CAPE HENLOPEN STATE PARK
Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy ocean swimming and sunbathing. Two designated swimming beaches provide lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Umbrellas can be rented during the summer. The northern swimming area also features a modern bath house with showers, changing rooms, and a food concession.
The park's open spaces feature many other activities. A picnic pavilion and the "Officer's Club" building can both be reserved for group events. An 18-hole disc golf course encourages friendly competition, and basketball courts promote more active exercise. Winter hunting is permitted in some areas of the park; a hunting permit is required, and information can be obtained from the Park Office. Annual events such as the Kite Festival and the Halloween Spook Trail are family favorites. The park also conducts a variety of entertaining recreational programs, including natural history lectures, outdoor concerts, seaside seining, and birdwatching, to name but a few.
This park was once a military base during World War II. In 1964, it became public land for recreational use and conservation purposes. It covers over 5,000 acres of beaches, dunes and forests with diverse wildlife habitats. The area is known for its historical significance as the first publicly used lands in America's "First State".
- Tent and RV Camping: The park offers 150 campsites, some with water hookups for tents or recreational vehicles.
- Cabins: Six cabins are available year-round; each sleeps six people.
- Youth Group Camping Area: Special area designated for youth groups like scouts or school trips.
- Walking Dune Campground: This campground is located near the beach and has a bathhouse facility nearby.
- Pine Tree Campground: A more secluded camping option surrounded by pine trees offering privacy to campers.