Delaware Seashore State Park
Coastal paradise with pristine beaches, a vibrant marina, and stunning views of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Delaware Seashore State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Coastal paradise with pristine beaches, a vibrant marina, and stunning views of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
"Beautiful at night with the bridge, lots to do, clean sites, and good fishing."
🎯 Book Camping Early!
Campgrounds book up 6-12 months in advance. Plan ahead! :calendar:
🏕️ Tent Camping? Consider Options
Less shade and more wind than wooded sites. Best for RVs/trailers. :tent:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Indian River Inlet Bridge
Overlooking the Indian River Inlet
A stunning modern marvel offering breathtaking views, especially beautiful at night when lit up.
North Shores Beach
Northern section of the park
A popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a more relaxed and less crowded beach experience.
WWII Lookout Tower
Near the Indian River Inlet
Step back in time at this historic tower, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.
Burton Island
Accessible by kayak or boat
A serene escape for birdwatching and leisurely walks, offering a peaceful natural setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Campsite Early!
Tent Camping Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Camping Early!
Campgrounds book up 6-12 months in advance. Plan ahead!
🏕️ Tent Camping? Consider Options
Less shade and more wind than wooded sites. Best for RVs/trailers. :tent:
🎣 Great Spot for Fishing
Easy access to fishing areas and a full marina. :fishingpoleand_வத:
🚲 Bike to Bethany Beach
Enjoy a ride on the dedicated bike lane along Route 1. :bicycle:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Camping Early!
Campgrounds book up 6-12 months in advance. Plan ahead!
🏕️ Tent Camping? Consider Options
Less shade and more wind than wooded sites. Best for RVs/trailers. :tent:
🎣 Great Spot for Fishing
Easy access to fishing areas and a full marina. :fishingpoleand_வத:
🚲 Bike to Bethany Beach
Enjoy a ride on the dedicated bike lane along Route 1. :bicycle:
🌊 Beach Access & Showers
Clean beaches with convenient shower facilities. :shower:
🍽️ Dockside Bar & Grill
Highly recommended restaurant with a lovely beach view. :hamburger:
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Friendly
North Shores Beach is a popular and welcoming spot. :rainbow:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Delaware Seashore State Park for its beautiful beaches, clean facilities, and convenient access to fishing and the marina. The illuminated Indian River Inlet Bridge at night is a particular highlight. However, some tent campers find the open, treeless campsites less desirable, and booking well in advance is essential due to high demand.
"We enjoyed our stay. It’s beautiful at night with the bridge. Lots to do. Has kiddo playground. The sites are nice. Restroom and shower are clean. Good area to fish in.
Has a full marina and an excellent restaurant. Dock Side bar and grill.
Totally recommend it. Beach has a lovely view."
Eddie Martinez
"Not our jam for camping, we prefer woods. Friends had said how much they loved his SP so we tried it. Of course we arrived during a heat wave. Lots of campers all but jammed together. Easy access to bath houses scattered throughout.
Gate attendants and camp hosts were very friendly. Easy access to the beach and to fishing. No fires at campsites (not that we wanted one when we were there). Bethany is an easy bicycle ride down the generous bike lane on route 1."
Melissa Rollosson
"I personally did not have a positive experience. Given that it is a state park and had campground, I was expecting traditional camping set up in the woods. There were no trees, but more like a field. There were winds constantly, and it made it hard to enjoy sitting outside. With the bridge in sight, there were cars passing by constantly. No campfire was allowed.. I think this place works out well for someone who has a camper or trailer, and for those who want to stay near the beach. For me with tent, it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. I ended up booking another campsite."
Elizabeth Pak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car via Route 1. The main entrance is located at 39415 Inlet Rd, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. It's a popular destination, so expect traffic, especially during peak season.
While there isn't direct public transportation into the park itself, the nearby towns of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach have local bus services that can get you close. From there, you might need a short taxi or rideshare.
