Redden State Forest Campground

8/15/2025

Arrived after dark to find that I had the campground to myself. As noted in other reviews, turn right as you drive past the office/house and let yourself in through the closed (but unlocked) gate. Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The restroom featured on the map is just a portalet, but there is plenty of overflow parking in that branch. Apparently you're not supposed to pull onto the gravel with your vehicle, just park parallel to the road alongside it. 

Another note about the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent so I didn't tent adjacent to the pad amidst the pine needles. I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites and probably would be ideal for tenting/staking (and in case you haven't guessed, I don't have a freestanding tent). The area is densely forested with pines and is quite pleasant in that regard.

We enjoyed staying at redden. There are 7 reservable sites which can be done online. We stayed in site three. The amenities were a little lacking. A pretty small very full out house was about all that is offered. Most all sites were shaded and level enough but could be better. Wood was cheaper then usual (5 dollars per bundle) and is located under a self serve honor system payment across from site 3.

The gate system was a little strange and what previous reviewers had written was helpful because everything is pretty much done as self check in with no one to really ask questions to. After going past the office you will take a right to get to a closed yellow gate which you will open and close behind you yourself. After going through the gate hang right at the Y and all the sites are down there. Be mindful if you have a big rig there is nowhere to turn around or hookups so plan accordingly when getting to your site.

Where this little area shines is in its proximity to Lewes and cape Henlopen. A small 25-35 minute drive gets you most places you would need minus the bustle of being in town.

This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed. I stayed in March, paid $28 per night. Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed. There is firewood, but it is not free. You pay for it on the “honors system”. Bring cash. There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a “leave no trace, carry in/carry out” facility. The campsites are well maintained, clean and for the most part, it’s quiet, some highway noise and noise from other campers, but still very nice. There is a ranger on duty who stopped by to say hello, a quick visit. Drive to your site, no check in. Redden State Forest is very beautiful and although you’re in the woods, still very close to shopping and gas stations in Georgetown. Beaches are about 30-40 minutes away, leave early to avoid traffic. Verizon 2-3 bars, consistently.