For too many people, the Delaware shore means the beach towns of Bethany, Dewey, and Rehoboth. For those who venture a bit further north, it usually means heading towards Lewes (a wonderful spot in its own right) for the Cape May Ferry to get to New Jersey. However, just past the ferry landing is the entrance to a real gift from the state of Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park. Situated around the World War II observation fort (Ft. Miles), the park allows for some wonderful ocean beach access, at the same time that it provides for other ways to enjoy and learn from the beach and ocean environs. For out-of-state residents, day access is $5 to the park, a real bargain.

Beach: There is a public, lifeguard-patrolled beach, with a beach house and lots of parking. It is a clean, wide beach. All trash has to be carted back out and people do do that. Lifeguards are on station until 5 p.m., then clear the water for their departure, after which you are free to go back in again. Pets are not allowed during the summer months, but are at other times. This is the principal focus for daytripping beach-goers. Lines to get in and to park can get long, but that is not always the case. Truly, this alone is worth a park visit.

The rest of the park: Cape Henlopen has a lot to offer off the main beach. Just staying along the ocean front, there are further stretches of beach with pedestrian or bicycle access only that take you away from the crowds. There are surf fishing areas, where those actively fishing can bring their vehicles right on to the beach. There is a fishing pier. Off the beach, there is an active nature center, with inside displays and fish tanks, daily program activities for both children and adults (including kayak tours of the waters), and a real miracle find--free 2-hour use of bicycles to tour the park if you forgot yours.

Bicycling: There is a bike path along the road taking you in to the park itself, and then there are bike paths through the park (and good roads where there are not) that let you access most of what the park has to offer. This includes the beach and fishing pier, as well as the various remnants of the observation fort (including one tower that is open for climbing and viewing).

Camping: There is tent and RV camping available inside the park. This has got to be one of the best bargains around. You get a site that can hold two tents (two families!) or a camper and a tent and you get your park access included for $31 a night (for up to six people, a couple dollars more for more than that). While some of the camp sites are clearly nicer than others (some have more pines and less sand), the environment is clean; there is running water at each site, not too long of a trek to the bathrooms and showers, and a wonderful place to start biking from. One can walk to the main beach house in 10-15 minutes and skip the parking lot entirely.

History: Both as a beacon guiding boats from the ocean to the Delaware Bay and as a World War II observation area, there is even a taste of history to be picked up during your stay.


Recommended: Yes

Best time to go: June-August
Recommended for: Familes
Review Topic: Overview