Martinak State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with waterfront locations. One reviewer commented, "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports." The park also offers canoe rentals for exploring the waterways, with one visitor noting it's a "Great place to catch some good action fish."
Disc golf at Tuckahoe: Beyond hiking trails, Tuckahoe State Park features an archery range and disc golf course, providing unique recreational options not found at all state parks. According to a reviewer, "There isn't much to do in the park but it was an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the layout and spacing of sites at Susquehanna State Park Campground, with one reviewer commenting, "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped." Another noted, "Many of the sites were at the bottom of a hill though, so I'm not sure how that would do in a decent rain."
Clean, modern facilities: Parks like Elk Neck maintain high standards for their facilities. One reviewer praised, "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated." Another mentioned "Bathhouses were open with hot water. Nice clean bathhouses."
Family-friendly amenities: Killens Pond State Park Campground offers features specifically designed for families. "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," wrote one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabins provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. As one Susquehanna State Park visitor reported, "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron." Another camper at Tuckahoe mentioned, "If you look around the campground edges or follow the walking trail into the woods, you will find wonderful native plants like blueberry, viburnum, clethra, and meadow beauty."
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies: Not all cabin rental locations operate year-round. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, cabins are available from "March 31 to October 29," while Tuckahoe operates from "March 25 to November 27."
Amenities differ significantly: Cabin facilities vary widely between locations. At Killens Pond, a visitor noted, "No paper towels, soap or kitchen utensils. Everything is clean. Sandy soil and plenty of flying bugs." Another mentioned, "The cabins are tiny on the inside but that porch really provides very useful space."
Reservation requirements: Most locations require advance planning. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, a visitor warned, "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change."
Water quality concerns: Some locations have water issues. One camper at Parvin State Park reported, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When selecting a cabin site with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Parvin State Park Campground, "There is a playground within 50 feet so it is a bit louder and busier." Another visitor noted the "Great playground for the kids and plenty of park events to keep you busy."
Water park options: For summer visits, Killens Pond offers exceptional water recreation. "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. The larger pool has a lily pad obstacle course, a small slide and more water features," reported one visitor.
Ranger programs: Several parks offer educational activities. At Tuckahoe, "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program." Susquehanna visitors mentioned "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)."
Noise considerations: Some cabin locations provide more tranquility than others. A Martinak State Park visitor noted, "Small quiet campground," while another mentioned it's "peace and quiet" with good trails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Woodlands Camping Resort, "Only 4 50 amp spots, luckily we secured one. No sewer hookup, but there is a dump station in the seasonal/permanent section."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies between parks. Elk Neck offers "full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer)," while other parks may have more limited options.
Accessibility challenges: Some parks have difficult terrain for larger RVs. One visitor to Tuckahoe warned, "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. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue."
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note when facilities close. At Elk Neck, a winter visitor was pleased to find "the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water." Another mentioned sites were "level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available."
