When we spent a couple of months out East last year, we had a little gap between our longer stays in Pennsylvania and Maryland. So we decided to check two more states off our RVing map- New Jersey and Delaware. We kept it simple, staying one night in each at Harvest Hosts locations, just enough to say we’d been there. In Delaware, we wanted to make the most of our quick visit, so we drove down to Cape Henlopen State Park for the day, eager to see the Atlantic Ocean since we were so close.
With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, fascinating history, and plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, it’s the kind of place we wished we had more time to explore. In this post, we’re sharing everything about our visit to Cape Henlopen, what makes it such a special spot on the Delaware coast, the best things to do there, and tips for making the most of your trip. Whether you’re passing through like we were or planning a longer stay, this guide will help you get the most out of your visit!
About Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr, Lewes, DE 19958
https://www.destateparks.com/park/cape-henlopen/
Cape Henlopen State Park is a 5,000-acre coastal gem where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s got everything from sandy beaches to winding trails through maritime forests, making it a great spot for both relaxing and exploring. But beyond the scenery, the park has some pretty cool history. During World War II, it was home to Fort Miles, a federal defensive site used for training and testing. After the war, the area became a military recreation site before officially becoming a state park in 1964. Today, it’s a mix of nature, history, and outdoor adventure—whether you want to swim, bike, hike, or climb an old observation tower for some amazing views.
Delaware State Park Fees
Delaware charges entry fees from March 1 to November 30. Cape Henlopen is considered one of their ocean parks, which charges slightly higher than other parks.
- Daily pass: $5/day for Delaware vehicles, $10/day for out of state vehicles
- Daily pass booklets: $25/6 pass booklet for Delaware vehicles, $25/3 pass booklet for out of state vehicles
- Annual pass: $35 for Delaware vehicles, $70 for out of state vehicles. Seniors and military/veterans can get a discount.
Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area
Fort Miles was built during World War II as part of the country’s coastal defense system, keeping an eye out for enemy ships along the East Coast. It was a major training and testing site, with massive artillery, underground bunkers, and even a hidden minefield in the bay. After the war, it stuck around as a military recreation area before finally becoming part of Cape Henlopen State Park in the ‘60s.
Today, you can walk through the Fort Miles Historical Area and see some of the old bunkers, giant artillery guns, and restored buildings. The highlight is climbing the WWII observation tower for amazing views of the coastline. There’s also a museum inside one of the bunkers where you can learn more about the fort’s role in defending the coast.
We visited the Fort Miles Museum on our visit, and even though the exhibits weren’t the most exciting compared to some other military museums we’ve been to, the setting made it a really unique place. The main museum exhibits are in the original Battery 519, which was a 15,000 square-foot underground bunker. There are permanent exhibits on the Civil Air Patrol, the 261st Coast Artillery, civilian service in the local area, the USS Arizona, and an art gallery.
Fort Miles Museum Hours:
- Jan. 1-May 17: Friday/Saturday 10am-4pm
- May 18-June 14: Sunday/Monday 10am-3pm, Friday/Saturday 10am-4pm
- June 15-Sept. 7: Sunday/Monday 10am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm
- Sept. 8-Dec. 31: Friday/Saturday 10am-4pm
Biden Environmental Center
The Biden Environmental Center is used for environmental education and as a conference center. The building was closed in 2013 for safety reasons and just reopened in December 2024 after extensive renovations. The facility has meeting rooms, guest rooms, and a catering kitchen. Besides DNR training, it’s used for regional trainings, community events, and offers rentals.
Seaside Nature Center
The Seaside Nature Center at Cape Henlopen State Park is a great spot to learn about the area’s wildlife and ecosystems. One of the highlights is the 500-gallon touch tank, where you can get up close with horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and other marine creatures. The center also has five huge 1,000-gallon tanks showcasing local fish and aquatic habitats, giving you a glimpse of what’s swimming just off the coast. There’s a classroom for educational programs, a gift shop with fun nature-themed souvenirs, and even a Borrow-a-Bike program that lets you explore the park’s trails for free. It’s a perfect stop for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking to add a little learning to their outdoor adventure.
