Camping options near Townsend, Delaware feature predominantly wooded sites within 30 miles of town, with most campgrounds situated along waterways or state forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-70°F. Most campsites in this region have sandy or gravel surfaces, with varying degrees of sun exposure depending on the forest density.
What to do
Boating access: Elk Neck State Park offers multiple water-based activities with a boat ramp, swimming areas and fishing spots. A camper noted, "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups... There's a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it."
Trails for all abilities: The 20+ miles of hiking trails at Tuckahoe State Park Campground accommodate various outdoor activities. "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding," mentions one reviewer, while another adds, "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors. The state park has two playgrounds that are both open and trails to hike."
Wildlife observation: The forests around Blackbird State Forest Campground provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. While currently closed until further notice, one visitor remembered, "There are plenty of hiking trails in the state forest, complete with mushrooms, and deer-hunting-stands."
What campers like
Clean bathrooms: Lums Pond State Park Campground maintains high standards for facilities. A recent visitor commented, "Great bath houses, always super clean," while another said, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Level, well-maintained sites: Campsites are generally well-kept with good spacing at many locations. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, a camper found that "sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available."
Access to water activities: Many campers appreciate swimming and boating options. A Killens Pond visitor mentioned, "The water park is great and had something for everyone. The area for the younger kids has two small pools and various slides and water features. The larger pool has a lily pad obstacle course, a small slide and more water features."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular pet-friendly campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. One camper at Lums Pond advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!" while another noted, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond."
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on your needs and equipment size. A visitor to Susquehanna State Park Campground shared, "We stayed in site #3, it had a nice huge concrete pad and fire ring," while another warned about some areas: "Not all of the sites had paths to the bathhouse, and the path that they did have was also very rocky and covered in roots."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Some locations have minimal amenities. At Blackbird State Forest, a visitor noted, "There are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another. There is one water pump."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, select sites near play areas. At Tuckahoe, a family camper shared, "Small by some State Park standards, Tuckahoe offers two loops: a tent/cabin site, and an electric site for RVs. The sites are well maintained."
Water features for kids: Many children enjoy the water recreation options. At Killens Pond, "The pool and splash pad were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house."
Multiple activities: Look for campgrounds with diverse recreation options. Susquehanna State Park offers "Great hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing. They have a really nice playground for kids which is separate from the campground. You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear."
Tips from RVers
Site angle considerations: At Elk Neck, experienced RVers advise checking site details carefully: "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."
Hookup options: For pet-friendly camping near Townsend, Delaware, hookup availability varies by campground. A visitor to Lums Pond mentioned, "Sites are full hook up with about 5 tent sites. All are pretty much level. Close to shopping if needed."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds offer year-round accessibility. According to one late-season camper at Elk Neck, "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. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
