Located in central Delaware, Killens Pond State Park is a favorite RV camping destination for families and outdoor lovers alike. The park was established in 1965, but even before that people loved this area for its natural resources and beauty. Centuries ago, Native Americans settled and hunted along the Murder Kill River that still traverses the park to this day. Killens Pond was created years later in the 1700s and has been attracting visitors ever since.
After you park the campervan at your site and set up camp, you can start enjoying all that this scenic park has to offer. The Killens Pond is the main attraction, and you could spend a whole day paddling or casting out on the water. There are also miles of hiking and biking trails available, along with an on-site waterpark that the whole family will love. The birders in your group will enjoy the nearby Fork Branch Nature Reserve, where they can see a variety of interesting species.
If you didn't get a chance to complete all the park activities in one day, you can park the rig in one of 56 campsites at the park campground. Open year-round, there's never a bad time to visit Killens Pond State Park.
Killens Pond State Park is a great getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without going too far off the beaten path. Located in Kent County, Delaware, the park is close to well-traveled routes like US-13 and DE-1, making it easy to reach the park no matter which direction you're coming from or what type of vehicle you are driving. There are numerous small towns within minutes of the park where you can gas up the RV, stock up on any supplies you may need, or grab a bite to eat.
The park has numerous entrances, but those staying overnight will want to enter through the south of the park on Paradise Alley Road. Killens Pond Road is the main park road and will lead you to most of the major attractions, including boat launches, the water park, the nature center, and various trailheads.
Parking lots are numerous, with especially large lots available near the water park. Those staying overnight will have their own private parking spot at their campsite.
If one day wasn't enough at Killens Pond State Park, park the rig at the campground in one of the 56 RV- and trailer-friendly sites. The campground is located on the south end of the park just off of Paradise Alley Road. Each site is equipped with water and electric hookups, along with a picnic table and a fire pit. Maximum site lengths vary, but so long as your campervan is under 40 feet, you should be able to find a site. The sites are split between six loops, with a central bathhouse in the middle. Campground guests will also have access to a playground, a picnicking area, horseshoe pits, and various trailheads.
Pets are welcome in all loops, and several ADA-accessible sites can also be found. Two of the six loops are open year-round, while the remaining loops are closed during the winter months. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.
Those looking to get out of the Class A for a night or two and stay in luxury can rent one of the park's cabins. Eleven cabins are available for rent year-round, two of which are ADA-accessible, and two of which allows pets. The cabins can sleep up to four guests and come equipped with a kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, along with central air conditioning and heat. There is also a screened-in porch, and guests will find a picnic table and fire ring outside. One vehicle per group is allowed to park nearby, but you will need to walk a short distance to access the cabins. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.
A trip to Killens Pond State Park wouldn't be complete without spending an afternoon on the water. Even if you didn't tow your own boat along behind the Sprinter, rentals of canoes, pedal boats, and kayaks are available during the summer months. You can take your boat out for a spin around the lake, or follow the park's water trail along the Murderkill River. A boat ramp is available on the east side of the lake off of Killens Pond Road.
Both the young and the young at heart can find relief from Delaware's warm summers during their RV vacation to Killens Pond State Park at the on-site waterpark. Visitors will find plenty to keep them busy, with four waterslides, a large swimming pool, and even a tot pool and a tot lot for the young campers in your group. There is also a food concession and a swim shop if you need some sustenance or any other supplies during your day at the waterpark. Visitors should note that a small fee is charged to enter the water park on top of the park entrance fee.
Don't hesitate to bring the bikes along in the motorhome when you visit Killens Pond State Park, because there are miles of trails waiting to be explored. Biking is allowed on the 2.5-mile Killens Pond Loop Trial, and this moderate trek is great for riders of all skill levels. The loop leads around the whole lake, and you'll be treated to scenic forest views for much of the way. This is a multi-use trail, so beware of hikers who may also be walking the loop.
Those looking to practice their favorite sport or learn some new skills during their time at Killens Pond State Park will find plenty to keep them occupied. The park is equipped with a baseball field, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and even an 18-hole disc golf course. There are also various geocaches hidden throughout the park if you're up for a treasure hunt. If you forgot to pack your gear along in the T@B, there are sports equipment rentals available from the park.
If you prefer to sleep under the stars during your time at Killens Pond State Park, there are 16 primitive style walk-in sites available. These sites are located just off of the main campground and come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. You can keep the motorhome at the nearby parking lot, but feel free to bring your pet along to your campsite. Restrooms with showers can be found in the main campground, along with picnicking areas, horseshoe pits, and a playground. The primitive sites are available year-round, with reservations available up to a year in advance.
Even if all the sites were spoken for at Killens Pond State Park, you won't have to journey far to find a place to park the campervan for the night. Both Martinak State Park and Tuckahoe State Park are located around 30 minutes west of the park; you'll just need to cross over the Maryland border. Martinak offers overnight guests over 60 RV-friendly sites with electric hookups, while Tuckahoe is equipped with 33 electric sites and 16 standard sites for RV campers.
Those willing to drive a bit further will find Cape Henlopen State Park about 45 minutes to the west of the park. Located on the scenic shores of Chesapeake Bay, campers will be treated to stunning views and over 100 RV-friendly campsites with water and electric hookups.
No matter what time of year you visit Killens Pond State Park, don't hesitate to visit the nature center located on-site. Inside, you'll find exhibits about the area's flora and fauna, and the building is also available for rent if you're holding a meeting or hosting a private event. If you want to get the kiddos out of the Airstream and interested in nature, the center holds various environmental programs throughout the year, including guided hikes, nature talks, and birding basics.
The avid birders in your group will love the chance to see a variety of species during your RV vacation to Killens Pond State Park. The nearby Fork Branch Nature Preserve spans across nearly 300 acres and is home to both migratory and resident birds, and if you're lucky you may spot pileated woodpeckers, prothonotary warblers, white-breasted nuthatches, or red-shouldered hawks. The area's rare mature flood plain topography also makes a perfect nesting spot for barred owls.
Lace-up your hiking boots and leave the pop-up back at camp, because Killens Pond State Park offers miles of hiking trails for you to traverse during your stay. The trails are notoriously well kept, making for an enjoyable experience no matter where you choose to walk. The Killen Pond Loop is by far the favorite in the park, and this moderate trail will lead you around the lake and through forested areas. To beat the crowds, consider trekking this 2.5-mile trail in the off-season.
Anglers hoping to cast out during their stay at Killens Pond State Park will have plenty of opportunities to do so. Killens Pond and the Murderkill River are both plentiful, and common catches include perch, pickerel, carp, crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass among others. You can cast out from dock, shoreline, or boat, and if you didn't bring your own vessel along, seasonal rentals are available. Wherever you choose to drop a line, a Delaware fishing license is required.