Seaside Nature Center Hours
- May 1- June 15 (Spring hours): Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm
- June 15-Sept. 2 (Summer hours): Daily 9am-4pm
- Sept. 3-Oct. 20 (Fall): Wednesday-Monday 10-4pm
- Oct. 21-31: Closed
- Nov. 1-April 30 (Winter hours): Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm
Cape Henlopen Trails
Cape Henlopen State Park has a great mix of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding, making it easy to explore the park’s beaches, forests, and historic sites. Whether you want a leisurely stroll through the dunes, a scenic bike ride along the coast, or a longer trek through the maritime forest, there’s a trail for you. Before heading out, I highly recommend using AllTrails+ to download trail maps- cell service can be spotty, and having offline access ensures you won’t get turned around. Below is a breakdown of the trails you’ll find in the park!
| Trail Name | Activities Allowed | Trail Length | Difficulty | Trailhead(s) |
| Beach | Hiking, equestrian | 4.6 miles | Easy to moderate | Point Comfort Station parking lot, Bathhouse parking lot, Herring Point parking lot, Gordon’s Pond parking lot |
| Pinelands | Hiking | 2 miles | Easy | Fort Miles Historic Area |
| Seaside Nature | Hiking | 0.6 miles | Easy | Seaside Nature Center |
| Walking Dunes | Hiking, biking | 2.5 miles | Easy | Herring Point parking lot |
| Salt Marsh Spur | Hiking, biking | 0.6 miles | Easy | On Gordon’s Pond Trial, near Biden Env. Center |
| Bike Loop | Hiking, biking | 3 miles | Easy to moderate | Seaside Nature Center, Fort Miles Historic Area, Bathhouse parking lot, Fishing Pier parking lot |
| Gordon’s Pond | Hiking, Biking | 3.2 miles | Easy to moderate | Gordon’s Pond and Herring Point parking lots |
| Junction and Breakwater | Hiking, biking | 5 miles | Easy | Wolfe Neck parking lot on Wolfe Neck Road, Holland Glade parking lot behind Tanger Outlet Seaside |
Accessibility at Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen offers two accessible trails: the 3 mile Bike Loop and the 5 mile Junction and Breakwater trail. They also offer beach wheelchairs at Main Beach and Gordon’s Pond. These are offered for free and first-come-first-served. If you need help transferring to your chair, you’ll need to bring your own companion.
Camping at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park has a year-round campground with options for RVs, tents, and cabins. RV campers can choose from sites with 30, 50, or even 100-amp electric and water hookups, as well as water-only sites. There are pull-through spots, fire rings, picnic tables, dump stations, and even a camp store and laundry facilities to make your stay easier. Summer rates range from $45 to $70 per night.
If you’re looking for something cozier, the park has cabins that sleep up to six people, with a queen bed, bunk beds, and a sofa. They come with AC, heat, a fridge, electricity, and an outdoor grill, plus water access outside. A nearby bathhouse provides restrooms and showers. Cabins are ADA-accessible, and rates vary from $80 to $164 depending on the season, day of the week, and residency status.
Tent campers will find plenty of amenities, too, including bathhouses, picnic areas, a playground, and a pavilion. Plus, the park has a bait and tackle store, chair and umbrella rentals, concessions, and paddlesport rentals if you want to hit the water. You can book campsites and cabins online here.
Cape Henlopen State Park Activities
Cape Henlopen is full of different activities to do and there is really something for everyone here!
- Basketball
- Biking
- The Friends group has a Borrow-a-Bike program at the Bike Barn. Check in at the nature center with a photo ID and a volunteer will help you find the right size bike. There are 44 adult bikes, 12 kid bikes, 2 adult trikes, 3 bike trailers, and helmets available for loan.
- Birding
- Cross country skiing
- Disc golf
- This is the oldest disc golf course in Delaware. It has 19 holes, because sometimes the usual 18th hole is obstructed by parking. Each hole has two tees so both beginners and experts can play together. We played half the course while here and it was our first sand course- it’s definitely challenging, but very fun!
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Paddlesports
- You can launch kayaks, paddleboards, etc. from Bay Beach adjacent to the fishing pier. Rentals are available from Quest Kayak.
- Surf Fishing Vehicle Area
- There is an area of the beach where those with permit can drive onto the beach to fish from their vehicles. This was such a unique thing to witness for us Midwesterners! More info on the rules and permitting for this can be found here: https://www.destateparks.com/surf-fishing/
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming beach from Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day Monday from 9am-5pm daily
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