When the current lands of the state of Delaware were granted to William Penn sometime after 1682, Penn proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the nation's first "public lands." It has remained in the public domain ever since, playing a major role in local shipping and in the nation's military history. The historic Henlopen Lighthouse no longer helps to guide vessels through the treacherous bay waters, but the two stone "breakwaters" barriers off the point of the Cape, completed in 1869 and 1901, still form a safe harbor for boats during rough seas. As a Delaware state park, Cape Henlopen remains in the public domain.



Cape Henlopen State Park

Walk to the top of the Indian River Inlet bridge for an unforgettable view of where Delaware Seashore all comes together – the Atlantic ocean, Delaware’s inland bays, and miles of undeveloped coastline.

Take a step back in time to tour the Indian River Life-Saving Station and catch a glimpse into the daily lives of the surfmen that patrolled out coasts and performed high seas rescues over 100 years ago.

Paddle a kayak from Savages Ditch to explore the vast salt marsh islands of Rehoboth Bay and see diamondback terrapins, horseshoe crabs, and a wide variety of nesting birds such as laughing gulls, osprey, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and glossy ibis.

Partake in a pastime that has become part of Delaware Seashore’s legacy – fishing! Cast your line from one of the marina’s charter boats, from the rock jetties of the inlet, or from the beach itself.

Hike through Burton Island Nature Preserve, and experience the changing scenery as you meander from salt marsh to maritime forest habitats.

Delaware Seashore State Park is a great place for surfing! Grab your board and catch a wave after sunrise at the North Inlet Day Area beach.








Delaware Seashore State Park

Historically, the shores of the inland bays were home to native Americans, who harvested seafood and hunted in the surrounding marshes and forests. After the European settlers arrived, agriculture developed slowly around the "little bays." The property that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long recorded history as a small family farm. The Holt family maintained a farm with a bayshore boat landing on this site until 1957, when the property was sold to the state highway department. Then, in 1965, the first parcel of land was transferred to the State Park Commission, forming Holts Landing State Park.

If seafood is on the menu, wade the shallow waters of the Indian River Bay in search of mussels or clams, take your boat out on the bay for a day of fishing, or drop a line for blue crabs from the park's crabbing pier, the only pier in Delaware built specifically for crabbing. Fishing permit required. Click for information about surf fishing permits and fishing licenses. WARNING: The State online automated fishing license system is NOT compatible with mobile devices or iPads and may encounter printing issues with touch screen computers and apple products.

Holts Landing contains a surprising variety of beautiful landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood forests, with trails for walking and jogging. The bay waters are great for paddling by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and wind-surfing is also popular. A pavilion with a nearby fire pit offers is available for group gatherings like family reunions and company picnics. During the summer season, bring the family to enjoy Family Fun Nights and bayside concerts sponsored by the Friends of Holts Landing State Park.

Holts Landing State Park

Before the area became a park, the forces of nature constantly changed the narrow strip of barrier dunes between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, keeping the area wild and undeveloped. The area that is Fenwick Island State Park remained largely undisturbed as the towns of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island were established. During World War II, this was part of Delaware's coastal defense system, and a concrete observation tower from that era still stands near the northern boundary of the park. The area was renamed Fenwick Island State Park in 1981.

Today, Fenwick Island State Park invites visitors to its peaceful ocean and bay shorelines. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the ocean side of the park. The white sand beaches gradually slope into the Atlantic, creating a broad swimming area patrolled by lifeguards during the summer. The park features a modern bathhouse, which offers convenient showers and changing rooms, a satellite park office, and a snack food concession. During the summer months, beach umbrellas and chairs may be rented on the beach. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is available here.

Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboats are available for rent if you didn't bring your own.

The ocean beaches are a favorite spot for surf fishing. Three dune crossings provide access to multi-use beaches where vehicles with a surf fishing license plate bearing a current surf-fishing decal can drive onto the beach to fish. 

Fenwick Island State Park

Take in the sights, sounds, and smells as you journey into the cypress swamp. Paddle a canoe or kayak down the Terrapin Branch Water Trail to get up close and personal with the baldcypress trees and the diverse flora and fauna that live there.

Join a park staff member and board a pontoon boat to travel across the pond and into the cypress swamp. Learn about the history and wildlife of the park from the comfort of an elevated pontoon boat.

View from the water along the Bob Trail
Explore the Bob Trail
Hike or bike the 4.6-mile Bob Trail through the park. The trail is an excellent place for birdwatching, and you’ll enjoy pondside views of the cypress swamp. Visitors can enjoy free bike rentals during the summer months.

Visit the Baldcypress
Trap Pond has a rich history that has shaped the culture and community of the area. Stop by the Baldcypress Nature Center to discover past cultures and learn about the importance of watersheds.

Trap Pond State Park is different every season! Witness the beauty of the pond year-round as you enjoy fall foliage, fresh winter snowfall, spring frog calls or summer nesting songbirds.

Plan a getaway to Trap Pond State Park! The park’s peaceful campground has tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and yurts. See beautiful fall colors from your campsite, catch a sunset from Cypress Point, hear the calls of owls and migrating birds, or watch falling snow from the warmth of your cabin.

Trap Pond State Park

The centerpiece of Killens Pond State Park, conveniently located in central Delaware, is the 66-acre millpond, which was established in the late 1700s. Before the pond was created, the Murderkill River and surrounding hardwood forest were sites of several Native American homes and hunting camps. Killens Pond became a state park in 1965.

The pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel, all of which await the patient angler.* A convenient boat launching ramp is available, and canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer. Paddlers will also enjoy the park's water trail up the Murderkill River.

Starting from 54 feet in the air, our two speed slides and two spiral slides with tunnels offer heart-pounding excitement for those who dare! The main pool's zero-depth entrance makes getting in and out easy, and smaller visitors will enjoy the tot pool and tot lot, featuring bubblers, ground water jets, small slides, and a pool-side waterplay system. A food concession and swim shop offer everything you need for a day full of waterpark fun. A separate per-person admission fee is charged at the waterpark.

The year-round wooded campground offers electric and water hookups, accommodating both tents and recreational vehicles, as well as a primitive walk-in camping loop for tents only. Family cabins sleep four and feature an efficiency kitchen with an eating area, bedroom, bath with shower, A/C, and heat. The roomier, deluxe Pond View Cottage has extra amenities and an outstanding view of the pond. 

Hiking and biking trails and a cross-country running course wind through several types of habitat featuring native plants and animals. Game courts and ball fields satisfy the athlete, and an 18-hole disc golf course challenges players to test their skill with a flying disc. The park also features playground equipment and picnic areas, and four pavilions are available to reserve for larger group events. Educational and recreational programs are conducted throughout the year at the Killens Pond Nature Center, which also features a permanent exhibit of local reptiles and amphibians and is also available for meetings and private events.


Killens Pond State Park

Join historical interpreters in 18th-century clothing as you walk through Dover’s historic Green and learn about the lives and times of the people who lived here across three centuries.

Legislative Hall in downtown Dover, Delaware

Tour the grand, Georgian-style building that has been home to Delaware’s General Assembly since 1933. Guided tours are offered most days throughout the year.

The Old State House at First State Heritage State Park


The Old State House is part of the First State National Historical Park. Visit the Old State House—Delaware’s first permanent capital building—to receive your National Park passport stamp.

Take A Lantern Tour
Experience Dover with only your lantern to light the way. Hear true stories of historic Dover in generations past. These reservation-only tours are offered on select Thursday and Friday nights in the spring, summer, and fall.

Cape Henlopen State Park Maps

Lewes, DE

Cape Henlopen State Park Description

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