Located in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, Delaware is a small state packed with natural beauty, historical sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
It is also home to numerous state parks that offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
While its capital city, Dover, is one of the most popular destinations in the state, if you love the great outdoors, you should really explore some of its surrounding nature.
In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the best state parks near Dover that are worth visiting. Next time you feel the urge to reconnect with Mother earth, be sure to head to any of these places.
Map of State Parks Near Dover, DE
Here is a map of the state parks in Delaware covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Dover
Located throughout Delaware, these fabulous state parks near Dover are all terrific public recreational spaces to explore.
While most can be visited as day trip destinations, some even have camping facilities for those who want to extend their stay there.
1. First State Heritage Park
Distance from Dover: under a mile east of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 43 The Green Dover, DE 19901
First State Heritage Park is an urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in Dover, Delaware, the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and a designated swimming area.
See our full First State Heritage Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Killens Pond State Park
Distance from Dover: about 12 miles south of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE 19943
Located near Felton, just a few miles south of Dover, Killens Pond State Park is a popular recreational destination for those wanting a fun-filled time in nature.
Spanning 1,442 acres of scenic woodlands, it features a stunning 66-acre millpond that serves as the centerpiece of the park. People love to come here because the pond is a noted spot for fishing, boating, and paddling. Likewise, the surrounding woodlands offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching.
The park is also home to an aquatic playground with two slides and a splash pad, which makes it a popular place to visit for a fun day out with the family. Additionally, there are also several picnic areas, children’s play areas, and a nature center that provides visitors with information about the local flora and fauna.
For those wanting to camp, Killens Pond State Park also has over 120 sites in its campground. These range from standard tent sites to RV sites with full hookups. The campground is also open all year-round and provides access to several amenities such as hot showers, a camp store, and laundry facilities.
Killens Pond State Park is a Delaware state park located south of the town of Felton in Kent County, Delaware in the United States.
Highlights associated with Killens Pond State Park include beach access, river access, and mountain scenery.
See our full Killens Pond State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Cypress Branch State Park
Distance from Dover: about 18 miles northwest of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 10883 Galena Road, Millington, Maryland 21651
Cypress Branch State Park is a 314-acre (127 ha) Maryland state park located two miles north of Millington in Kent County, Maryland, United States.
Highlights associated with Cypress Branch State Park include mountain scenery, wooded landscapes, and wetland habitat.
See our full Cypress Branch State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Tuckahoe State Park
Distance from Dover: about 26 miles southwest of Dover (straight-line).
Location: Queen Anne, MD
Tuckahoe State Park is a Maryland state park situated along Tuckahoe Creek in Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, United States.
Highlights associated with Tuckahoe State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Tuckahoe State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Martinak State Park
Distance from Dover: about 27 miles southwest of Dover (straight-line).
Location: Nature Trail, Pealiquor Landing, Maryland 21629
Martinak State Park is a Maryland state park located on the Choptank River and Watts Creek, immediately south of Denton in Caroline County, Maryland.
Highlights associated with Martinak State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Martinak State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Bohemia River State Park
Distance from Dover: about 27 miles northwest of Dover (straight-line).
Location: Chesapeake City, MD
Bohemia River State Park is a Maryland state park situated along the north bank of Great Bohemia Creek, a tributary of the Bohemia River, in Cecil County, Maryland, United States.
Highlights associated with Bohemia River State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Bohemia River State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Lums Pond State Park
Distance from Dover: about 29 miles north of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701
If you are looking to detach yourself from the pressures of city life with a nature getaway, then consider visiting Lums Pond State Park.
A spectacular natural oasis that covers an area of more than 1,790 acres, its main drawcard is Lums Pond. This beautiful body of water is the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. It covers over 200 acres and offers nice opportunities for fishing and boating. Kayaks, paddleboards and canoes can be rented if you did not bring your own.
For those who enjoy hiking, the park is home to several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. They include the Lums Pond Loop Trail which is a popular 8.2-mile trail that offers stunning views of the pond and its surrounding woodlands.
For those wanting to camp, the park boasts a large campground that presents over 60 RV and tent campsites. Some of its most notable amenities include picnic areas, playgrounds and a disc golf course.
Lums Pond State Park is a 1,790-acre (720 ha) Delaware state park near Bear, New Castle County, Delaware in the United States.
Highlights associated with Lums Pond State Park include wooded landscapes and wetland habitat.
See our full Lums Pond State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Cape Henlopen State Park
Distance from Dover: about 35 miles southeast of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
For those who like their national parks to have a nice blend of stunning natural beauty, leisure activities and sites of historical significance, Cape Henlopen State Park is a terrific choice.
Situated just a short drive from Dover, this fabulous 5,200-acre park sits at the mouth of the Delaware Bay and features miles of beaches, sand dunes, and nature trails. Arguably its main attraction is the historic Fort Miles, which dates back to World War II. Built to defend Delaware Bay, visitors can tour the fort and learn about its history.
Alternatively, they can enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Fort Miles Historic Trail or engage in several other activities including hiking and biking, swimming, fishing, sunbathing and crabbing on the beaches.
The park’s marshes and tidal flats also provide a habitat for a variety of plants and animals, which you can learn more about at the Seaside Nature Center. In particular, they are a noted spot for bird watching, especially for species like ospreys, waterfowl and shorebirds.
Cape Henlopen State Park is a Delaware state park on 5,450 acres (2,210 ha) on Cape Henlopen in Sussex County, Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Cape Henlopen State Park include beach access, coastal dunes, and river access.
See our full Cape Henlopen State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Fox Point State Park
Distance from Dover: about 42 miles north of Dover (straight-line).
Location: Lighthouse Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809
Although it only covers 108 acres, Fox Point State Park makes a pleasant change from the fast pace of city life.
Situated near Wilmington, on the banks of the Delaware River, the park’s main feature is its 220-foot fishing pier, which extends out into the Delaware River. Not only is this a good spot to catch the likes of catfish, striped bass, and white perch, but it is also a nice place to take in wonderful views of the surrounding area. For those who want to take their own boats out onto the river, the park also has a boat launch.
Additionally, the park is also a renowned spot for hiking, with various trails skirting around its river edge and through its wooded areas. It also has several picnic areas with grills and tables for visitors to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views.
Fox Point State Park is a Delaware state park on 93 acres (38 ha) along the Delaware River in New Castle County, Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Fox Point State Park include beach access, river access, and island scenery.
See our full Fox Point State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Delaware Seashore State Park
Distance from Dover: about 45 miles southeast of Dover (straight-line).
Location: 25039 Coastal Hwy, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Blessed with beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, Delaware Seashore State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Delaware.
Located just south of Dover, this gorgeous coastal park stretches over 6 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay. It is divided into two areas: the northern section, which includes the beaches, and the southern section, which features the Indian River Marina and several campsites.
The beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park are a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Those who come here can rent umbrellas, chairs, and boogie boards at the beach to maximize their enjoyment. The park also has many hiking and biking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s diverse landscapes, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and maritime forests.
In addition to the recreational opportunities, the park also has a fascinating history. Its Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum provides a glimpse into the life of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which operated in the area from 1876 to 1915. Visitors can tour the museum and learn about the service’s important role in saving lives along the coast.
Delaware Seashore State Park is a public recreation area located near Dewey Beach in Delaware, United States.
Highlights associated with Delaware Seashore State Park include beach access, river access, and island scenery.
See our full Delaware Seashore State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
