Cape Henlopen State Park
4.8(8.5K)google
4.3(149)yelp
OutdoorBeachCoastCampingHikingWildlife Watching
Overview
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. William Penn made the beaches of Cape Henlopen one of the first public lands established in what has become the United States in 1682 with the declaration that Cape Henlopen would be for "the usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County." Cape Henlopen State Park has a 24-hour and year-round fishing pier as well as campgrounds. The remainder of the park is only open from sunrise to sunset, and includes a bathhouse on the Atlantic Ocean, an area for surf-fishing, a disc golf course, and bicycle and walking paths.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeWhile summer (June-August) attracts beachgoers, September and October deliver spectacular, crisp weather perfect for hiking the shifting sand dunes and historic sites without the heat. Arrive around 9:00 AM to explore Fort Miles first, followed by a midday hike on the Great Dune overlooking the sea.
Getting ThereBy car, take DE-1 S to DE-9 E, continuing onto Cape Henlopen Drive until you hit the state park toll gate (out-of-state vehicles pay a daily fee). The interior has massive paved lots near all amenities. Seasonally, DART Route 204 services the nearby Lewes ferry terminal just outside the gates.
Travel Tips
- Non-resident vehicles entering the park boundary from March 1 to November 30 must purchase a Daily Vehicle Pass ($10 for out-of-state tags) at the entrance plaza. Morning gridlock at the booths routinely extends miles down Cape Henlopen Drive; bypass the structural backup by clearing the gates before 7:30 AM.
- Drive-on beach access for surf angling requires a true four-wheel-drive (4x4) platform and a valid seasonal state Surf Fishing Permit affixed to the glass. Park rangers operate check stations at all dune trail ramps; vehicles lacking the legally mandated recovery kit (support boards, tow strap, and tire gauge) are denied entry.
- The park's coastal campground requires 100% advance real-name reservations via ReserveAmerica, typically booked out up to one year in advance with zero walk-in allocation. If your combined RV/trailer length exceeds the hard physical limits specified on your booking, rangers will enforce immediate cancellation with zero refund.
Reviews
Positive
- The park is massive and perfectly blends beautiful beaches, historic WWII forts, and a nature center for a full day of fun.
- The Nature Center offers an amazing free bicycle loan program, making exploring the park by bike highly pleasant and eco-friendly.
- The campgrounds and RV sites are well-organized, equipped with clean token showers and well-maintained public restrooms.
- The famous fishing pier is open to the public and well-managed, serving as an iconic spot for angling and sunset watching.
Heads up
- Vehicle entrance lines are terrible during the summer peak; you might get stuck at the park gate for an hour if you don't arrive early.
- Out-of-state vehicle entrance fees are high, which reduces the cost-effectiveness if you only plan for a brief visit.
- The ends of some accessible boardwalks are often buried in loose sand, causing wheelchairs or strollers to get stuck due to lack of clearing.
- The only snack bar inside has limited food choices and long lines; cold bottled water can even sell out during hot afternoon peaks.