If you are looking for somewhere that has a serene atmosphere, breathtaking views and offers numerous recreational opportunities, then Holts Landing State Park is the place for you!
Located just 15 minutes from Bethany Beach, the park spans over 200 acres of land and is situated along the Indian River Bay. It is home to a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and forests, which make it an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to visit.
Offering terrific opportunities for boating, fishing, biking and picnicking, this Delaware state park is also a noted spot for birding and wildlife watching.
As it is just over a two hour drive from Wilmington, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington DC, it is a popular destination for city dwellers who want a bit of rest and relaxation from the accelerated pace of urban life.
Activities
As touched upon earlier, visitors to Holts Landing State Park can engage in a range of leisure activities during their time there.
Outlined below is more information about some of the most regularly practiced of them.
Boating at Holts Landing State Park
Boating is a lovely way to experience Holts Landing State Park.
The Indian River Bay has plenty of surface area to glide along and enjoy the scenery. There are also several islands and coves that can be accessed by boat, providing a unique perspective of the park’s surroundings.
A boat ramp is available for launching boats, and there are plenty of spaces for parking trailers. Visitors are welcome to bring their own boats or rent them from nearby outfitters, however they should keep in mind that there are specific boating regulations that must be followed.
For instance, all boats must have valid registrations and life jackets for all passengers. Additionally, speed limits and other boating rules must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety on the water.
Fishing at Holts Landing State Park
Holts Landing State Park is a noted destination for fishing as the Indian River Bay is teaming with striped bass, flounder, croaker and bluefish.
The park offers a fishing pier on it which provides an excellent spot to fish. Alternatively you can choose to cast a line by the shoreline or on a boat out in the middle of the water.
Fishing is permitted year-round but you will need to obtain a valid Delaware fishing license before you do so.
Every year in March, the park also offers a fishing tournament, the Annual Seaside Boat Show and Fishing Expo. This event is a great opportunity for anglers to compete with other fishermen and showcase their skills.
In addition, the park also has a tackle loaner program, which provides fishing gear to visitors who do not have their own equipment.
Hiking trails and boardwalks at Holts Landing State Park
Probably the best way to explore the park is via its many scenic trails and boardwalks. This allows visitors an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty of its coastal marshes.
There are several well marked trails throughout the park that offer spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands, forests, and wildlife. Although they differ in length and degrees of difficulty there is a trail for people of all levels of fitness to tackle.
One of the park’s most popular trails is the Sea Hawk Trail, a 1.7-mile loop that winds through marshes and forests.
Relatively flat, it offers picturesque views of the Indian River Bay and is an easy hike for families and children.
The park also features the Holt’s Landing Trail, which is a 3.2-mile loop that circles the park’s namesake pond and offers fantastic opportunities for bird watching.
In addition to the hiking trails, the park also has several boardwalks, including the Holt’s Landing Pier, a 200-foot-long pier that provides access to the Indian River Bay.
These boardwalks are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the marshes up close and personal.
Birding at Holts Landing State Park
Holts Landing State Park is an ideal spot for birding enthusiasts to observe a wide variety of birds.
Located on the shores of the Indian River Bay, the park provides a habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including migratory birds that stop here during their journey.
Birdwatchers can explore the park’s trails, boardwalks, and observation decks to get a closer look at the breeds in their natural habitat.
Some of the birds commonly spotted at Holts Landing State Park include osprey, bald eagles, herons, egrets and sandpipers.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Holts Landing State Park you are more than welcome to. Although you should be aware of certain rules and regulations that are enforced in relation to their presence.
One of them involves your dog being well behaved and restrained on a leash at all times. Another requires dogs to be cleaned up after they have made a mess.
Owners should also be aware that pets are not permitted in certain buildings.
For those who intend to bring their four-legged friends with them to the park it might be worth getting in touch with the main office for a full rundown of their pet policy.
Camping
Holts Landing State Park does not have any campsites or cabins within the park. However, there are several camping options available nearby.
One of the most agreeable of them is Trap Pond State Park. It is about a half an hour drive from Holts Landing, but it does offer an excellent range of campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as homely cabins.
Other options to bear in mind are the campgrounds at Trap Pond State Park, Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park. Located within easy driving distance of Holts Landing State Park, they offer several different types of camping accommodation to suit all budgets at taste.
Park Location
Holts Landing State Park
27046 Holts Lndg Rd,
Dagsboro, DE 19939
Phone: 302.227.2800
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Holts Landing State Park:
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