DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK
Water, water everywhere describes Delaware Seashore State Park. Bounded on the east by the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, the 2825-acre park is a beach-goer's delight.
Throughout history, the forces of wind and water have kept this barrier island largely inaccessible, due to the frequent natural changes of the inlet channel between the bays and the sea. Transportation along this narrow stretch of land was difficult until the Federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began operating Delaware Seashore State Park in 1965. Today, the park is a major attraction for millions of visitors who enjoy the large variety of water-related activities available along Delaware's coast.
Established in 1965, the park is located near Dewey Beach. It spans over 2,825 acres along Delaware's Atlantic coast. The area was once home to Native American tribes and later colonized by European settlers.
In the mid-20th century, it became a popular vacation spot for tourists seeking beachfront camping experiences. In response to this demand, state officials designated it as an official public recreation site.
The Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum within its boundaries opened in 1976 showcasing maritime history of shipwrecks and rescues on Delaware's coastline.
Over time amenities were added including campgrounds with electric hookups (1981), cottages (2003) and cabins(2014). Today visitors enjoy swimming beaches patrolled by lifeguards during summer months while fishing enthusiasts appreciate two ocean piers open year-round.
Day-UseFishingyes
Hiking Trailyes
Bike Trailsyes
Swimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Indian River Marina
Located on the north side of the Indian River Inlet at Delaware Seashore State Park, the park's marina features many convenient services for boaters and fishermen. And it's just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Inland Bays - some of the finest fishing grounds on the east coast!
The Cottages at Indian River Marina
The Cottages at Indian River Marina are located on the north shore of the Indian River Inlet inside Delaware Seashore State Park. The park is one of the Mid-Atlantic region's most popular recreational destinations, with a wealth of natural settings and six miles of ocean and bay shoreline.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, surf- and deep-sea fishing, surfing, sailing, paddling, hiking, bird watching and much more. The cottages are adjacent to the Indian River Marina and close to resorts, restaurants, tax-free shopping outlets, historic sites and park amenities.
Campsites at Delaware Seashore State Park:
- Indian River Inlet Campground: Offers tent, RV and cabin rentals with water views.
- North Inlet Tent & Pop-Up Campsites: Provides basic amenities for tents or pop-up campers.
Amenities within the campsites:
- Bathhouses: Equipped with hot showers, laundry facilities and dishwashing stations.
- Picnic Areas: Each site has a picnic table and grill.
Activities available in the park:
-Hiking Trails
-Fishing Spots
-Surfing Beaches
- Ocean swimming available along six miles of Atlantic coastline.
- Lifeguards on duty at designated areas during summer months.
- Bayside beach offers calmer waters for families and children.
- No lifeguard presence on bayside; swim at your own risk.
- Surfing zones allocated near certain ocean beaches outside guarded swimming areas.
Anglers can fish from the surf, bayside piers, or by boat. Common catches include flounder, striped bass, and bluefish. Fishing licenses are required for those 16 and older. The park hosts annual fishing tournaments as well.