Welcome to the first state, where small size means big adventure! Delaware may be the second smallest state in the US, but it’s home to some of the most charming state parks on the east coast.
You’ll find tons of variety in this state’s parkland, ranging from the lush forests of Cape Henlopen to the sandy beaches of Delaware Seashore.
The history buffs will find plenty to get excited about here, too! Don’t miss Fort Delaware and Wilmington State Park for a peek into our nation’s past.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet picnic spot, a challenging hike, or a chance to soak up some history, there’s a spot on the map for you here.
Printable Delaware State Parks Map
Alapocas Run
Nestled in Wilmington, Delaware, Alapocas Run State Park is a hidden treasure that has something for everyone.
With its 415-acre area, this park is open year-round and was originally created by William Poole Bancroft as open space parkland.
Alapocas Run State Park boasts a rock climbing wall that’s part of an old quarry, which is also used for educational programs on earth sciences.
The east park, divided by U.S. Route 202, is reserved for active recreational activities and includes three athletic fields, the Can-Do Playground, and a pavilion with outdoor grills.
The western portion is designed for passive recreation and features over two miles of hiking and biking trails, including the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, which links to other northern Delaware sites.
Don’t miss the Alapocas Woods Trail, where you can see the park’s mature pawpaw trees. Alapocas Run State Park is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Auburn Valley
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Nestled in the beautiful town of Yorklyn, Delaware, Auburn Valley State Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Covering an expansive 360 acres of land, this state park is a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors.
Visitors can enjoy miles of picturesque walking and biking trails, including a 1.2-mile paved loop that takes you through the heart of the park.
Auburn Valley State Park is also home to the world’s largest collection of operational steam cars, as well as a miniature coal-powered train that runs on tracks encircling the estate.
For those who appreciate history, the park features the Auburn Mills Historic District, which includes the mansion, mills, and steam museum, all of which were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
With so much to see and do, Auburn Valley State Park is a true gem in the heart of Delaware.
Bellevue
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If you’re looking for a picturesque state park near Wilmington, Delaware, Bellevue State Park is a great option.
With over 300 acres of lush greenery, this park has plenty of space for outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, and fishing.
History buffs will also enjoy exploring the grounds, which include the impressive Bellevue Hall mansion, built by the du Pont family.
Other historic structures, like the Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church and Parsonage, are also located within the park’s boundaries.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or an exciting spot to explore, Bellevue State Park is an excellent choice in Delaware.
Brandywine Creek
Brandywine Creek State Park is a nature lover’s paradise located just a few miles north of Wilmington, Delaware.
With over 900 acres of land, the park offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the year.
This beautiful park was once part of the Du Pont family estate and dairy farm, and it features the first two nature preserves in Delaware – Tulip Tree Woods and Freshwater Marsh.
The park’s forests are part of the Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion and are home to a variety of species, including rare songbirds and an old-growth forest. Anglers will love the large population of bass in Brandywine Creek and the trout in Wilson’s Run.
The park also offers 14 miles of trails, including the Rocky Run Trail and Greenway Trail, and is conveniently located near several other state parks such as White Clay Creek State Park, Wilmington State Park, and Bellevue State Park.
Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen State Park is a wonderful spot in Delaware. With over 5,000 acres of land, visitors can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and even surfing.
History buffs will be pleased to know that this was one of the first public lands established in the United States by William Penn in 1682.
The park boasts a 24-hour fishing pier that is open year-round and is the perfect place to catch some fish. The Atlantic Ocean beach is a great destination to relax in the sun or go for a swim.
For those who prefer to be more active, the park has walking and bicycle paths, as well as a disc golf course. The park is also part of Delaware’s Coastal Heritage Greenway, making it beautifully attractive for anyone exploring the area.
Delaware Seashore
Delaware Seashore State Park is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the beaches of the Delaware coast.
With 6 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Bay, and Indian River Bay, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
The park has two ocean swimming areas, both with bathhouses that offer showers and changing rooms, concession stands, and rental options for umbrellas, chairs, and rafts.
Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. In addition to beach activities, the park also offers fishing and boating opportunities, with surf fishing along the ocean and angling at Indian River Inlet.
The park even has several dune crossings that allow four-wheel vehicles to access the beach for surf fishing. For those who prefer to stay on land, the park has a nature trail on Burton’s Island that offers stunning views of salt marshes and bay islands.
The park also has picnic pavilions and a boat launch, making it an excellent spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island State Park in Delaware is a beloved destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park offers visitors a chance to experience both the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, with two different coastlines to explore.
The beach at the ocean is perfect for swimming, surfing, and surf fishing, and is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months.
The modern bathhouse offers showers, changing rooms, a gift shop, and food concessions, making it easy to spend the whole day enjoying the beach.
The park also offers bay access for recreational crabbing, clamming, sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking, with visitors able to rent various types of watercraft and receive sailing lessons from an outfitter across the bay at the Assawoman Wildlife Area.
Fenwick Island State Park is largely undeveloped in comparison to the surrounding beach communities, making it a peaceful escape for those looking to get away from the crowds.
First State Heritage
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First State Heritage Park is a unique urban park that connects historic and cultural sites in Dover, Delaware.
The park is a collaborative effort between state and city agencies, and it showcases Delaware’s role as the first state to ratify the United States Constitution.
The park is open year-round, with special tours offered on the first Saturday of each month.
Visitors can explore a variety of historic buildings, including the Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum, and the Delaware Public Archives.
Additionally, the park offers educational programs and events, such as historical reenactments, concerts, and festivals.
With its diverse range of attractions, First State Heritage Park is a remarkable destination for anyone interested in Delaware’s rich history and culture.
Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware State Park is a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Located on Pea Patch Island in New Castle County, Delaware, this 288-acre state park boasts a storied history dating back to the War of 1812. After being used as a fortress, Fort Delaware was converted into a Prisoner of War camp during the Civil War.
Today, visitors can step back in time and experience what life was like for prisoners and soldiers at the fort.
In addition to its historical significance, Fort Delaware State Park also offers beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities such as picnicking and hiking.
Visitors can access the park via ferry from Delaware City or Fort Mott State Park in New Jersey and are granted access to Fort Mott State Park as well. Don’t miss out on this unique Delaware state park!
Fort DuPont
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Fort DuPont State Park is a marvelous site for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
The park, located in Delaware City, Delaware, offers visitors the chance to explore the history of the fort and the natural beauty of the Delaware River and Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
The fort was an important military base from the Civil War through World War II and was part of a three-fort defense system along with Fort Delaware and Fort Mott.
Visitors to the park can take a self-guided tour of the fort and its various structures, including gun batteries and ammunition bunkers. The park also offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities.
The sandy beach along the river is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Fort DuPont State Park is a great place to spend a day exploring history and enjoying the outdoors.
Fox Point
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Fox Point State Park, located in New Castle County, Delaware, is a beautiful state park on 108 acres along the Delaware River.
What makes this park special is that it was built atop a former hazardous waste site that was rehabilitated under an adaptive reuse program. Thanks to S. Marston Fox and the Fox Point Civic Association, the park has been a popular recreational spot since it opened in 1995.
Visitors can enjoy biking and pedestrian trails, picnic facilities, a playground, and volleyball and horseshoe facilities. With its location along the Delaware River, visitors can enjoy scenic vistas and a view of the working river.
Fox Point State Park is also located on the Atlantic Flyway, so visitors can see a wide variety of migrating birds. The park is open year-round from 8:00 am until sunset and is conveniently located just off Interstate 495.
Holts Landing
If you’re looking for a state park in Delaware that offers plenty of recreational activities, Holts Landing State Park should certainly be on your list.
The park is located on the southern shore of Indian River Bay and boasts 2,000 feet of shoreline, making it the perfect spot for fishing and crabbing.
In fact, the park has the only pier on the east coast of Delaware that’s specifically built for crabbing. The pier is also open for fishing and provides easy access to sea trout, flounder, bluefish, and perch.
Visitors can also wade into the bay’s shallow waters to harvest clams. Additionally, the park has a concrete boat ramp that provides the only public access on the south shore of Indian River Bay between Millsboro and the Indian River Inlet, making it a popular spot for recreational boaters and fishermen.
Killens Pond
Killens Pond State Park is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation.
The picturesque park is centered around a stunning 66-acre pond, where visitors can go boating, fishing or take a leisurely stroll around the water’s edge. The park also offers a range of activities for families, including playgrounds and picnic areas.
For those who want to delve deeper into the natural beauty of the park, the nature center is fascinating.
The park’s year-round campgrounds are ideal for those who want to stay close to nature, while the water park offers a refreshing way to cool off during the hot summer months.
Whatever your interests, Killens Pond State Park has something for everyone.
Lums Pond
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Lums Pond State Park is an impressive location for outdoor enthusiasts in Delaware. With 1,790 acres of land, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The park is centered around Lums Pond, which is open for boating and fishing. Visitors can rent rowboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and pedalos to explore the pond.
If camping is more your style, Lums Pond State Park has 62 campsites without electricity, six sites with electricity, two yurts, and four sites with stabling facilities for horses.
The Whale Wallow Nature Center is also available seasonally. For those who love hiking and cross-country skiing, there are plenty of trails to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, there is a trail that’s perfect for you.
So pack a picnic, grab your fishing rod or hiking boots, and spend a day enjoying the great outdoors at Lums Pond State Park.
Trap Pond
Welcome to Trap Pond State Park, a stunning 3,653-acre state park located near Laurel, Delaware!
The park boasts one of the largest surviving wetland areas in southwestern Sussex County, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts.
Its most prominent feature is an impressive patch of bald cypress trees that lend the park a serene and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can also rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats from the concessioner and enjoy the partly sheltered waters of Trap Pond.
Fishing enthusiasts will find a variety of panfish such as crappie and bluegill, along with bass and pickerel.
The Bald Cypress Nature Center provides an excellent opportunity to explore the natural history of the area with displays of reptiles, fish, and amphibians found in Trap Pond.
Camping is also available, with 142 campsites that include water and electric hookups, primitive tent sites, yurts, and camping cabins.
Unfortunately, the swimming beach is no longer available, but the park still offers a range of activities that make it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
White Clay Creek
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White Clay Creek State Park is a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts located in New Castle County, Delaware.
The park spans over 3,647 acres of lush forestland with 37 miles of nature and fitness trails that are perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can enjoy year-round access to the trails with access to various seasonal day-use fee parking lots.
The park also has historic structures that have been preserved and a nature center that offers an interactive experience for visitors to learn about the natural environment.
Additionally, the park’s namesake, White Clay Creek, is federally protected as part of the National Park Service’s National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, making it a unique and significant feature of the park.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to get in touch with nature, White Clay Creek State Park is certainly worth exploring.
Wilmington
Wilmington State Parks in Delaware is a must-visit destination for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
This state park encompasses approximately 345 acres of land and is primarily situated along the scenic Brandywine Creek. Although the land is owned by the city of Wilmington, it is managed and maintained by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation.
The park features several smaller parks, each with its unique attractions, including numerous statues, monuments, and memorials.
The park is home to war memorials, statues of historically significant Wilmingtonians, and a parade ground where George Washington once reviewed his troops during the Revolutionary War.
Best of all, admission to this park is free, except for the zoo. Whether you want to explore history or nature, Wilmington State Parks is an excellent destination.
