Camping & Outdoor Blog
Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
The legendary heart of Joshua Tree National Park.
Introduce
Cape Henlopen State Park is a picturesque haven nestled along the Delaware coastline, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Known for its diverse landscapes and rich history, this state park provides an ideal escape for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers alike.
The park spans miles of undeveloped coastal dunes, salt marshes, and maritime forests, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the beaches, explore winding trails, or simply relax and take in the fresh ocean air. With its mix of rugged shoreline and calm bays, Cape Henlopen State Park offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.
- Beach Experiences: The park features multiple beach areas, each offering a distinct experience. From the bustling Senator David McBride Beach with restrooms and a snack bar to the quieter Point Beach with calm waters perfect for exploration, there's always a spot to suit your mood.
- Outdoor Activities: Engage in activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, or simply picnicking by the water. The park also offers bike rentals, providing an excellent way to explore its trails and scenic overlooks.
The park's natural beauty is complemented by its commitment to preserving the environment. Visitors can learn more about the local ecosystem at the on-site nature center, which features exhibits and educational programs.
Customer feedback highlights the park's charm and tranquility. One visitor described it as "absolutely beautiful," noting the stunning sunsets and peaceful atmosphere. Another praised the diversity of beach experiences, from lively family-friendly areas to serene spots perfect for exploration. Many appreciate the absence of crowds, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Cape Henlopen State Park is more than just a destination; it's an experience that connects you with nature and creates lasting memories. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this park offers something new to discover with every visit.
Gallery
Service options
Onsite services
Highlights
Picnics
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Activities
Hiking
Amenities
Barbecue grill
Basketball court
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Slides
Swings
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
Pets
Dogs allowed
Kelly Gegg
Nov 13
Absolutely beautiful!! We underestimated the walk from the parking lot to the beach itself, LOL, so we were all quite worn out by the time we were done - and BOY WAS IT WINDY!! But the actual scenery was beautiful! We saw the sunset and watched the waves all completely by ourselves!! Had the entire beach and just enjoyed being together. Saw a few cruise-liners and 2 lighthouses!
Lisa C
Aug 21
We adore Cape Henlopen state park. It has so much to offer. You’ll get a different beach experience depending on where you go. We parked at senator David McBride beach which has a large pavilion with restrooms and a snack bar. It’s a normal beach with a mildly rough surf but there are lifeguards on staff. If you drive up further, you will get to Point Beach parking lot. This area does not have restrooms or lifeguards. It’s on the bay side so the water is very calm and shallow and it is teaming with ocean life: horseshoe crabs, snails, hermit crabs…this is our preferred beach. There is never a huge crowd of people. It’s the best spot! We are out of state so we paid 10.00 to get in. So worth it. Other fun things available in this park are bike rentals and bike trails and there is a cute nature center. I’m sure there is more, we just haven’t explored it yet.
Samuel
Aug 19
Beautiful park, and a must-do if you have a few hours to spare and are in the area. The Bike Barn allows you to borrow bikes for free. The Nature Center has a mini-aquarium and a touch tank. The trails are beautiful and easy. The beaches are easy to access and not crowded. The $10 entrance fee (cash) is a no-brainer compared to parking fees at a public beach.
SP Reviewer
Nov 20
We visited the beach, and it was a wonderful experience! We enjoyed playing in the water and soaking in the relaxing atmosphere. Later, we explored the lighthouse, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
jenn l
Nov 15
Beautiful and very well maintained park...fishing pier is fun and unique feature & would recommend checking out the view from Herring Point! Miles of hiking and biking trails!