Located on the southern part of Delaware Bay, Cape Henlopen is the largest state park in Delaware. Being that, it has a huge area with many features such as shores/beaches, trails for hiking/biking, and most prominently to a specific class of visitors, campgrounds!
In case that wasn’t clear, the specific class is campers. Cape Henlopen is just perfect for those looking to pitch their tents, make s’mores, and sleep under the starry skies (when it’s not raining). Does that pique your interest? Read on!
First, what are things you’ll want to do while camping in this amazing place? Here are some suggestions:
Check out these trails for Hiking and Biking!
Gordons Pond Trail
Barely over five miles long but plenty of relaxing fun, this is considered an easy trail to go through. It sits between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, and its northern end begins in Lewes, at the Herring Point parking area.
Learn more about this trail here
Junction and Breakwater Trail
Most unusually, this trail started from an abandoned rail line which connected Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The trail is nice and flat, giving you an easy time while traversing it. It also has off-road shared use paths, crushed stone and an asphalt trail, making it stand out further compared to its peers.
Learn more about this trail here
Visit these lighthouses!
Harbor of Refuge Light
Sitting at the end of the mouth of Delaware Bay just off Cape Henlopen, this lighthouse is a mesmerizing sight at night, when its light provides guidance for not just boats around the waters, but for people who are around, as well.
The cast iron structure rests on the eastern end of the breakwater and was designed to withstand the most powerful storms Mother Nature could throw at it. It’s been tested many times over the years, especially during the famed nor’easter that hit the area in 1962, when it was partially flooded by the storm.
Learn more about this lighthouse here
Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse
Also just off the coast of Cape Henlopen, this lighthouse technically lies inside Lewes. It has a fascinating history, and at the time of its creation, it was the second largest stone breakwater in the world (second only to the one in Cherbourg, France).
The Atlantic coast, from Cape Charles, Virginia to Sandy Hook, New Jersey, affords no natural safe harbor for large sailing vessels during storms. Although the entrance to Delaware Bay is situated nearly in the middle of this stretch of coast, conditions there were typically not much better given the vastness of the bay. In the early 1800s, mariners pleaded for a breakwater to be constructed just inside Cape Henlopen, on the southern side of the bay, as a refuge from rough seas. The first appropriation for the project was made in May 1828, during the administration of John Quincy Adams, and the first stones were being set in place the following summer.
Learn more about this lighthouse here
Visit the Point
This is where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay. Now you won’t actually be able to see the border (as it’s in the water), but it’s still a cool place to visit, like being in two places at once (just like that moment from A Walk to Remember).If nothing else, it’s a great spot to catch a sunset. Check it out and thank us later.
If you prefer to eat somewhere other than your campground (and those tasty, fire-cooked munchies)… Well, we’d prefer the first option, but hey, that’s just us. We’ve still got you covered, though. Here are some places you can grab a snack from while enjoying the Cape Henlopen visit:
Crooked Hammock Brewery
Grain On The Rocks
Touch of Italy
You don’t want to sleep on the campgrounds, either? Ah, no time for that since you and your group just visited Cape Henlopen and are planning to head back before tomorrow? No problem! You can sleep somewhere other than your tent – here are places you can stay near Cape Henlopen, You can still enjoy the state park even if you don’t pitch your tent there!
Hyatt House Lewes
Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
Henlopen Hotel
