🌤 Weather at Redden State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–74 °F | 64–88 °F | 40–80 °F | 29–50 °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 Georgetown Sussex Co Airport, 5 mi away, elevation 51 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Delaware’s Largest State-Owned Forest — Over 14,000 Acres Across 18 Tracts in Central Sussex County, 18 Primitive Tent Campsites (Permit Required Year-Round), 44+ Miles of Multi-Use Trails for Hiking Horseback Riding and Mountain Biking, Headquarters Tract With Popular 4-Mile Loop Trail, Birding and Wildlife Viewing, Working Multiple-Use Forest With Active Timber and Hunting Programs, Near Georgetown Sussex County Southern Delaware
Redden State Forest is Delaware’s largest state-owned forest — over 14,000 acres across 18 tracts in central Sussex County near Georgetown, southern Delaware, managed by the Delaware Forest Service (Department of Agriculture). The forest features 18 primitive tent campsites available year-round by permit (reservation required, no electric/water/septic hookups), over 44 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding, the popular Headquarters Tract with a well-traveled 4-mile loop trail through pine and hardwood forest, excellent birding with species including barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, and various warblers, a working multiple-use forest with active timber management and hunting programs, seasonal hunting for deer, turkey, and small game (wear hunters’ orange during season), and a peaceful Delmarva Peninsula setting with flat terrain ideal for all skill levels.
Redden is often overlooked — most visitors associate Delaware with beaches — but the 14,000-acre forest provides a surprisingly immersive woodland experience in a state not known for wilderness.
The Headquarters Tract 4-mile loop is the most popular trail and provides an excellent introduction to the forest. For equestrians, Redden is one of Delaware’s best horseback riding destinations.
Important: This is a working forest with active hunting — visitors should wear hunters’ orange during hunting seasons and check the Delaware Forest Service website for current schedules.
Things to Do
- Hiking — 44+ miles of trails, 4-mi loop
- Primitive camping — 18 tent sites (permit req.)
- Horseback riding — multi-use trails
- Mountain biking — forest trails
- Birding — owls, woodpeckers, warblers
- Hunting — seasonal: deer, turkey
Forest Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Georgetown, Sussex County, DE |
| Size | 14,000+ acres — 18 tracts |
| Trails | 44+ miles — hiking, horse, MTB |
| Camping | 18 primitive tent sites (permit, year-round) |
| Hunting | ⚠️ Active — wear orange in season |
| Managed By | Delaware Forest Service |
| Coordinates | 38.7333° N, 75.5333° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Redden State Forest?
Yes — Redden State Forest near Georgetown, Delaware offers 18 primitive tent campsites available year-round by permit (reservation required). No electric, water, or septic hookups — tent camping only. Delaware’s largest state-owned forest spans 14,000+ acres with 44+ miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and birding. Note: this is a working forest with active hunting — wear hunters’ orange during hunting seasons. Managed by Delaware Forest Service. Contact: (302) 856-2893.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Trap Pond State Park (a short drive away) and Killens Pond State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Redden State Forest: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 18 sites — 18 tent-only campsites; pickup campers, travel trailers and motorhomes are excluded due to access and parking limitations, except by special authorization. ADA sites and small/medium camper-van-accessible sites are available first-come, first-served. No electric, water or septic hookups at sites; water spigots are available at designated areas. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets must remain under the continuous control of the owner at all times; dogs must be leashed unless covered by lawful hunting regulations. Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their animals. |
| Reservations | Online reservations only, through the Firefly reservation system; a valid major credit card is required and reservations must be made before arrival. $25 per night per site, three-night maximum stay per reservation, plus a $3.50 administrative fee at booking and on cancellations. |
| Special sites | Picnic tables, fire rings and charcoal grills (including accessible options) at each site; portable toilets; firewood available for purchase on-site ($5, cash only); no showers or bath facilities. 44 miles of trails for hiking, biking and bird watching. |
| Season notes | Open 365 days a year. |
Camping questions about Redden State Forest
Can you camp at Redden State Forest?
Yes. Redden State Forest has 18 campsites. 18 tent-only campsites; pickup campers, travel trailers and motorhomes are excluded due to access and parking limitations, except by special authorization. ADA sites and small/medium camper-van-accessible sites are available first-come, first-served. No electric, water or septic hookups at sites; water spigots are available at designated areas.
How do you reserve a campsite at Redden State Forest?
Online reservations only, through the Firefly reservation system; a valid major credit card is required and reservations must be made before arrival. $25 per night per site, three-night maximum stay per reservation, plus a $3.50 administrative fee at booking and on cancellations.
Are pets allowed at the Redden State Forest campground?
Pets must remain under the continuous control of the owner at all times; dogs must be leashed unless covered by lawful hunting regulations. Owners are responsible for any damage caused by their animals.
Source: agriculture.delaware.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Redden State Forest
- 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 Redden State Forest?
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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