Sleep under the stars, under a tree canopy, by the ocean, in the middle of a meadow, or even at a festival. There are tons of unique places to stay in Delaware! Tent camping can seem a little bit daunting for those who never have before, but if you have some blankets or a sleeping bag, a tent, and some food, you can spend the night with Mother Nature for a pretty reasonable price…maybe even free. If you’re looking for some options, here’s a sampling of some of the coolest places to camp in Delaware that we think you should check out.

1. Blackbird State Forest, Smyrna
Blackbird State Forest, 502 Blackbird Forest Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977, USA
Kathryn Boulson/AllTrails
Most people don't realize that you can camp in Blackbird State Forest. The five primitive sites are first-come, first-served. There are miles and miles of trails, including a paved nature trail. Bring your fishing pole for catch-and-release fishing in the pond.
2. Delaware Seashore State Park, Indian River Inlet
Delaware Seashore State Park/GoogleMaps
Wide open spaces and water surround camping sites at Del Seashore. The campsites are for anything from tents to RVs. The campground is popular with beachgoers and those who want to go fishing. And if you burn your dinner over the campfire, walk over to Hammerheads Dockside for a bite to eat (and maybe a tropical beverage too).
3. The Resort at Massey's Landing, near Longneck
Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay/GoogleMaps
The Resort at Massey's Landing is a luxury campground that offers the gorgeous promise of camping right on the water with amazing resort amenities to boot. Primitive tent camping is only accessible by kayak or canoe, but you can still use the resort's pool, grab a cup of coffee at the coffee shop, or snag a bite at the restaurant.
4. Treasure Beach RV Park and Campground, Fenwick Island
Michael Short/GoogleMaps
Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground, 37291 Lighthouse Rd, Selbyville, DE 19975, USA
Chris Smith/GoogleMaps
We think tent camping in Delaware is still one of the best ways to experience the magic of the great outdoors. It seems locals agree because this bayside campground has been around since the 1970s. Oodles of family tent sites are available at Treasure Beach, spread out around the 100-acre campground. The park is just a few miles from the ocean, but there are waterfront views and fantastic amenities all around the grounds.
5. Holts Landing State Park, Dagsboro
Holts Landing State Park/GoogleMaps
Holts Landing State Park, 27046 Holts Lndg Rd, Dagsboro, DE 19939, USA
Neus Mas/GoogleMaps
Holts Landing State Park offers primitive group camping with reservations. The location along the Inland Bays and near Bethany Beach is idyllic and has some of the most remote and primitive camping options in the state.

Related Stories

7 Campgrounds In Delaware Perfect For Those Who Hate Camping

7 Campgrounds In Delaware Perfect For Those Who Hate Camping

 The 16 Best Campgrounds in Delaware: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

The 16 Best Campgrounds in Delaware: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

 6 Secluded Campgrounds In Delaware You’ve Never Heard Of

6 Secluded Campgrounds In Delaware You’ve Never Heard Of
6. Lums Pond State Park, Bear
Lums Pond State Park/GoogleMaps
Lums Pond State Park, 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA
Lums Pond State Park/GoogleMaps
Pop a tent up just steps from the state's largest freshwater pond. While Lums Pond State Park doesn't have a specific tent-only area, the sites are spread out enough that you can get away from motors. There are also yurts available as well, for those who would like to enjoy a little extra glamp in their camp. The park even boasts four horse-trailer spots for those who want to go trail-riding.
7. Killens Pond State Park, Felton
Straight Up Productions/GoogleMaps
Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943, USA
AM/googleMaps
Killens Pond State Park is the only Delaware State Park in Kent County. Many people use the campground as a home away from home during Dover-based events and festivals. In addition to 59 full-service sites, there is a loop for tents only. The tent sites are farthest from the pond, but still within easy walking distance, and are completely shaded, which is perfect for long summer days. Not to mention the water park nearby too!
8. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
kc1511/TripAdvisor
Brycia James/Getty
The campground at Cape Henlopen State Park has spots for RVs, travel trailers, and tents; it even has cabin rentals! Our favorite part of the campground is the tent-only loop, though. It's usually so quiet you can hear the crashing waves on the beach at night. You'll also find historic sites around the park as well. From your tent, it's just a short walk to the sandy beach and great trails.
9. Trap Pond State Park, Laurel
Trap Pond State Park/Facebook
Trap Pond State Park, 33587 Bald Cypress Ln, Laurel, DE 19956, USA
Trap Pond State Park / Facebook
Trap Pond State Park is another one of Delaware State Parks' fine, full-service campgrounds. If you're looking for something extra special, book the island tent sites. These two sites are the most remote of the bunch and are right on the banks of Trap Pond. If you drag your kayak or canoe down the trail to the sites, you can drop them in the water right off the shore. Talk about a view!

There are plenty more places to camp in Delaware, but these are definitely some of our favorites! What do you think are the best spots for warm-weather fun in the state?

For more Delaware camping options, check out this gorgeous beachfront camping oasis out of your wildest tropical dreams. Or, jump on this culinary coast road trip through some of Delaware’s tastiest beach towns.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Places to Camp in Delaware & Related Info

Jennifer | April 12, 2023

How many state parks does Delaware have?

Delaware may be a relatively petite state, but thanks to its phenomenal oceanfront, abundant beaches, gorgeous countryside, and forested scenery, what the state lacks in size it makes up for in natural beauty. Delaware's 17 state parks highlight many of the state's most stunning highlights. 

 

Of Delaware's 17 state parks, five allow for family tent camping, three offer on-site cabin rentals, and two offer yurt stay experiences.

 

What are the coolest attractions in Delaware?

Delaware is chock full of fun, unique, and adrenaline-filled things to do for all ages. From historical sites to museums, zoos, water parks, and everything in between, Delaware has it all! Depending on what you're in the mood for, here are just a few of the coolest attractions in DE:

 

 

Related Articles

Explore Delaware