Special Update - June 30
Limits Set for Beaches
In accordance with Gov. Carney’s goal of limiting interactions among people in Delaware’s beach areas to reduce transmission of COVID-19, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that the following restrictions are in effect until further notice:
- The number of vehicles allowed in Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island state parks will be limited to approximately 60% of the parking capacity. When the 60% capacity is reached, all vehicles will be turned away until vehicle volume within the parks is reduced. Vehicle restrictions may be lifted periodically as volume levels are noticeably reduced within the parks. These limits, which will be enforced at park entrances by DNREC Natural Resources Police, will not be managed based on a “one-in, one-out” policy that would encourage lines of waiting vehicles and people.
- At Cape Henlopen, when the main gate is closed to additional vehicles based on parking lot capacity, the closure will include vehicles that have arrived at the park for drive-on surf fishing as well.
- At Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island surf fishing beaches, NRP officers will monitor the number of vehicles on the beach and will close drive-on beach entrances if vehicles fail to maintain the 20-foot distance between vehicles currently mandated by the Governor’s emergency order.
- Masks or face coverings are required in bathhouse and concession areas of all three parks and strongly encouraged on the beach as well.
- Campgrounds and cabin rentals will continue.
Find Your Adventure at Cape Henlopen
Visit The Point Overlook
See where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and experience the Point, a great place for viewing birds, dolphins, seals, and more. You’ll also see both the East End Breakwater and the Harbor of Refuge lighthouses. In winter, visitors can hike around the Point on the bay and ocean beaches.
Tour the Fort Miles Historical Area
Cape Henlopen was once a World War II coastal defense site. Take a tour of Battery 519, and climb to the top of the Observation Tower to discover the roles the towers played in the operation of Fort Miles.
Borrow a Bike and Loop the Park
Did you know you can borrow a bike for free, thanks to the Friends of Cape Henlopen? Bike the Loop trail around the park to experience diverse ecosystems, including the maritime forests, dunes, and beach. It's a great way to experience the rich history of the park.
Visit the Nature Center and Touch Tank
Get up close with native marine life in the touch tank! You’ll learn about the park’s habitats and the creatures that live here. To understand more about the park, sign up for guided programs such as seining the bay, dolphin watches, or ghost crab hikes!
Walk the Fishing Pier
The pier was originally built to support mine operations during World War II. Today, it offers 24-hour access to fishing in the Delaware Bay. Cast your line from the pier, or take a walk to experience the natural beauty of the Delaware Bay.
Superintendent’s Pick: Gordons Pond Trail
This 3.2-mile accessible trail offers stunning views of the park’s dynamic coastal habitats, including dunes, forests, and wetlands. Hike or bike across the elevated boardwalk, and look for wildlife along the trail.
About the Park
When the current lands of the state of Delaware were granted to William Penn sometime after 1682, Penn proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the nation's first "public lands." It has remained in the public domain ever since, playing a major role in local shipping and in the nation's military history. The historic Henlopen Lighthouse no longer helps to guide vessels through the treacherous bay waters, but the two stone "breakwaters" barriers off the point of the Cape, completed in 1869 and 1901, still form a safe harbor for boats during rough seas. As a Delaware state park, Cape Henlopen remains in the public domain.
Water, Beaches, and Trails
Cape Henlopen's beaches attract thousands of visitors who enjoy everything from ocean swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking to clamming, paddle-boarding and wind-surfing. But Cape Henlopen offers more than just the ocean and bays. The park's premiere trails offer hiking and biking exploration.
A designated swimming beach, accessible from the Lewes entrance to the park, provides lifeguard patrols between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (schedule may vary depending on staff availability).
Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at this location.
Camping and Cabins
Cape Henlopen's campground, set among pine-covered dunes, now includes 2-point hookups, 100-amp service on several sites, and sites to accommodate larger rigs. Twenty walk-in tent sites lie adjacent to the Waking Dunes Trail. Twelve camping cabins -- two-room individual cabins that offer an outdoor spigot and fire ring for cooking and share a communal bath house -- offer an economical alternative for vacationing at the beach. Visit our Reservations section for camping information and pricing.
Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area
During World War II, the Delaware River was a chief priority for defense planners because of the access it afforded to the giant trade centers of Wilmington, Philadelphia, and beyond. Fort Miles, located in what is now Cape Henlopen State Park, was a key piece of the nation's coastal defense at that time. Visit the Fort Miles page in our Attractions section for information about programs and tours.
Seaside Nature Center
The centerpiece of the newly-renovated Seaside Nature Center is a 495-gallon two-level touch tank, complete with viewing windows that allow visitors to see stingrays, horseshoe crabs and other species in the tank while they’re underwater. The nature center also features five 1,000-gallon tanks with local fish, exhibits that explain the different habitats within the park, a live Osprey cam provided by the Friends of Cape Henlopen (April through August), and a gift shop. A wide selection of activities and programs for children and adults are led by Seaside Nature Center staff each week. Go to YouTube to view the Osprey cam
Nature Center Hours
Current Hours:
- Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Borrow-A-Bike Program
Free bikes are available at the Seaside Nature Center on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting, for 2 hours at a time, Bikes must remain within the park and stay on the paved bike trail. For more information, call the nature center. The Borrow-A-Bike Program is a project of the Friends of Cape Henlopen.
Borrow-A-Bike Hours
The Borrow-A-Bike program has been suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check the Friends of CHSP website for updates.
Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve
Lying between the Delaware Bay and the Broadkill River, Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve – Washover Barrier Spit provides the only publicly owned wild beach in Delaware incorporating both dune and marsh habitat. A portion of beachfront allows surf fishing and pedestrian use; however, a majority of the preserve is off limits to human activity to allow for wildlife conservation. The site provides important habitat for horseshoe crab spawning and shorebird feeding in the spring. The preserve has a pedestrian-only linear trail on the river side and a limited-access parking lot.
Upcoming Events
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/15/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/15/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/16/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/16/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, June 17, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
6/17/2021 8:30:00 PM
6/17/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beach Treasures
Friday, June 18, 2021
9:00 AM
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/18/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/18/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Beach Treasures
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Tidal Flats Exploration
Saturday, June 19, 2021
9:00 AM
Grab a hand net and search for fish, crabs and other aquatic life in and around the bay flats at low tide. Wear old shoes (no flip-flops) that can get wet and muddy. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/19/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/19/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Tidal Flats Exploration
Grab a hand net and search for fish, crabs and other aquatic life in and around the bay flats at low tide. Wear old shoes (no flip-flops) that can get wet and muddy. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, June 21, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/21/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/21/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/22/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/22/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/23/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/23/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
6/23/2021 8:30:00 PM
6/23/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, June 24, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
6/24/2021 8:30:00 PM
6/24/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Citizen Science at the Shore
Friday, June 25, 2021
9:00 AM
Do science and help the beach? Yes, you can! Have fun collecting data to help make our beaches better. For ages 5 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/25/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/25/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Citizen Science at the Shore
Do science and help the beach? Yes, you can! Have fun collecting data to help make our beaches better. For ages 5 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, June 28, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/28/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/28/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/29/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/29/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
6/30/2021 9:00:00 AM
6/30/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
6/30/2021 8:30:00 PM
6/30/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, July 1, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/1/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/1/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beach Treasures
Friday, July 2, 2021
9:00 AM
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/2/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/2/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Beach Treasures
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, July 5, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/5/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/5/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/6/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/6/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/7/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/7/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/7/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/7/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, July 8, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/8/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/8/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, July 12, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/12/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/12/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/13/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/13/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/14/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/14/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/14/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/14/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, July 15, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/15/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/15/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beach Treasures
Friday, July 16, 2021
9:00 AM
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/16/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/16/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Beach Treasures
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, July 19, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/19/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/19/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/20/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/20/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/21/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/21/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/21/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/21/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, July 22, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/22/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/22/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, July 26, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/26/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/26/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/27/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/27/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/28/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/28/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/28/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/28/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, July 29, 2021
8:30 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
7/29/2021 8:30:00 PM
7/29/2021 9:30:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beach Treasures
Friday, July 30, 2021
9:00 AM
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
7/30/2021 9:00:00 AM
7/30/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Beach Treasures
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, August 2, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/2/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/2/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/3/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/3/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/4/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/4/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/4/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/4/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, August 5, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/5/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/5/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, August 9, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/9/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/9/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/10/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/10/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/11/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/11/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/11/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/11/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, August 12, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/12/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/12/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Beach Treasures
Friday, August 13, 2021
9:00 AM
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/13/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/13/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Beach Treasures
Search the shore for shells, feathers and other treasures that washes up on the beaches and discover where they came from. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Wild Eats!
