Escape into the outdoors by discovering three enchanting campgrounds near the picturesque city of Dover, Delaware, that promise to immerse visitors in nature's beauty and provide unforgettable experiences. These campsites offer an array of amenities and features. Kent County surrounds itself with historically rich towns, local breweries, antique shops, art galleries and other exciting attractions, making for a memorable vacation.
1. Killens Pond State Park Campground
Killens Pond State Park camping grounds offer a picturesque outdoor retreat. Located just over 13 miles outside of Dover, DE, the park provides a peaceful setting that caters to first-time and seasoned campers alike. Enjoy spacious campsites, restrooms and picnic areas. Visitors can swim in the serene pond, hike through scenic trails and explore the nature center.
The camping grounds offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making this an ideal destination for families, nature lovers and anyone ready to escape the city to Delaware's captivating wilderness.
Here are just a few examples of what you can do in Killens Pond State Park:
- Fishing: Angling enthusiasts can enjoy fishing at the park's 66-acre pond, which houses several fish species, like carp, catfish and largemouth bass.
- Cycling and hiking: The park offers easy to moderate trails for hikers and cyclists, while trail runners looking for a challenge can use the park's cross-country course.
- Boating: Join a guide for a kayak tour upstream or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the pond at your leisure.
- Killens Pond Nature Center: Book a tour with a park naturalist or pay a casual visit to the park's nature center to learn about the animals native to the area.
- Killens Pond Water Park: The whole family can enjoy the park's pools and waterslides, featuring a kids' area with groundwater jets, bubblers and a pool-side waterplay system.
If you're camping and want to explore the surrounding area, check out these must-visit spots:
- Beaches: Bowers Beach and Slaughter Beach are popular attractions just 20 minutes outside Killens Pond State Park. Slaughter Beach is home to a sanctuary for Delaware's official marine animal, the horseshoe crab.
- Restaurants: In the nearby town of Milford, you can find dozens of restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try Italian, seafood, soul food and tons of other options less than 20 minutes from the park.
- Air Mobility Command Museum: The whole family can learn about aviation history at the Air Mobility Command Museum, with more than 30 antique aircraft and incredible exhibits.
2. Blackbird State Forest Campground
Connect with nature and unwind in Delaware's tranquil wilderness by visiting the campgrounds in Blackbird State Forest for a serene, comfortable camping experience. In the heart of the state's northernmost beautiful forest, Blackbird State Forest spans more than 5,400 acres of oak, yellow-polar, maple, gum and hickory trees.
The area's campground is the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Guests can look forward to picnic areas, well-maintained campsites and rustic facilities amidst lush surroundings.
Blackbird State Forest offers plenty to do for people of all ages and interests:
- Trails: Blackbird State Forest boasts 10 different trail options and a wheelchair-friendly half-mile-long paved nature trail.
- Horseback riding: The forest offers 20 miles of equestrian trails in the Tybout Tract, suitable for beginners, which winds through wooded areas and open fields.
- Picnic pavilion: With ample seating and scenic surroundings, enjoy a family picnic before or after a stroll through the forest.
- Fishing: Choose from several ponds and streams in a serene setting for catch-and-release fishing.
Are you interested in exploring the area around the state forest? Here are some ideas the whole family can enjoy:
- 3 Palms Zoo: Kids and parents alike will enjoy Delaware's only hands-on, interactive zoo. Hand feed llamas, alpacas, goats, ducks, donkeys, ferrets and emu.
- Helen's Sausage House: Grab a quick bite of delicious homemade sausage sandwiches at this local favorite in the historic town of Smyrna.
- Blue Earl Brewing Company: Delaware's seventh microbrewery boasts live music, events, a shop and a restaurant.
- Painted Stave Distilling: For years, Painted Stave Distilling has been crafting premium spirits in small batches using local ingredients. Located in Smyrna, this is a perfect stop after visiting Blackbird State Park.
3. G & R Recreation Campground
Go camping at any time of the year with the family at this campground in Houston, Delaware. Visitors can choose from any of the 200 shaded and open sites, RV accommodations and 16 cottages with air conditioning and heating.
G & R Campground offers daily, weekly and seasonal RV sites from one to 12 months. Camping sites offer primitive options with no utilities or sites with access to water and electricity. This pet-friendly campground also offers a pool, picnic area, bathhouses, WiFi and a general store.
Here are just a few of the things you and the family can enjoy at this campground:
- Activity Hall: The campground boasts a 10,000-square-foot Activity Hall for private functions, which provides catering on the campgrounds.
- Glamping: Unplug from the hustle and bustle while getting comfortable with luxury camping accommodations alongside nature's beauty.
- Game Garden: The Game Garden offers a fun and interactive space for campers of all ages to enjoy various outdoor games and activities.
- Volleyball court: Perfect for friendly matches and outdoor fun, campers can make the most of the campsite's volleyball court.
See what else the area has to offer with these suggestions:
- Rudy's Family Restaurant: Have a family lunch at this local restaurant, offering American, French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Browns Branch County Park: Take a leisurely stroll on a beautiful hiking trail that connects with a uniquely designed wetland boardwalk, ending at a quaint picnic area.
- Abbott's Mill Nature Center: Near Milford, DE, visitors can explore a historic working gristmill, participate in interactive exhibits and walk along hiking trails.
- Quillen Arena: Visit the Delaware State Fairgrounds to see an event at Quillen Arena, which hosts equestrian competitions, rodeos, trade shows and community gatherings.
Make the Most of Delaware Camping
In the heart of Delaware's captivating wilderness, these camping grounds beckon with promises of unforgettable adventures and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Kent County offers stunning campgrounds for families and special activities like kayaking, picnicking, hiking, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. Outside these campgrounds, you can find historical sites, museums, festivals, restaurants and even more nature and outdoor activities.
Explore more information about visiting Kent County throughout our website.
