The Delaware coastline near Fenwick Island accommodates a range of camping experiences, from waterfront state parks to full-service RV resorts with cabin options. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with beach access approximately 7 miles north of Fenwick Island along Route 1. Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground in Selbyville provides tent, RV, and cabin camping within 2 miles of Fenwick Island beaches. Cape Henlopen and Trap Pond State Parks represent additional developed options within 30 minutes of the coast, with both offering water activities and mixed-use campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations strongly influence camping opportunities in this coastal region. Most campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, with limited year-round options. Delaware Seashore State Park can experience significant flooding after rainstorms. "The attendant let us move to a recently vacated site that was less wet. The space was large enough for my car, our tent, a canopy and more," noted one visitor about managing weather impacts. Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends and holidays when beaches draw substantial crowds. Campgrounds near the ocean often have exposed sites with minimal shade, while inland locations like Trap Pond offer more tree cover. Sites at oceanfront campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with water and electric hookups during peak summer months.
Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Fenwick Island region. Campers highlight the convenience of beach proximity, with many campgrounds offering direct water access or short walks to swimming areas. One camper mentioned, "We fell in love with how close of a walk it is to the beach. Very clean site, and bathhouse facilities." Family-friendly amenities feature prominently in reviews, with multiple campgrounds offering pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. The campgrounds near Fenwick Island generally maintain well-kept facilities with clean restrooms and showers. While some camping areas like Delaware Seashore State Park offer more natural settings, others such as Treasure Beach provide resort-style camping with entertainment options including beach concerts and recreational facilities, creating varied experiences depending on visitor preferences.
$42 - $425 / night
"The sites are close together and pretty wide open, but this isn't unusual this close to the beach. Literally a couple hundred yards walk to tje beach."
"Park Name-Delaware Seashore State Park Date of Stay-June 2018
Site-237
This is one of favorite local parks!"
$28 - $39 / night
"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"There is an outdoor shower and sink as well as several paths to the beach. The beach is beautiful and clean."
$65 - $350 / night
"An awesome campground located on the east coast near Ocean City, MD and the Atlantic Ocean. This was our first visit to Castaways. Lots to do and loads of fun. We love it!"
"The location is amazing. You are a stones throw away from the boardwalk at Ocean City Maryland. The resort is very nice."
"Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
"Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"
"It’s also close to the other ocean beaches. The only downsides are sites are very close together and its a very expensive about double the cost of other near by non-waterfront campgrounds."
"** Located on Rehoboth Bay, this resort was a great place to spend a long holiday weekend. Our paved site was just a few steps to a private beach which was really nice and clean."
$42 - $136 / 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."
$40 / night
"The sites are close to bathrooms (I believe the national side has pit latrines). There are also showers, albeit cold. The sites are a decent size but be advised, they are completely sandy."
"We camped in the walk-in sites toward the end (south side) of the ocean side sites. You park along side the road and walk on a boardwalk to your site."
"We backed onto red beard lake so we felt more isolated than some of the other sites (but also didn't have any shade).we enjoyed fishing in the stocked lake, caught some bass and large brim."
"Our 4th of July family camping trip at Treasure Beach RV Park in Fenwick Island, DE was outstanding."
$22 - $56 / night
"This is Delaware which is flat land. The one issue with most every site are the trees. Most every site has a tree to watch out for."
"From well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely."
"It’s a close distance to Salisbury (20 mins), ocean city (20 mins) and assateague (20 mins). Also close to Delaware for someone looking to explore there."
"Each tent site is far enough away from the other that you feel spread out and private. This is definitely a place I recommend to friends and family."
TravelerRight off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
TravelerNice 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
LegendIf you want to be close to the water, this is a great place to camp. There are lots of amenities and various ways to “camp” at this resort. In addition to full hook-up RV sites, there are cottages and glamping tents. Some cottages have a cool rooftop deck with furniture which would be a great place to watch the sunset.
This campground is in a nice location for exploring the area, but a bit pricey. It might be worth it if you use the amenities, but we did as we spent more time offsite. Since this campground is new, some sites look pretty rustic and it would be nice if there was more grass. Overall, we found the sites to be pretty close together. If you want to pay more, you can get a waterfront site or one with a paved patio and table and chairs, otherwise, you get a picnic table on a gravel pad. All utilities worked well and we were glad we had 50 amp since there was an unseasonable hot spell. The park is big-rig friendly and getting in and out was easy and not low hanging branches to avoid.
Some of the amenities include a food truck(not open when we were there), playground, pickleball courts, camp store, and more. There is a nice pool with a large deck but since we were early in the season it was not open. Along the water is a nice boardwalk and there is a long pier for fishing or to tie up your boat. (We took advantage of the free fishing. Saltwater anglers in VA can fish for free if you register for the Fisherman Identification Program, no license required.) If you have a large group gathering there is a large pavilion with charcoal grills and picnic tables open to campers for free.
