Parks and Natural Areas in Sussex County, Delaware
Explore the Wild Side of Delaware’s Coast
Sussex County is more than just beaches and boardwalks—it’s home to some of the most ecologically diverse and visually stunning natural areas in the Mid-Atlantic. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter, birdwatcher, or someone who simply enjoys the outdoors, there’s a trail, forest, or wetland waiting for you in every corner of the county.
Below is a guide to some of the best parks and preserved lands across Sussex County, organized by town.
🌾 Bridgeville
Marshyhope Wildlife Area
📍 Whitney Swamp Road & Sandy Hill Road
1,000 acres of land designated for seasonal hunting opportunities and wildlife conservation.
🌊 Fenwick Island
Fenwick Island State Park
📍 Coastal Highway
📞 (302) 227-2800 |
Located on a scenic barrier island, this park lets you enjoy both the Atlantic Ocean and the inland bays.
🌿 Frankford
Assawoman Wildlife Area
📍 37604 Mulberry Landing Road
📞 (302) 539-3160 |
Composed of three tracts totaling 3,100 acres along Little Assawoman Bay—great for hunting and birding.
🌳 Georgetown
Midlands Wildlife Area
📍 Jones Store Road & Hardscrabble Road
2,100 acres of woods and wetlands preserved for wildlife and outdoor recreation.
Redden State Forest & Education Center
📍 18074 Redden Forest Drive
📞 (302) 856-2893
Delaware’s largest state-owned forest—offering education programs, trails, and deep woods exploration.
🌲 Laurel
Trap Pond State Park
📍 33587 Baldcypress Lane
📞 (302) 875-5153 |
Home to the northernmost bald cypress stand in the U.S., this park is popular for kayaking, hiking, and camping.
🐚 Lewes
Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve
📍 South Bayshore Drive
A quiet 129-acre preserve perfect for seasonal fishing and beach exploration.
Cape Henlopen State Park
📍 42 Cape Henlopen Drive
📞 (302) 645-8983 |
A go-to for camping, swimming, and biking—plus a former military base turned natural oasis.
Junction and Breakwater Trail
📍 Wolfe Neck Road
A 6-mile scenic trail connecting Lewes and Rehoboth Beach—great for cyclists and walkers alike.
🌱 Milton
Edward H. McCabe Preserve
📍 100 W. 10th Street
📞 (302) 654-4707 |
143 acres of tidal marshes, upland forests, and rare Atlantic white cedar swamp.
Ponders Tract at Pemberton Forest Preserve
📍 Del. Route 16
Nearly 1,000 acres open from mid-February through mid-August. A hidden gem for solitude and birding.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
📍 11978 Turkle Pond Road
📞 (302) 684-8419 | 🔗 primehook.fws.gov
An expansive 10,000-acre refuge with trails, waterways, and visitor centers.
Prime Hook Wildlife Area
📍 Little Neck Road
Another protected tract of Prime Hook—ideal for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
🌊 Millville
Holts Landing State Park
📍 Road 346
📞 (302) 227-2800 |
A small but mighty 203-acre park with boat access to Indian River Bay.
🌿 Ocean View
James Farm Ecological Preserve
📍 Cedar Neck Road
📞 (302) 226-8105 |
A hands-on environmental education site with 2 miles of trails and bayfront views.
🏖️ Rehoboth Beach
Delaware Seashore State Park
📍 130 Coastal Highway
📞 (302) 227-2800 |
2,825 acres of pristine oceanfront parkland ideal for swimming, fishing, and beach camping.
🦅 Seaford
Nanticoke Wildlife Area
📍 Matts Road & Ellis Mill Road
Explore 4,400 acres of untouched wilderness—excellent for waterfowl hunting and exploring.
Old Furnace Wildlife Area
📍 Old Furnace Road & Fleetwood Pond Road
2,000 additional acres of protected land in western Sussex County.
🌳 Selbyville
Great Cypress Swamp
📍 Del. Route 54 west of U.S. 113
12,400 acres of vital wetland habitat. Note: Entry is by permission only.
Ready to Explore?
From bald cypress groves to coastal marshes, Sussex County offers outdoor enthusiasts an unmatched blend of beachside relaxation and wild backwoods discovery. Whether you’re looking for peace, adventure, or a bit of both—you’ll find it here.
Curious to see more? Check out the official Delaware State Parks website. It’s a great place to start planning your next outdoor adventure.
