If you are looking for a vacation on a sunny beach surrounded by glistening water, Delaware Seashore State Park is the perfect RV getaway location. As you drive your rig across this barrier island via the coastal highway, you will enjoy sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Bay, and Indian River Bay from your RV window. The park’s 2,825 acres include six miles of pristine ocean and bay shoreline to explore, with plenty of room for waterfront fun and to chill out by the sea.
Delaware Seashore State Park has something for everyone. Gentle rolling dunes, miles of beachfront fun, peaceful nature trails, and inland bays perfect for watersports. Located on what was once a continually shifting barrier island, transportation to the area was historically difficult until the federal government stabilized the Indian River Inlet in 1939 by constructing large iron and stone jetties. The State Park officially opened in 1965, and it's Visitor Center welcomes travelers from a restored Life-Saving Station that was built in 1876. If you’re visiting in July, you should consider competing in the popular amateur Sandcastle Competition hosted by the park, as it is one of the summer's highlights.
Thanks to the fantastic facilities at Delaware Seashore State Park, there are two campgrounds for you to choose from if you wish to call the park home. Known as the North and South Inlet Campgrounds, both of these areas feature campsites with full hookups and a range of great amenities for you to enjoy. Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or paddling around the bay, Delaware Seashore State Park is the perfect seaside getaway during your RV adventure.
Located in Sussex County, in southern Delaware, Delaware Seashore State Park is easily accessible from the neighboring east coast states of Maryland and Pennsylvania. If you’re coming from the north, consider traveling through New Jersey and take your RV for a ride on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry to reach the park. If you are traveling from the western side of the state, you could also pop into Trap Pond State Park, which is on the way.
All of the roads in and around Delaware Seashore State Park should be easy to navigate, and none pose any significant obstacles that could damage your rig. Please note that if you have an RV over 45 feet in length, you will not be able to access the campground due to the tight sites and narrow campground road. For visitors who need to pick up any supplies before arriving for their adventure, there are plenty of towns that you stop in at, including West Rehoboth (around 6.5 miles away), Bethany Beach (around seven miles away), and Ocean View (around 7.5 miles away). The closest major city to the park is Salisbury, which is 42 miles to the southwest.
There is plenty of parking is available, and the larger parking areas are clearly noted on park maps. You should have no problem parking your RV at the day-use areas and attractions inside the park if you aren't set up in the campground.
One of the two RV friendly campgrounds within Delaware Seashore State Park is the South Inlet Campground. This campground is known for its level sites and wide campground roads. South Inlet has 151 full-hookup RV campsites, 86 standard (no hook-up) sites, and 33 tent-only sites available. This wide variety of site options has something for everyone, and rigs up to 45 feet in length are permitted within the campground. Along with having electrical hookups, there are many other great amenities for you to enjoy, including picnic tables, bathhouses, and laundry facilities. If you are visiting during the warmer months, there is also a camp store that will be open and a playground perfect for the kids. You will also be only a 500-yard walk to the ocean, so beach exploration is a must. Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed at all times. Reservations for the South Inlet Campground may be made up to one year in advance, and the campground is open all year round.
The North Inlet Campground is the smaller of the two campgrounds at Delaware Seashore State Park that is more suited to RV lovers wanting a quieter camping experience. The campsites within the North Inlet are known to be a little larger than those in the South Inlet Campground, so if you would like some more space, you should choose this campground. For visitors bringing dogs on their trip, you will be pleased to note that the beach near North Inlet is also dog-friendly! There are a total of 88 full-hookup RV campsites at North Inlet that can accommodate RVs up to 45 feet in length. Like the South Inlet Campground, there are many great amenities to enjoy, such as picnic tables, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a playground. The North Inlet Campground is situated next to the U.S. Coast Guard station, and it is a short 150-yard walk to the ocean. Reservations are allowed up to one year in advance.
