🏆 Official Guide: Delaware Seashore State Park — A barrier island paradise stretching 6 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth/Indian River Bays, just south of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware — featuring ocean + bay swimming beaches with lifeguards (Memorial Day–Labor Day), surfing beach at Indian River Inlet, the Indian River Inlet fishing pier, a full-service marina (boat slips, charters, bait shop), 2 large campgrounds with full RV hookups, Burton Island Nature Trail (1 mi — salt marsh birding), the historic Indian River Life-Saving Station (1876 museum), surf fishing with vehicle permits, kayaking, crabbing, clamming — plus waterfront dining at Big Chill Beach Club + Dockside Marina Grill.
Delaware Seashore State Park is the crown jewel of Delaware’s coastline — a 6-mile barrier island where the Atlantic Ocean meets Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. With ocean and bay beaches on either side, world-class fishing at Indian River Inlet, a full-service marina, and two large campgrounds, this park delivers the complete coastal experience just south of bustling Rehoboth Beach.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | South of Rehoboth Beach, DE — barrier island |
| Ocean Beaches | 2 guarded swimming beaches (Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| Surfing | Dedicated beach — north of Indian River Inlet |
| Marina | Full-service — slips, dry storage, charters, bait/tackle |
| Historic Site | Indian River Life-Saving Station (1876) — museum/visitor center |
Camping
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| North Inlet CG | Tents, trailers, RVs — full hookups (water/electric/sewer) |
| South Inlet CG | Tents, trailers, RVs — full hookups |
| Facilities | Bathhouses, showers, dump stations |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Ocean + bay beaches — lifeguards seasonal |
| Surfing | Dedicated beach — year-round access |
| Fishing | Indian River Inlet pier + surf fishing (vehicle permit req.) |
| Boating | Full-service marina + public boat launch — bay access |
| Kayaking | Multiple bay launches — 20 mi of bay shoreline |
| Crabbing/Clamming | Bay side — popular with families |
| Nature Trail | Burton Island — 1-mi loop — salt marsh, maritime forest |
| Birding | Burton Island + salt marshes — shorebirds, migrants |
| Dining | Big Chill Beach Club + Dockside Marina Grill |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on the beach?
Yes — surf fishing vehicles with a valid permit can drive on designated beach areas. Standard beach visitors park in the parking lots and walk to the sand. The surf fishing permit is separate from the park entrance fee.
Is there dining inside the park?
Yes — the Big Chill Beach Club (south side of Indian River Inlet) and Dockside Marina Bar & Grill (north side) both offer waterfront dining with views. Concession stands are also available at the main beach bathhouses.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Delaware State Park (a short drive away) or Holts Landing State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Delaware state parks online at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Delaware Seashore State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet, except in designated off-leash areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- State law prohibits pets from all swimming and sunbathing beaches May 1 - September 30; Beach Plum Island bans pets year-round.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs are allowed, and only in designated dog-friendly units (e.g. cabins at Killens Pond, Trap Pond, Cape Henlopen, cottages at Delaware Seashore); $25 per night pet fee, 2-dog maximum.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $25 per night pet fee for dog-friendly cabins/cottages (max 2 dogs).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Fort Delaware State Park and Killens Pond Water Park are closed to pets; pets allowed in surf-fishing vehicle areas on a 6-foot leash.
Are dogs allowed at Delaware Seashore State Park?
Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via destateparks.com. More: Delaware state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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