Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive Lewes, DE
Varies by Season- Check the Website
$$
camping, hikes, outdoor-adventures, run, bike-trails
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Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware
One of the nation’s first public lands, Cape Henlopen dates back to the late 17th Century. The bay and ocean are the main attractions, and boating, fishing, and all sorts of water sports are popular, as well as miles of hiking and biking trails. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s oasis. The campgrounds are newly renovated and accommodate both RV and tent camping. There are also cabins available generally, but we suggest booking in advance.
Cape Henlopen is a Delaware State Park that truly has something for everyone. We recommend starting your visit at the Visitor’s Center. There you’ll be able to pet horseshoe crabs in a small touch tank as well as learn more about the local sea life through five 1,000 gallon tank displays. You’ll also be able to grab a park map and ask any questions you may have.
Behind the seaside nature center, you’ll the .7 mile Seaside Nature Trail. The hike is fairly easy but it does involve traversing some sand that can be hot. You’ll also find that your calves get a fairly good workout when crossing the sandier portions. However, you’ll be rewarded with a lovely beach view as well as an opportunity to splash in some waves when you finish.
There are six miles of shoreline and an old lighthouse that is a distinct visual on the point at the state park where the Delaware Bay meets the ocean. There is also a World War II observation tower. It’s popular to rent bikes near the Nature Center to ride the easy loop trail, and we love to follow that with paddleboarding or kayaking. You’ll also commonly observe windsurfers in action.
If you want to log some beach time without having the hike, Cape Henlopen also offers Atlantic Ocean beaches with dedicated parking lots as well as bathhouses along the eastern shore of the park. Visitors can also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to use in the Delaware Bay that borders the western side of the park.
As if access to beautiful beaches isn’t enough, one of our favorite parts of Cape Henlopen is the 3.3-mile bike trail that visitors can use to explore the park. The best part is that the park even offers a bike share program at the Nature Center.
Visitors can borrow a bike for free for up to 2 hours to use while at Cape Henlopen. The bikes are on a first-come, first-served basis and come in a variety of sizes and styles. The bikes range from kid-sized (think ages 7+) all the way up to adult bikes with toddler carriers as well as trailer hookups that two smaller kids can ride in. If you're looking for biking trails on the Delaware Shore, you really can't beat Cape Henlopen's offerings.
Hours of operation for the park, nature center, and bike share vary by season so it’s best to check the website before you go. There’s no food available at the park but you can always pack a picnic from home or grab a pizza from the nearby Dogfish Head Brewery when you’re done! The park is open daily, year-round but the visitor's center has limited hours during the offseason. We recommend checking the website for current hours.
Dolphins frequent the area, and Ghost Crabs come out of hiding on the beach after sunset. A great place to relax and wander and nothing beats waking up at a campsite so close to the beach. The neighboring Gordons Pond Trail is one of the most beautiful places to hike in Delaware, and the town of Lewes is also a quiet fishing town to explore. It offers great home rentals for less expensive than the more populated towns and you’ll find quieter (and calmer) beaches. If you're staying at Bethany Beach, Ocean City, or any of the other Maryland or Delaware beaches, we highly recommend spending a day getting back to nature at Cape Henlopen State Park!