For those who love birdwatching, you will be very pleased to know that you can observe many different bird types along the Delaware seashore throughout the seasons. The geographic location of the park is directly in the flight path of many species, such as woodpeckers, pelicans, swallows, loons, herons, and falcons. You’ll want a copy of the Delaware Seashore State Park Birding Checklist, available online, to keep track of your bird sightings in order to get the most of your time watching the skies.
The Museum also doubles as the park’s Visitor Center and offers a variety of historical and ecological tours and year-round programming, including evening lantern walks. The variety of activities means that you can enjoy thrilling tours, speakers, and events during the offseason. There are always loads of adventure to enjoy no matter what time of year you visit the park with your RV, so make sure to see what programs are happening before your arrival by checking the park's event section of the website.
If you are a history buff, you’ll love the fantastic museum you can visit during your RV trip to Delaware Seashore State Park. Take a trip back in time and visit the fully-restored Life-Saving Station and Museum, originally built in 1876. Learn about the rescue techniques and maritime shipwreck history of yesteryear through exciting exhibits and historical demonstrations. Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum is open all year round, but opening times do vary depending on season dates.
Six family-friendly trails are available for hiking and biking within the gorgeous Delaware Seashore State Park. There are two nature preserves open for activities that include both salt marsh and island habitats. One of the best places to explore is the Prickly Pear Trail. This trail is a 3.5-mile loop that is perfect for checking out the park’s Fresh Pond and seeing the stunning views of the Indian River Bay. Several of the trails are also handicap accessible, so there is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy something during their visit.
The Cottages at Indian River Marina are located along the Indian River Inlet. Each of the 11 two-bedroom cottages features a loft, full kitchen, satellite TV, gas fireplace, and furnished screen porch. These cottages are a great choice if you have friends or your family join you at the park since each cottage will be able to accommodate up to six guests. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance, and the cottages are open year-round.
If you are an avid equestrian, you will love an RV escape to Delaware Seashore State Park. Horseback riding is permitted on designated equestrian trails and the roads inside the park. Horseback riding is also allowed on the beach during January and February. Horse trailer parking is available near these areas, so you will have somewhere to park that is in a convenient location for both you and your horse equipment. We recommend that you bring your own feed for your horse and be prepared to carry your own water.
Once you are finished having your fun in the sun, you should consider having a relaxing picnic! You’ll love to enjoy a quiet picnic off the coast with beautiful ocean views on your RV vacation. A picnic pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis with no rental fee, so there is room for larger groups to gather. There are also picnic tables and grill-tops available in two different areas of the park, and gas or charcoal grills are permitted at designated areas of the beach.
If you love taking your motorized boat on RV trips, this is the prime spot for you! There are miles of open water that you can explore, including many great places where you can kayak or waterski. Boaters can take advantage of the onsite marina, which offers charter boats, wet slips, and equipment for all your boating needs. You can also rent different types of watercraft from nearby private businesses, and boat ramps are available off the bay shore.
Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in the RV for your trip to Delaware Seashore State Park, because there are two lifeguarded ocean swimming areas to take a dip in. Modern bathhouses and changing rooms are available. This section of the ocean is also one of the few designated areas in the state for surfing. If you aren't into surfing and swimming, you will also have the option to throw a frisbee around on the beach, go for a relaxing beach walk, or get a tan when the sun is shining.
If you are interested in coasting on the waves during your RV stay in Delaware, you are in luck. The ocean here is a prime destination for all sorts of non-motorized boating, including sailing and kayaking. Launch areas are available off the bay for sailboats, canoes, and kayaks, and you will also be able to visit the marina for any supplies you may need. There are no guarantees that boat rentals will be available within the park, but if there are none, there are plenty of private rentals nearby.
Remember to pack your fishing gear in your rig if you want to have the chance to hook a prize on your road trip to Delaware Seashore State Park. Permit fishing is available off the banks of the Indian River, and popular drive-on surf-fishing is permitted on the ocean beaches. There is also a fish cleaning station available near the park office if you choose to take your catch home. Clamming and crabbing are allowed in designated areas of the bays, so if you are interested, make sure you are searching for your crabs and clams in the designated area.
