Our Friends At The Delaware State Parks...
As you know we play a lot of our sports in Wilmington at either Rockford Park or Alapocas Run State Park. The thing is that there is so much more to the State Parks in Delaware than fields to play sports on. This page is dedicated to helping you learn all that you can do when you choose to take advantage of the beautiful Delaware State Parks.
It's So Much More Than Just A Park!
A Message From Bobby D...
I know that a lot of times when you think of a park you wonder what in the heck you would do at one as an adult. That is of course until you actually go. Amy and I often take Lincoln & Ellie to the various parks and go hiking. As Amy always says "It is great exercise for all of us..." and there is just something about walking through the woods and the by river that is just incredibly relaxing.
You see parts of the state that you never even knew existed. There is also great places to picnic. Amy and I were always talking about it so a bunch of us got together one day this summer and set up a spot right on the Brandywine River and we had an AMAZING afternoon just grilling out and giong in the water. It was one of the most relazing Sunday's I spent all year.
For those of you that have never done it you can go to Cape Henlopen State Park and go to the beach. I actually like it cause I can go to the beach and not be competing with 20 year old hard bodies everywhere, but that is my own issue. It is more family oiriented but there are bathrooms and concessions there on the beach. You can also get a fishing pass and drive right onto the beach where you can set up a grill, have your dog, fish, I mean you should see some of the set ups that people erect...it's like being at a Buffet Tailgate! Well, so Amy tells me, I have never actually been to a Buffet show.
The point is that part of being a community is protecting and most of all enjoying the beautiful land that we call home. If you go to the state parks you will often learn of the Bayard, DuPont, and Bancroft families just to name a few that loved the incredible Delaware Landscape so much that they had the foresight to preserve it for future generations. In fact a lot of the urban parks such as Rockford were purchased specifically so that the Mill workers and their families would have open areas for recreation. I think we all owe them a debt of gratitude because that is where Delaware Sports League first began. We started in that little softball field down by the "Dog Park" by the Delaware Art Museum. All these years later it is still there for us to use and enjoy.
Folks this whole DSL thing is about being a part of a community and being there for each other to create a world that we all want to live in and be a part of. I feel that a very important part of that is preserving and taking care of the beautiful landscape around us so that future generations have it to enjoy.
I know I do, and I hope that you take the time to enjoy it too.
Robert E. Downing
President & Co-Founder
Delaware Sports League
Delaware State Parks Overview
Once an elegant estate of the William duPont family, Bellevue State Park offers summer concerts, tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, and a picturesque pond. Tours are periodically offered of the historic mansion, which is also available for meetings, elegant weddings, or other special gatherings. (302) 761-6963.
Watch the Civil War come to life at historic Fort Delaware State Park, located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Spend a fascinating day experiencing the Fort's acclaimed Living History program as you explore soldiers' quarters, ramparts, parade grounds, and gun emplacements. Take a ride on the Delafort, the Fort's passenger ferry (302) 834-7941.
Located in Delaware City at the northern foot of the Reedy Point Bridge, Fort DuPont State Park is currently under development. Delaware's newest state park features a self-guided trail and periodically-scheduled walking tours that detail the Fort's military history from the Civil War through the First World War. Other facilities include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a ball field. A popular fishing area, the park provides a beautiful view of the Delaware River. (302) 834-7941.
Discover historic Port Penn and its distinctive way of life. Located at Delaware Route 9 and Road 2, the Port Penn Interpretive Center features exhibits and programs devoted to the traditions of this wetland community. Self-guided tours include the Wetland Interpretive Trail and the Historic Home Village Walk. Interpreter-led group tours are available by reservation. (302) 836-2533.
Experience Our Beaches
Enjoy almost 4,000 acres of history, natural wonders, and sunshine at Cape Henlopen State Park. Guarded beaches, a ¼ mile fishing pier stretching into Delaware Bay, and family campgrounds are just a few of the features at this popular beach park. The Seaside Nature Center offers a variety of programs year-round and is an ideal gathering point for birdwatching during the spring and fall migrations. (302) 645-8983.
Delaware Seashore State Park offers six miles of beautiful ocean and bay shoreline. With surfing, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, a campground, a boat ramp, year-round furnished cottages, and a 295-slip marina with charter and head boats, Delaware Seashore has everything you need for family fun at the beach. (302) 227-2800.
Retreat from the busy ocean resorts with a trip to Fenwick Island State Park. Considered by many to be the best beach in Delaware, this quiet park offers boat rentals, surfing, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and other saltwater fun for the whole family. (302) 227-2800.
Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of fishing, clamming, or crabbing at Holts Landing State Park. Tucked away on the south shore of the Indian River Bay, the park features a convenient boat ramp as well as a playground and nature trail. (302) 227-2800.
Experience Our Freshwater Ponds
Woodlands, fields, and waterways meet at Lums Pond State Park. Anglers, hikers, boaters, campers, and picnickers will find plenty of fun at Lums Pond. Rent a rowboat, kayak or canoe and explore Delaware's largest freshwater pond. Camping is available year-round. (302) 368-6989.
Centrally located in Delaware, Killens Pond State Park is only about an 1½-hour drive from either the northern or southern boundary of the state. Boat rentals and picnic pavilions make Killens a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. The year-round campground makes a perfect "home base" for exploring the First State. Cozy camping cabins are also available. (302) 284-4526.
There is no more enchanting location in Delaware to hike, fish, camp, or picnic than Trap Pond State Park. Enter a world of abundant wildlife as you hike the Cypress Point Trail, rent a boat or canoe and explore the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress, or enjoy a nature program at the Baldcypress Nature Center. (302) 875-5163.
Experience Our Scenic Views
Escape to the tranquil beauty of White Clay Creek State Park. Nestled in the northwest corner of Delaware, the park's forested hills create a relaxing oasis of cool green leaves and rushing streams. The park includes the Carpenter Recreation Area, featuring some of the finest hiking trails in the area; the pristine White Clay Creek Preserve; and the peaceful trails of Possum Hill. (302) 368-6900.
Brandywine Creek runs through the heart of peaceful Brandywine Creek State Park. Relax and enjoy rolling hills, mature woodlands, meadows, and marshlands where piedmont streams tumble down gentle slopes. Be sure to visit the park's Nature Center. (302) 577-3534.
Take time to visit Fox Point State Park, just off I-495, east of Wilmington. This newly-developed park provides front-row seats to the Delaware River. Take a stroll, ride a bike, or picnic while the kids enjoy the play area. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are also available. (302) 761-6963.
Experience Our Urban Oases
Wilmington State Parks is a cluster of parks connected by trails that offer recreational and educational opportunities, sports and community events.
The Brandywine Zoo, just steps from the Brandywine River is home to exotic animals such as the Siberian Tiger, Andean Condor, Gold Lion Tamarin and much more.
The newest state park, Alapocas Run, just off I-95 and Route 202, offers wooded trails, the unique Can-Do Playground, the innovative Blue Ball Barn and many recreational opportunities.
Experience Our Overnight Accomodations
Vacation year-round in the camping cabins in picturesque Killens Pond State Park, or in the fully-appointed cottages at Indian River Marina.
With over 800 camp sites, Delaware State Parks have a lot to offer recreational campers. Make your vacation home amid towering trees near a freshwater pond, or enjoy a view of rolling sand dunes and sparkling bay waters. Five of Delaware's state parks offer public camping:
Yurts are available at Lums Pond and Trap Pond State Parks. Year-round Cabins may be rented at Killens Pond State Park, Camping Cabins are available at Trap Pond and vacation cottages are available at Indian River Marina. Camping and cabin reservations may be made up to 7 months in advance.