The reason we came to the area was to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see the wild ponies. The refuge is fifteen minutes away and definitely worth it. Stop in at the visitor center to browse the exhibits before setting out to see the ponies. There is a nice viewing deck off the Woodland Trail that is a great place to see the ponies. Also stop at the Assateague Lighthouse to see the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. One more stop to make is at the Island Creamery (voted one of the 50 best places to eat in Virginia).
GuideThis is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼♀️
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
TravelerWe had a nice visit. Sun is in the process of fixing the place up. The swim up bar was being restored. My only negative was the site two places up played there stereo live music loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM. They did get called out for it by management.
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
TravelerTrap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
GuideWebsite 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
Fenwick Island camping spots range from wooded inland sites to beachfront options across a 30-mile radius. Delaware state parks and private campgrounds operate in this coastal region where the mainland elevation averages just 10-30 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 65-75°F with reduced crowds.
Kayak through bald cypress trees: Trap Pond State Park, located 30 miles from Fenwick Island, offers a unique paddling experience through North America's northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees. "We stayed for one night but would definitely consider returning at a time when we could rent a boat to be able to see the Cypress trees up close," mentions one visitor to Trap Pond State Park Campground.
Explore military history: Cape Henlopen State Park preserves historic WWII military installations. "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. 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 and photo opportunities," notes a camper at Cape Henlopen.
Experience the Wild West: At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, just 15 minutes from Fenwick beaches, families enjoy themed entertainment. "They have western old time plays, skits, and activities. The ability to rent golf carts is a super cool bonus especially to get the surroundings," shares a visitor to Sun Outdoors Frontier Town.
Private beach access: Several campgrounds near Fenwick Island offer direct water access. At Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, "They have a beautiful heated pool, waterfront tiki bar, on site store and restaurant, kayak and golf cart rental and they seem to be adding more every year!" according to one camper.
Wildlife encounters: Assateague Island National Seashore provides opportunities to camp near wild horses. "We camped in the Oceanside loop B. Right on the beach, but big dunes between sites and the ocean. Wild horses meandering through daily," reports a visitor to Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground.
Outdoor recreation options: Campgrounds offer various activities beyond beach access. "They have a small beach where they have bands playing on the weekends. Two nice pools, one for adults. Jumping pillow, water balloons and a nice playground for kids," notes a camper about Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground.
Shoulder season advantages: Most coastal campgrounds operate April through October, but visiting in spring or fall offers better availability. "We visited off season (early April) and absolutely loved it. The location was great and the beaches are quiet. I hear it gets packed and I see that it's hard to book if you don't book early," shares a camper at Cape Henlopen State Park Campground.
Bug preparation: Insects can be problematic, especially in marshier locations. "It's beautiful here, horses are cool, beach is great, but the bugs stink! Bring some deet it's the only thing that works!" warns a visitor to Assateague Island.
Wildlife precautions: Campers should secure food items, especially at sites with wild horses. "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers," advises an Assateague Island camper.
Free transportation services: Some campgrounds provide shuttles to beaches and attractions. "They have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to assateaque island, frontier town, and ocean city," notes a visitor to Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway.
Site selection for noise concerns: Position your site away from common areas for quieter evenings. "The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is. Lots of kids. If you want quiet stay to the ends of the rows. E and F are quieter too," recommends a Cape Henlopen visitor.
Recreational equipment access: Many campgrounds provide free or low-cost recreational equipment. "The main pavilion has rentals for recreational equipment at no extra cost (hula hoops, balls, etc.)," mentions a camper at Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this coastal region have uneven sites. "Sites 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," notes a visitor to Trap Pond State Park.
Waterfront site considerations: Waterfront RV sites offer scenic views but often have exposure issues. At Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, "Sites were very well marked. Friendly staff. Beautiful views. Ocean was a short 5 minute walk from our campsite. Sites were a bit tight; I believe online it says they're 45x30 but I find that hard to believe. Our trailer is almost 38 feet and we only had a little room left over."
Off-peak value: RV sites are more spacious and peaceful during weekdays and shoulder seasons. "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," reports a Delaware Seashore visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available at Fenwick Island?
Fenwick Island offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences. Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground is a large RV resort with facilities for RVs, campers, and tents. The campground features activities for families with young children and backs onto Red Beard Lake. A short drive away, Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway provides clean, organized facilities with amenities like a camp store and mini-golf. For those seeking a more natural setting, several state parks in the vicinity offer camping experiences with fewer amenities but more natural surroundings.
Where are the campgrounds near Fenwick Island, Delaware?
There are several campgrounds near Fenwick Island, Delaware. Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground is located right in Fenwick Island and offers large sites for RVs. Delaware Seashore State Park Campground is a short drive north, offering camping on both sides of Indian River inlet with easy beach access. For additional options within driving distance, consider Holly Lake Campsites and Assateague State Park Campground, both offering unique coastal camping experiences.
Can you camp at Fenwick Island State Park?
No, Fenwick Island State Park does not offer camping facilities. For beachside camping near Fenwick Island, the closest option is Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, located a short drive north. This state park offers camping on both sides of Indian River inlet with easy beach access. The south campground is better suited for tent camping, while the north side is more RV-oriented. Another nearby alternative is Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, which provides camping facilities in a coastal environment.
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