Monday, August 16, 2021
9:00 AM
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/16/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/16/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Wild Eats!
Explore the park for wild edibles and discover how you can use some of the same plants that animals eat. For ages 10 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/17/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/17/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Reptile Hike
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
9:00 AM
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/18/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/18/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Reptile Hike
Hike the park in search of reptiles as we discover how they make the various habitats their home. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/18/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/18/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, August 19, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/19/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/19/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Dolphin Watch
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
9:00 AM
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Add to Calendar
8/24/2021 9:00:00 AM
8/24/2021 10:00:00 AM
America/New_York
Dolphin Watch
Search for bottlenose dolphins from our shore overlook and discover why they swim within sight of these beaches. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $3 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Ghost Crab Hike
Thursday, August 26, 2021
8:00 PM
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Add to Calendar
8/26/2021 8:00:00 PM
8/26/2021 9:00:00 PM
America/New_York
Ghost Crab Hike
Walk the bay in search of these elusive crustaceans and discover why they come out at night. For ages 7 and older with an adult. $6 per person
Cape Henlopen State Park
Map and Directions
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 645-8983
Email
Hours and Info
Park Hours
Open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset
*
Park Office Hours
- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7 days a week
Seaside Nature Center
- Currently Closed
Fort Miles Museum
- Currently Closed
Swimming Beach is Guarded
-
Memorial Day Saturday to Labor Day Monday
9 a.m – 5 p.m. daily
Entrance Fees
In-state vehicle: $5 Daily
Out-of-state vehicle: $10 Daily
Maps + Downloads
- Cape Henlopen State Park Map
- Cape Henlopen Campground Map
- Beach Plum Island Map
- Gordons Pond, J&B and Wolfe Neck Trail Map
- Regional Loop Map
- Program Guide
- Disc Golf Scorecard and Map
- Pets in the Park Brochure
- Surf Fishing Brochure (includes maps)
- Birding Checklist
Love This Park?
- Join The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park
- Become a Cape Henlopen State Park Volunteer
- Make an Online Donation to Cape Henlopen State Park
Activities
- Beach Weddings/Special Events
- Biking
- Camping
- Canoeing + Kayaking
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Fishing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Nature/Cultural/Historical Programs
- Picnicking
- School Group Programs + REECH Program
- Sledding
- Swimming
- Summer Camps
- Volunteering
Amenities
- Bait and Tackle Store
- Bathhouse
- Beaches
- Canoe/Kayak/SUP Rentals*
- Basketball Court
- Borrow-A-Bike Program
- Camp Store
- Campground: Camping Cabins
- Campground: Tent + RV sites
- Campground Laundry Facilities
- Day Use Areas
- Day Use Group Facilities
- Disc Golf Course
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fishing Pier
- Food/Refreshment Concession Stand*
- Fort Miles Historic Site
- Guarded Swimming Area with Bathhouse*
- Hiking/Biking/Equestrian Trails
- Seaside Nature Center + Gift Shop
- Observation Tower
- Osprey Cam
- Pet Areas
- Playground
- Picnic Tables + Pavilions
- Primitive Youth Group Camping
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms
- Scenic Overlook
- Showers
- Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (permit required)
- Umbrella Rentals*
- Wedding/Special Event Venue
- Wheelchair-Accessible Beach Area
*Summer only
* Sunset time in Lewes, DE (EST) by Time.is
