Picture of Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen State Park


Reduced Lifeguarding as Students Return to School

Cape Henlopen State Park main beach will be guarded through September 5. We encourage you to use guarded beaches.

For more information, please read the press release.

Find Your Adventure at Cape Henlopen

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park

Visit Deauville Beach

View our Frequently Asked Questions for information on Rehoboth's Deauville Beach transition to DNREC's management, aimed at improving conservation and public enjoyment.

View the Press Release related to the Annual Passes.

Fort Miles Artillery Park at Cape Henlopen State Park.

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.

 

 

The fishing is great from the pier at Cape Henlopen State Park

Biden Environmental Training Center

The Biden Environmental Training Center will reopen for events, conferences, retreats and more in mid-2024. Interested in hosting your event here? Fill out our Interest Form.

 

 

 

Touch tanks at the Seaside Nature Center let you experience marine life up close.

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!

Bike riders at Cape Henlopen State Park

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.

 

The Gordons Pond Trail takes you through a variety of habitats

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

Situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay sits Cape Henlopen State Park and its 6+ miles of coastline. The “Point” of Cape Henlopen, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, shaped the history of this landscape. For millenia, native people lived off the land’s abundant and rich resources and in the late 1600s, William Penn granted the land and allowed citizens to harvest many of the same resources. The area’s strategic position led to the construction of Fort Miles during World war II with its iconic fire control towers along the Atlantic coast and, which served as a federal defensive site, training area and testing location both during and after the war. A diverse collection of habitats makes up the coastal ecosystem of Cape Henlopen State Park. Barrier dune, coastal beaches, and maritime forest are home to many species of plants and animals. Visitors can visit the Seaside Nature Center to participate in an interpretive program or learn about the park’s native plants and animals.

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 Historic 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

Visit the Seaside Nature Center page for more information.

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

For most up to date hours & days of operation please check the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park website or Call Nature Center to confirm they are open 302-645-6852

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

Fall Bird Walks

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

8:00 AM

Search the park for birds on their fall migration. Each walk will target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Free. Pre-registration required by calling 302-645-6852.

Add to Calendar 10/15/2024 8:00:00 AM 10/15/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Fall Bird Walks Search the park for birds on their fall migration. Each walk will target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Free. Pre-registration required by calling 302-645-6852. Cape Henlopen

Guppy Club: Super Seeds!

Thursday, October 17, 2024

10:30 AM

Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and explore the many shapes and sizes of seeds and how they become new plants. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per child

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/17/2024 10:30:00 AM 10/17/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Guppy Club: Super Seeds! Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and explore the many shapes and sizes of seeds and how they become new plants. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per child Cape Henlopen

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Search for the Cape Henlopen Devil

Saturday, October 19, 2024

11:00 AM

Search for the elusive Cape Henlopen Devil by following mysterious fall animal themed scavenger hunt clues. Dress for the weather. For ages 5 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per persom

Register Online

Add to Calendar 10/19/2024 11:00:00 AM 10/19/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Nature Scavenger Hunt: Search for the Cape Henlopen Devil Search for the elusive Cape Henlopen Devil by following mysterious fall animal themed scavenger hunt clues. Dress for the weather. For ages 5 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per persom Cape Henlopen

Children's Fantasy Trail 2024

Friday, October 25, 2024

6:00 PM

Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.

Add to Calendar 10/25/2024 6:00:00 PM 10/25/2024 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Children's Fantasy Trail 2024 Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information. Cape Henlopen

Children's Fantasy Trail 2024

Saturday, October 26, 2024

6:00 PM

Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.

Add to Calendar 10/26/2024 6:00:00 PM 10/26/2024 8:00:00 PM America/New_York Children's Fantasy Trail 2024 Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information. Cape Henlopen

Children's Fantasy Trail 2024

Sunday, October 27, 2024

6:00 PM

Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.