The park is quite spread out. Having a car is recommended for exploring different areas. Biking is also a great option, especially with the bike lane on Route 1 connecting to Bethany Beach.
Yes, there are numerous hotels in the nearby towns of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. Many offer oceanfront views and easy access to the park. +1
Absolutely! Day-use access to the beaches and attractions is available for a fee. You can also visit the marina and restaurant without being a registered camper.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is generally free, but there are fees for specific activities like camping, parking in designated beach areas, and potentially for certain events. Check the official Delaware State Parks website for the most current fee schedule.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may have seasonal hours. Beach access is typically from dawn to dusk.
Camping fees vary depending on the type of site (tent, RV) and the season. It's best to check the official Delaware State Parks reservation system for current pricing and availability, as sites book up very far in advance.
Yes, online reservations are highly recommended and often required due to the park's popularity. Be prepared to book many months in advance, especially for summer weekends.
Delaware State Parks sometimes offer discounts for residents or through specific programs. It's worth checking their official website or contacting the park office for any available offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers several beach access points. North Shores Beach is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and often less crowded. The main beaches offer beautiful views and clean sand.
Yes, the park has a playground for children. The beaches are also great for family fun, building sandcastles, and playing in the waves.
Absolutely! The Indian River Inlet is a popular spot for fishing, and surf fishing is permitted in designated areas. You'll need a Delaware fishing license.
Yes, the park features a full-service marina with boat slips and a boat launch, making it a great destination for boaters.
Dog policies can vary by area and season. It's essential to check the park's specific regulations regarding pets on beaches and in campgrounds. Some areas may have restrictions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park has the Dock Side Bar and Grill, which is highly recommended by visitors for its food and lovely beach views.
Dock Side Bar and Grill typically offers a menu of seafood, American classics, and casual fare, perfect for a beachside meal.
The park has a Camp Store that offers necessities, including coffee. For a wider selection, the nearby towns of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach have supermarkets and various shops.
Campfires are generally not allowed at campsites within Delaware Seashore State Park. This is a common rule in many beach campgrounds to ensure safety.
Rehoboth Beach, a short drive away, has highly-rated sushi restaurants, with one TikTok creator specifically recommending a rooftop spot near the fishies.
📸 📸 Photography
The Indian River Inlet Bridge is a prime subject, especially at night when illuminated. Sunsets over the ocean are also spectacular. The WWII Lookout Tower offers unique vantage points.
Yes, trails like the one on Burton Island offer opportunities for nature photography, birdwatching shots, and serene landscape images.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful, soft light. Nighttime is fantastic for capturing the illuminated bridge.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in state and national parks. Always check the official park rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone.
Keep an eye out for local events like the 'Mrs. Roper Romp' in Rehoboth Beach, which can offer fun and quirky photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing beach toys and essentials, as the camp store has some necessities but a wider selection can be found in nearby Rehoboth Beach. 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
🏕️ Campers (RV & Tent)
Familiarize yourself with the park's no-campfire policy at campsites. 🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Delaware Seashore State Park
The park offers both the Indian River Campground and the South Campground, each providing different amenities and proximity to attractions. Campers benefit from amenities like clean restrooms and showers, a camp store for essentials, and proximity to the marina and the popular Dock Side Bar and Grill.
Exploring the Beaches and Coastal Environment
For those seeking a more active engagement with nature, the park offers scenic trails such as those on Burton Island, perfect for leisurely walks and birdwatching.
The Indian River Inlet Bridge is not only an impressive feat of engineering but also a fantastic spot for photography, offering stunning views, especially at night when it's illuminated. Whether you're looking to relax on the sand, cast a line, explore trails, or soak in the history and views, the park's diverse coastal offerings cater to a wide range of interests. Rehoboth Beach and Nearby Attractions
For those interested in unique local experiences, Rehoboth Beach hosts events like the 'Mrs. Roper Romp,' adding a fun and quirky element to the town's character.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit