🌤 Weather at Fort DuPont State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–74 °F | 63–87 °F | 37–78 °F | 26–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wilmington New Castle Co Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 79 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Fort DuPont State Park is a fascinating destination for anyone who loves history and nature.
Situated in Delaware City, the park provides visitors with the chance to explore the remains of a Civil War-era fort and the vibrant natural landscape on which it is based.
Constructed in the mid-1800s to protect the Delaware River and the Port of Wilmington from potential attacks, the fort and the park played an important role during World War II. Serving as both a coastal defense installation and a training facility for the Army.
Today, visitors can explore the fort’s ruins and learn about the history of the site through informative signage and guided tours.
In addition to its historical significance, the 300-acre Fort DuPont State Park also boasts stunning views of the Delaware River and a diverse range of wildlife.
Visitors to this Delaware state park can take a stroll along nature trails, go fishing in two waterways, or simply relax and enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s scenic designated areas.
Activities
During your visit to Fort DuPont State Park there are plenty of things you can see and do.
Outlined below is a brief overview of some of its main sightseeing and recreational highlights.
Fort at Fort DuPont State Park
Built in 1863, the fort was in operation until 1945, providing a crucial coastal defense during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
It consists of a series of gun batteries, magazines, and underground tunnels, some of which are open to visitors. The batteries were built to protect the Delaware River and the city of Wilmington from enemy ships.
During World War I and World War II, the fort also served as a training ground for soldiers and was used to store ammunition and other supplies.
Today, visitors can explore the fort and learn about its fascinating history.
Guided Tours at Fort DuPont State Park
The park offers visitors a variety of guided tours that provide a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.
The guided tours are led by knowledgeable park rangers and cover a variety of topics, including the history of the fort, the Civil War, and the park’s natural resources. They take the form of walking tours, tram tours, and boat tours.
The walking tour takes visitors on a leisurely stroll through the park’s historic district, where they can see the fort’s barracks, officers’ quarters, and other historic buildings. Meanwhile, the tram tour goes on a scenic ride through the park’s wetlands and forests, providing stunning views of the Delaware River. The boat tour embarks on a peaceful cruise along the Delaware River, where park guests can see wildlife and learn about the river’s history.
All of the guided tours are informative and entertaining, making them a great way to experience the history and beauty of Fort DuPont State Park.
Fishing at Fort DuPont State Park
Fishing is a popular activity at Fort DuPont State Park, with the park accessing two major waterways. Namely the Delaware River and the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.
Between them, these waterways offer a variety of fish species, including striped bass, white perch and bluefish.
Anglers can choose to fish from the shore or from boats, which can be launched from the park’s boat ramp.
The park also has a fishing pier that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. It is located near the marina and is a popular spot for anglers.
If you want to fish at the park, you will need to hold a valid fishing license if you are over the age of 16. You’ll be able to pick this up online or at the nearby sporting goods store.
Hiking at Fort DuPont State Park
For those into hiking, the park offers more than six miles of trails that wind through wooded areas, open fields, and along the Delaware River shoreline. The trails are marked and range from easy to moderate difficulty.
Most people who visit the park choose to tackle the River View Trail, which takes in scenic views of the river and passes by the remains of Fort DuPont’s gun battery.
The Woodland Trail is another popular route, taking hikers through a forested area that is home to diverse wildlife and native plant species.
If you are after a longer hike, the Governor Bacon Trail offers a three mile course through the park’s diverse landscapes of wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas.
Pets
At Fort DuPont State Park, the Riverview Trail is pet friendly: a packed-earth path through tidal marsh and past old gun batteries (Fort DuPont park page).
Delaware State Parks rules apply: your pet must be licensed and you need proof of its rabies vaccination. Keep it on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your control, except in designated off-leash areas, clean up after it, and never leave it unattended, not even in your vehicle or camper. Park buildings, yurts, bird nesting areas, rental boats and kayaks, and all cabins and cottages except the designated dog-friendly ones are closed to pets year-round (Delaware State Parks pet rules, as of October 2026).
Camping
There are no campgrounds within Fort DuPont State Park. However, if you are looking to stay overnight in the area there are several nearby camping options you can choose from.
One of them is Lums Pond State Park, which is just about 10 miles southwest of Fort DuPont. There you will find modern tent and RV camping sites, with amenities such as showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store.
Another option you might want to consider is Killens Pond State Park. It also has similar accommodation options and amenities and is located about 20 miles south of the park.
As well as these state park campgrounds, there are some private ones in the area too you might want to stay at. This includes the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, which you will find about 20 miles north of Fort DuPont. It has excellent tent and RV sites and boasts a swimming pool, mini golf, and a game room among its amenities.
Park Location
Fort DuPont State Park
Wilmington Ave,
Delaware City, DE 19706
Phone: 302.834.7941
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fort DuPont State Park:
Explore More Delaware State Parks
Fort DuPont State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Delaware. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Delaware guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Fort Delaware State Park is a short drive away, and Lums Pond State Park is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Delaware state parks online at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fort DuPont 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 Fort DuPont 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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