Add to Calendar 10/27/2024 6:00:00 PM 10/27/2024 7:30:00 PM America/New_York Children's Fantasy Trail 2024 Wear your Halloween costume and Trick-or-Treat for candy and toys with your favorite storybook characters along our jack-o-lantern lined trail. Entertainment under the tent each evening may include singing, juggling, magic and more. Events and details subject to change. $6 per person, adults and children. Call 302-645-6852 for more information. Cape Henlopen

Nature Trail Hike: Life Underground

Saturday, November 2, 2024

11:00 AM

Explore the world beneath your feet and the life that lives there as we uncover what’s going down underground. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/2/2024 11:00:00 AM 11/2/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Nature Trail Hike: Life Underground Explore the world beneath your feet and the life that lives there as we uncover what’s going down underground. Dress for the weather. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per person Cape Henlopen

Nature Art in the Park: Observing and Drawing Nature

Saturday, November 9, 2024

10:00 AM

Take a short walk with us in the woods and learn the basics of drawing forms in the natural world. Bring a sketch pad and pencils, as well as a folding chair. Dress for the weather. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $7 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/9/2024 10:00:00 AM 11/9/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Nature Art in the Park: Observing and Drawing Nature Take a short walk with us in the woods and learn the basics of drawing forms in the natural world. Bring a sketch pad and pencils, as well as a folding chair. Dress for the weather. For ages 10 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $7 per person Cape Henlopen

Fall Bird Walks

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

8:00 AM

Search the park for birds on their fall migration. Each walk will target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Free. Pre-registration required by calling 302-645-6852.

Add to Calendar 11/12/2024 8:00:00 AM 11/12/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Fall Bird Walks Search the park for birds on their fall migration. Each walk will target current birding hot spots. For beginning and intermediate birders. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair of ours. For ages 10 and older with an adult. Free. Pre-registration required by calling 302-645-6852. Cape Henlopen

Guppy Club: Camouflaging Critters

Thursday, November 14, 2024

10:30 AM

Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and find out the how’s and why’s some of our local animals can disappear in plain sight. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per child

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/14/2024 10:30:00 AM 11/14/2024 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Guppy Club: Camouflaging Critters Bring your 3 to 5-year-old and find out the how’s and why’s some of our local animals can disappear in plain sight. Children must be accompanied by an adult and dressed for the outdoors. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per child Cape Henlopen

Turkey Tales

Saturday, November 16, 2024

11:00 AM

Track down some turkeys and explore the lives of these fascinating birds on this short interactive hike. Dress for walking and the weather. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Free. Call 302-645-6852 for more information.

Add to Calendar 11/16/2024 11:00:00 AM 11/16/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Turkey Tales Track down some turkeys and explore the lives of these fascinating birds on this short interactive hike. Dress for walking and the weather. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Free. Call 302-645-6852 for more information. Cape Henlopen

Beach Nature Program: Our Beach Rocks!

Saturday, November 23, 2024

10:00 AM

Shells may get all the credit, but have you ever really looked at our rocks? Take a beach walk and discover how rocks, minerals, and fossils ended up on our shore and what our world was like long ago! Dress for the weather. Ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 a person.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/23/2024 10:00:00 AM 11/23/2024 11:15:00 AM America/New_York Beach Nature Program: Our Beach Rocks! Shells may get all the credit, but have you ever really looked at our rocks? Take a beach walk and discover how rocks, minerals, and fossils ended up on our shore and what our world was like long ago! Dress for the weather. Ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 a person. Cape Henlopen

Nature Trail Hike: Cranberry Bog Hike

Friday, November 29, 2024

11:00 AM

Explore the pinelands trail and search for cranberries, wildlife and other natural wonders that the early colonists might have seen themselves. Dress for walking and the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/29/2024 11:00:00 AM 11/29/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Nature Trail Hike: Cranberry Bog Hike Explore the pinelands trail and search for cranberries, wildlife and other natural wonders that the early colonists might have seen themselves. Dress for walking and the weather. For ages 7 and up with a paying adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $6 per person Cape Henlopen

Squid Dissection

Saturday, November 30, 2024

2:00 PM

Explore the ins and outs of these mysterious animals through hands-on dissection. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $9 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 11/30/2024 2:00:00 PM 11/30/2024 3:00:00 PM America/New_York Squid Dissection Explore the ins and outs of these mysterious animals through hands-on dissection. For ages 7 and older with an adult. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-645-6852. $9 per person Cape Henlopen

Map and Directions