Daily Reservation Details and Requirements

UPDATED FOR 2025: Advanced Daily Entrance Reservations are required for drive-on multi-use beaches on weekends and holidays from Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day, Monday, September 1, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Holiday dates: Memorial Day (May 26), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 1)

The reservation system opens weekly:

• Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for Saturday reservations
• Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for Sunday reservations
• Thursdays at 11 a.m. for holiday reservations

Reservations are first-come, first-served and may be made via the link found on the Delaware State Parks Surf Fishing page.

NEW: Annual and two-year surf fishing permit holders may access the beach without a reservation on peak weekends and holidays after 4 p.m. but must be off the beach by 8 a.m. the next morning.

Important notes:

• Valid 1-year or 2-year Surf Fishing Permit must be obtained before booking.
• Not valid with an Off-Peak Surf Fishing Permit.
• Vehicle info (plate, state, make, model) must match permit and is auto-filled during booking.
• Reservations are limited in quantity and based on beach conditions and usage.
• Reservations not required for walk-on access.
• 1 reservation per customer account per day.
• Multiple reservations can be made for separate Surf Fishing Permits under a single account.

If using more than one vehicle the same day, each driver must book separately under their own customer account.

For additional details or to make a reservation, visit: destateparks.com/surf-fishing/.

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Questions and Answers About Reservations

Additional surf fishing permit-related questions and input can be emailed to: DelawareSurfPermits@delaware.gov

Q: Why can’t Delaware residents get priority reservations for surf fishing permits?
A: Because the U.S. Land & Water Conservation Fund requires all systems to be equally accessible to residents and non-residents. No priority, no early access—everyone gets the same chance.

Q: When are reservations required?
A: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day) from May 24 through September 1, 2025, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Q: Can I still drive on the beach without a reservation?
A: Yes, after 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays with an annual or two-year permit. But you must leave by 8 a.m. the next morning.

Q: Where do I make a reservation?
A: destateparks.com/surf-fishing/

Q: Can I reserve a specific spot on the beach?
A: No. You’re booking access to a specific crossing location, not a reserved space on the sand.

Q: Where are reservations required?
Seven beach crossing locations require reservations:

• Beach Plum Island
• Cape Henlopen – Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing, and Point Crossing
• Delaware Seashore – South 3Rs and Key Box/Conquest/Faithful Steward
• Fenwick Island – York/Middle/South

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t show up?
A: That reservation is still valid. No-shows don’t open up a spot for someone else, and there are no refunds or transfers.

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If you didn’t read all that, here’s the recap:

• Reservations now REQUIRED weekends & holidays from May 24 to Sept 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Opens weekly: Tue (Sat), Wed (Sun), Thu (holidays)
• Make them here: destateparks.com/surf-fishing/
• No reservation needed after 4 p.m. – but you must leave by 8 a.m. the next day.

Quick Link: General information about the Delaware drive-on beaches >