The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Delaware

Travel Inspiration

July 26th, 2023

Lums Pond: perfect for RV camping in Delaware

Delaware may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a vacation, but trust us when we say it’s a place that is totally worth visiting. While this state may be on the smaller side, it is chock-full of amazing state parks that are perfect for RV camping in Delaware, as well as plenty of fun things to do and see.

Not sure where to begin planning your Delaware RV trip? We’re here to help! From where to stay to what to do, this guide to RV camping in Delaware includes everything you need to know to have an absolutely fantastic trip.

Preparing for RV Camping

First things first, you need to prepare for RV camping in Delaware. If you RV regularly, this is pretty straightforward. That said, if you’re new to the game, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The first thing you need to do? Find an RV to take, of course! After that, it’s a matter of packing the RV with all of the things you need to enjoy your camping trip.

Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs

Obviously, if you have an RV of your own, you can just take that when you go RV camping in Delaware. That said, if you don’t own an RV, you will need to find a Delaware RV rental and you will want to choose one that suits your needs.

We recommend starting by deciding whether you want the RV delivered or not. If you plan to drive the rig yourself, consider what kind of RV you would be comfortable driving in terms of RV type and size. Planning to tow? Make sure that is something your vehicle can handle!

Once you know whether you want your RV delivered and the type of RV you’re looking for, you can narrow down your options a bit. From there, look for floor plans and amenities that appeal to you and will make your vacation a great one.

Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip

The next step is, of course, to pack the RV. Clearly, you will need clothes and toiletries, but there are a few other items you will need to include if you want to have a comfortable and safe RV camping trip.

Below is a basic RV packing list. This will get you started as you decide which items you need for your getaway:

Clothes
Toiletries
Medications
First aid kit
Bug spray and sunscreen
Tools
Entertainment (books, games, movies, toys for kids)
Outdoor recreation gear
Electronics and chargers
Pots, pans, and dishes
Paper towels
Groceries
Flashlights
Folding chairs
Bed sheets
Pillows
Blankets
Pet gear
RV leveling blocks
Sewer hose and adapter
Freshwater hose
RV surge protector

It’s important to note that this list is far from comprehensive. For more packing suggestions, make sure to check out this RV packing list.

Considerations for Camping in Delaware

RV camping is allowed throughout the United States. That said, the laws surrounding RVing do change a bit from one state to the next. Therefore, it is good practice to check the laws before you leave to visit a new place. Delaware is no exception.

In Delaware, the total length of your rig (including any tow vehicles) should never exceed 60 feet. Trailers should be no more than 48 feet and motorhomes shouldn’t exceed 40 feet. In all cases, the width of the camping setup should be 8.5 feet or less and the height of all vehicles should be 13.5 feet or less.

Trailers over 4,000 lbs must have trailer brakes and safety chains when traveling through Delaware, and overnight parking in rest areas is allowed unless posted otherwise.

Finding Campgrounds

Now that you have a fully packed RV and a good understanding of the RV laws in Delaware, the next thing you need to do is find a place to stay. The good news? Delaware has plenty of camping options. Whether you prefer luxury camping, rustic state park accommodations, or an urban RVing experience, there is something for you.

Exploring Public Campgrounds in Delaware

We’ll start by exploring Delaware’s public camping options. These include some of the best state park campgrounds in the country, as well as campgrounds run by the Delaware Forest Service.

State Park Camping

We love the RV camping offered by Delaware’s state parks. These campgrounds are incredibly well kept and tucked nicely into the natural areas of the state. To top it all off, the camping rates at Delaware’s state parks are surprisingly affordable!

One of our favorite state parks in Delaware is Lums Pond State Park. This place offers full hookups, plenty of shade trees, huge sites, and free hot showers. There is a playground for the kids and plenty of walking trails, as well as a pond.

Another great option? Delaware Seashore State Park. This beautiful park is set right by the beach, meaning a quick walk will take you to the sand and water. It offers hot showers and full hookups, and though it is crowded, it is a wonderful place to stay.

Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks

Not into the idea of state park camping? Not to worry, Delaware also has plenty of private campgrounds. These offer everything from simple accommodations with partial hookups and dump stations to full-fledged glamping opportunities, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

One of our favorite private campgrounds in the state is Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay. This gorgeous park offers luxury camping at its finest. Full-hookup sites, free Wi-Fi, a lovely pool, playgrounds, and a stretch of private beach are just some of the things you’ll enjoy here.

Want another great pick? Why not take a look at Jellystone Park at Delaware Bay? Jellystone Parks are always excellent for families, and this one is no different. Here you can enjoy swimming, themed weekends, and sometimes even character meet-and-greets with Yogi Bear and his pals!

Boondocking in Delaware

As is the case in most northeastern states, the boondocking in Delaware is pretty sparse. However, there are a few options for those who prefer roughing it or just need to save a few bucks on lodging.

Most of the dry camping in Delaware is located in the aforementioned state parks. That said, you will also find primitive camping at G&R Campground as well as Deep Branch Family Campground. Both offer bathhouses and other amenities, so you can be clean and comfortable even if you can’t hook your RV up to electricity or water.

Researching Campground Options and Making Reservations

Hoping to do a little more research before you choose a Delaware campground? Want to reserve your campsite online? If you’ll be staying in a state park, the Delaware State Park website is helpful. For other options, try looking at Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts, Campspot, BookOutdoors, The Dyrt, or RoverPass. You might also find some good options on the KOA or Jellystone websites!

Planning Your Itinerary

Now it’s time to start planning your itinerary. In our opinion, this is the most fun part of any trip planning experience, and because there are so many options in Delaware, deciding what to do there is an especially fun time.

Whether you plan to explore Dover, see what Wilmington has to offer, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find plenty of amazing sites to check out while you’re there.

Features and Attractions in Delaware

We always recommend starting out a trip to any new state with a scenic drive. This allows you to really get a feel for the place and settle in while discovering hidden gems along the way. Delaware has three amazing scenic byways that are perfect for this.

During your drive, be sure to stop at landmarks you see along the way. You can also add Delaware landmarks such as the Fenwick Lighthouse and Brandywine creek into your itinerary as standalone attractions.

Of course, you won’t want to miss the state’s NPS sites. These include the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, as well as the First State National Historical Park.

Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Delaware

We also think it’s fun to plan trips around events. See if there are any events in Delaware during the time you hope to travel, and if so, see if you can squeeze one or more of them into your itinerary. Events are a great way to connect with the community and make any trip just a little bit more memorable.

Some of the best annual events in Delaware include The Delaware State Fair in July, the Great Delaware Kite Festival in March, the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival in April, and Dover Days in May.

Exploring Outdoor Activities

Heading outside is always a good way to explore a new place. Fortunately, Delaware offers plenty of excellent opportunities to do just that. Whether you prefer hiking, boating, or fishing, there is something for you in this fantastic state.

Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails

Let’s start by talking about Delaware’s hiking and biking trails. If exploring the natural areas of a place by trail is your thing, you’re in luck because Delaware has some truly fantastic trails that you are going to want to check out.

For hikers, there are the following excellent trails:

Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park — Easy
Brandywine Creek River Loop in Brandywine Creek State Park — Moderate
Swamp Forest Trail in Lums Pond State Park — Easy
Alapocas Woods Trail in Alapocas Run State Park — Moderate
Lenape Loop South, Middle Run Natural Area in Middle Run Valley Park — Moderate

Meanwhile, those exploring via bicycle will adore the trails below:

Chestnut Hill Trail in White Clay Creek State Park
Rocky Run Loop in Brandywine Creek State Park
Whitley Farms Trail in White Clay Creek State Park
Bob Trail Full Loop in Trap Pond State Park
Walking Dunes Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park

Want to find even more great trails? Be sure to search AllTrails to see what’s around. We’re betting you won’t be disappointed.

Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities

Prefer to play in the water during your outside time? Delaware has some options for that as well.

For starters, the fishing in Delaware is pretty fantastic. Beck’s Pond in New Castle County is an excellent spot for largemouth bass, and Brandywine Creek near Wilmington offers easy access to bankside spots. Meanwhile, surf anglers should head to 3R’s Beach for plenty of Atlantic striped bass.

Want to relax at the beach? You’ll love what Delaware has to offer in that respect. Slaughter Beach offers some super fun horseshoe crab viewing during the right season. On the other hand, because of its soft sand and gentle waves, Lewes Beach is an ideal spot for families. Lastly, we must mention the beach at Cape Henlopen State Park, which is absolutely fantastic and super easy to access if you happen to be camping in the park.

Of course, we also must mention the waterfalls in Delaware. These include waterfalls in Alapocas Run State Park and Brandywine Creek State Park. Both are worth visiting if chasing waterfalls is your kind of thing.

Wildlife Viewing and Photography

Hoping to see some local wildlife while exploring Delaware? We highly recommend heading to the aforementioned Slaughter Beach to see horseshoe crabs. You might also want to try Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge, Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and the many state parks where local animals roam freely.

Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

Many people choose to travel to Delaware with kids, and once you get there, you’ll see why. The state offers a lot for the younger travelers in your group.

From the many parks mentioned already to historic sites, museums, zoos, and amusement parks, you’re sure to find some awesome ways to keep the whole family happy during your time in this amazing state.

Historical Sites and Museums

Our first suggestion is to tie a bit of education into your trip. This doesn’t have to be boring. You can have an amazing time learning as a family at the state’s many museums, as well as the First State National Historical Park that we mentioned earlier.

Not sure which museums to visit? We recommend checking out the Hagley Museum in Wilmington for some very engaging history lessons. You might also enjoy the hands-on fun at Delaware Children’s Museum in Wilmington. Dover is home to the super unique Johnson Victrola Museum, and the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes offers an interesting look at the history of southern Delaware’s settlers.

Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges

We can’t forget the amusement parks! Delaware is home to seven awesome amusement parks. These include Funland in Rehoboth Beach, Viking Amusements in Fenwick Island, and the super fun Killens Pond Water Park located in Killens Pond State Park (yes, you can camp there).

Zoos are another good pick when traveling with kids. Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington is our favorite zoo in the state and can easily fill a whole day with animal viewing and other family fun.

Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Delaware

Safety should always come first. This is just as true when RV camping in Delaware as it is anywhere else. Therefore, we’re going to use this section to offer you a few tips so you can stay safe during your time in Delaware.

Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness

We recommend visiting in the summer months. For the most part, the weather in Delaware in the summer is pretty much perfect for outdoor activities. That said, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th in the state, meaning hurricanes and tropical storms are a possibility in the summer and fall.

In order to stay safe from hurricanes and tropical storms, be sure you have multiple weather apps downloaded and allow them to send push notifications. Take weather alerts seriously and leave if a storm is headed your direction. You might want to put together a “bug out” bag with essentials such as flashlights, bottles of water, and emergency blankets in case quick evacuation is necessary.

Wildlife Encounters and Precautions

Of course, you’ll also want to be careful around wildlife. The most dangerous animals in Delaware include man o’ war jellyfish, timber rattlesnakes, copperhead snakes, and deer ticks.

If you see a jellyfish on the beach or in the water, stay away from it. If you do get stung, seek help from the lifeguard on duty. Watch your step while out hiking to avoid snakes, and always wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat when spending time in tall grass and tree-covered areas in order to avoid ticks.

As always, never approach or try to feed wildlife.

More Inspiration for Your Delaware Travels

Clearly, RV camping in Delaware is a wonderful vacation option! The info above should be enough to get you through the planning process, but if you want even more information, be sure to check out the links below:

The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Delaware