Situated just an hour’s drive from its capital city of Dover, Delaware Seashore State Park is a beautiful state park in Delaware.
Encompassing 2,825 acres, it sits on a barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.
This Delaware state park also has a campground you can stay at, as well as facilities for picnicking and beach-going. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and is known in particular for its spectacular beaches and outstanding natural beauty.
Activities
While at Delaware Seashore State Park, visitors can engage in a wide range of recreational, outdoor pursuits.
Here are some of the main activities you can do during your time there:
Boating at Delaware Seashore State Park
For those who enjoy boating, Delaware Seashore State Park provides plenty of opportunities.
The park has a boat ramp located on the Indian River Bay, which will give you easy access to both it, and the Atlantic Ocean. The ramp is open 24 hours a day and is suitable for boats of all sizes. Visitors are required to have a valid boating permit and must follow all state boating laws and regulations.
The park also has a number of boat rentals available, including kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes. These rentals are available at its marina, and are a great way for visitors to explore the park’s shimmering waterways and marshes.
Fishing at Delaware Seashore State Park
The park also has a number of designated areas for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
The Indian River Bay accommodates plenty of flounder, weakfish, and bluefish. While the Atlantic Ocean has an abundance of striped bass and tuna.
Visitors are required to have a valid fishing license before they cast a line.
Hiking at Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park offers several hiking trails for visitors to explore.
While these trails vary in distance and the level of challenge they will provide you with, they all showcase unique parts of the park’s landscape. Some of the main trails include:
- The Indian River Life-Saving Station Trail – Length: 1 mile. Degree of Difficulty: easy
- The Fenwick Island Trail – Length: 2 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- The James Farm Ecological Preserve Trail – Length: 3 miles. Degree of Difficulty: challenging
Additionally, the park also has a beach-hiking trail, which allows visitors to walk the beach and explore the area’s natural beauty and wildlife.
It’s a great way to watch the birds and wildlife and enjoy the natural coastal scenery.
Birding at Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is a terrific place for bird watching, as the park is home to a wide variety of bird species. You will definitely want to bring your binoculars with you as the park’s location along the Atlantic coast and on a barrier island, provides a natural habitat for both migratory and resident birds.
Some of the bird species that can be found in the park include the American oystercatcher, piping plover, red knot, black skimmer, and least tern. These shorebirds are protected under the Endangered Species Act and are often seen during migration. Other common species include the great blue heron, osprey, and various breeds of gulls and terns.
The park also has a number of freshwater ponds and marshes that attract a wide variety of waterfowl and wading birds.
These include the great egret, glossy ibis, and green heron. Additionally, the park’s wooded areas and dunes provide habitat for warblers, vireos, and other songbirds.
The park offers several guided birding walks and programs to help visitors spot and identify the different species.
Visitors can also check the park’s website or contact the main office for more information on birding opportunities and to find the best time to spot specific species.
Pets at Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park is pet-friendly, but there are some restrictions and rules that pet owners must follow.
Dogs are allowed in the campground and on the beach, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
They are not allowed in the park’s buildings or in the swimming areas.
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets and disposing of waste in designated areas. Your pooch is also not allowed in the cabins or on the designated beach areas.
It is worthwhile noting that some areas of the park may be closed to pets during the hunting season and other events.
So it’s always a good idea to check the park’s website or contact the main office for the most up-to-date information.
Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park
Delaware Seashore State Park offers camping facilities for overnight visitors.
The campground has both tent and RV sites, as well as a number of cabins that can be rented. Amenities at the campground include flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station for RVs.
Some of the RV sites have electric and water hookups. The campground also has a playground and a camp store where visitors can purchase supplies and snacks.
Reservations are recommended as the campground can fill up quickly during peak season. Campers are also required to have a valid camping permit and are subject to park rules and regulations.
The park also offers beach camping, a unique and popular option where campers can set up their tents on the sand in designated areas. This is available from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Park Location
Delaware Seashore State Park
25039 Coastal Hwy,
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Phone: 302.227.2800
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Delaware Seashore State Park:
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