Delaware’s state parks have hookups and a 14-night limit, Belleplain anchors southern New Jersey, and the ferry connects them with strict length and tide rules.
The Delmarva coast offers state park camping at Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore, with the Cape May–Lewes Ferry linking Delaware and New Jersey. Cape Henlopen State Park has RV sites with water and 30, 50 or 100 amp electric, pull-throughs, a camp store, laundry and dump stations.
Delaware Seashore State Park has two waterfront campgrounds, one on each side of Indian River Inlet. The main campground is open year-round, but in winter it accepts only self-contained units. Campfires are not allowed at Delaware Seashore at any time.
In New Jersey, Belleplain State Forest has campsites open all year and a dump station March 1 through November 30, and is the nearest state option for Cape May.
| Cape Henlopen State Park | RV sites with water and 30/50/100 amp. Up to 14 nights. Reserve up to a year ahead. Two-night weekend minimum. Check-in 1 p.m., check-out noon |
|---|---|
| Delaware Seashore State Park | Two campgrounds each side of Indian River Inlet. Weekend two-night minimum. No campfires |
| Delaware park stays | 14 days within any 21-day period per park |
| Belleplain State Forest, NJ | Campsites open all year. Dump station March 1–November 30. Beach on Lake Nummy |
| Delaware park entry | $10 for Delaware vehicles, $20 for out-of-state vehicles per day. Free on foot or bike |
| Cape May–Lewes Ferry | Vehicles under 100 ft and 13 ft 6 in. Vehicles over 8 ft 6 in wide: call 1-800-643-3779 |
The ferry has the strictest limits on this trip. Delaware’s parks have the clearest hookup information.
Delaware parks have winter, spring/fall and summer rate seasons.
| Time of year | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Winter (Nov 1–Mar 31) | Select Cape Henlopen sites open. Delaware Seashore’s main campground accepts only self-contained units. |
| Spring and fall | April 1 to the Thursday before Memorial Day, and the Tuesday after Labor Day to October 31. |
| Summer | Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguarded beaches run Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. |
| Sand bypass | Beach closures at Delaware Seashore run September 15, 2026–March 15, 2027. |
Delaware details come from Delaware State Parks. Belleplain details come from New Jersey’s tourism site.
Best for: Fort Miles, bike trails and the Seaside Nature Center close by.
Watch out: Weekends require two nights. Stays are limited to 14 nights.
Best for: Ocean and bay shoreline, with 6.5 miles of ocean beach.
Watch out: No campfires ever. Some beaches closed Sept 2026–Mar 2027.
Best for: Closest state camping to Cape May, with lake swimming in summer.
Watch out: Hookups were not specified and the page lists both 191 and 169 sites. Confirm directly.
Other state-run Delaware campgrounds with RV sites are Killens Pond, Lums Pond and Trap Pond (over 142 sites). New Jersey’s tourism site lists private campgrounds near Cape May, including a KOA; confirm lengths and hookups with each.
Leave the RV at camp for beach, fort and town days. Plan the ferry as its own day.
First visit.
Families.
Anyone who wants spare days.
A WWII coastal defense site in Cape Henlopen with Battery 519, barracks and a fire control tower.
A touch tank, five 1,000-gallon tanks and free bike loans.
Ocean and bay beaches, including a guarded swimming beach in summer.
The inlet connects Indian River and Rehoboth bays to the Atlantic. A bridge path links the two campgrounds.
Takes RVs of all types, from travel trailers to fifth wheels, with strict size and tide rules.
A north-side beach with a bathhouse and lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
Measure before you book. Include towed items and mirrors for the ferry.
Mind the tide. Schedule ferry crossings two hours before or after high tide.
Buy firewood locally. Outside firewood is banned in Delaware campgrounds.
Rehoboth Beach and Lewes have groceries and fuel. Cape Henlopen’s campground has a camp store and laundry. Buy firewood at the campground.
Fees are from Delaware State Parks. Belleplain rates were not on the page we read.
| Item | What we found | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware park entry | $10 (DE) or $20 (out-of-state) per day | Walking or biking is free. |
| Cape Henlopen RV site | Example: $32–$48 for a resident weekend water-only site | Rate varies by season, residency and hookups. |
| Cancellation | $10 fee if cancelled 31 or more days ahead | Within 30 days costs one day’s site fee. |
| Extra campers | $2 per day per person over 4 | Maximum 8 per site. |
Fees are the amounts listed by the managing agency when this guide was checked. Use the budget worksheet to add fuel, groceries and contingency.
Up to 14 days within any 21-day period per park.
Yes. RV sites have water and 30, 50 or 100 amp electric, with pull-through sites.
No. Campfires are not permitted at Delaware Seashore State Park at any time.
Yes, if it is under 100 feet and 13 feet 6 inches. Book at your measured length and cross two hours before or after high tide.
Yes. Up to two 5-gallon cylinders, secured upright with valves closed.
Cape Henlopen has select sites open year-round. Delaware Seashore’s main campground is open all year but accepts only self-contained units in winter.
Rules were checked October 22, 2026. New Jersey campground details are thinner than Delaware’s, so confirm them directly.