An enormous state park (compared to others on this list), Cape Henlopen is the largest state park in the northern part of Delaware, the First State.
Cape Henlopen State Park is famous for its 24-hour and year-round fishing pier as well as spacious campgrounds. There’s also miles and miles of biking and hiking trails as well as remnants from the park’s time as a coastal defense site during Second World War.
Area: 5,193 acres
List of Outdoor Activities:
- Beach Weddings/Special Events
- Biking
- Camping
- Canoeing + Kayaking
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Sledding
- Swimming
List of Amenities:
- Bait and Tackle Store
- Bathhouse
- Beaches
- Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals*
- Basketball Court
- Borrow-A-Bike Program
- Camp Store
- Campground: Camping Cabins
- Campground: Tent + RV sites
- Campground Laundry Facilities
- Day Use Areas
- Day Use Group Facilities
- Disc Golf Course
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fishing Pier
- Food/Refreshment Concession Stand*
- Fort Miles Historic Site
- Guarded Swimming Area with Bathhouse*
- Hiking/Biking/Equestrian Trails
- Seaside Nature Center + Gift Shop
- Observation Tower
- Osprey Cam
- Pet Areas
- Playground
- Picnic Tables + Pavilions
- Primitive Youth Group Camping
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms
- Scenic Overlook
- Showers
- Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (permit required)
- Umbrella Rentals*
- Wedding/Special Event Venue
- Wheelchair-Accessible Beach Area
*Summer only
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the park’s operating hours?
A: Open daily, from 8:00 AM to sunset (which varies every day)
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Q: Water borders are cool! Are there any inside the park?
A: Yes! Point Overlook is where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also a great place for viewing birds, dolphins, seals, and more.
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Q: I’m more of a history person! Anything there that I might find interesting?
A: Absolutely! Cape Henlopen was once a World War II coastal defense site. Take a tour of Battery 519, and climb to the top of the Observation Tower to discover the roles the towers played in the operation of Fort Miles.
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Q: Great! How about biking?
A: If you love biking but don’t have a bike of your own or just didn’t bring it, no problem! You can borrow a bike for free! Bike the Loop trail around the park to experience diverse ecosystems, including the maritime forests, dunes, and beach. It’s a great way to experience the rich history of the park.
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Q: And for fishing?
A: The Fishing Pier opens up access to fishing in the Delaware Bay. Prefer your fish inside a tank? Get up close with native marine life in the touch tank! You’ll learn about the park’s habitats and the creatures that live here.
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