
This 2.6 mile trail loops around the edge of the park’s 66-acre millpond, and offers beautiful views of the pond and surrounding habitats. As you hike, look and listen for Pileated Woodpecker, prothonotary warbler or barred owl. Visit in autumn to enjoy spectacular fall foliage.
Killens Pond is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, boat, or peddleboat. Watch for resident nesting bald eagles overhead or perched in the tall pines along the ponds edge. Head towards the Murderkill River for a terrific paddle, and watch for a small stand of baldcypress trees.
Stop by the park’s nature center to see live animals and learn about the creatures that live here. Pack a picnic, and enjoy lunch with a view on the Nature Center’s outdoor deck. Join a park naturalist for an educational program, including guided hikes, kayak tours, and more.
Don’t miss the Killens Pond Waterpark! Complete with four speed slides, a leisure pool, and a tot lot for younger visitors, the waterpark offers excitement and relaxation for everyone.
Cast a line for bass, crappie and sunfish. This fishing spot is reminiscent of local waterways where Native Americans fished, hunted, and lived. The abundance of life around the water allowed Native Americans to thrive in the area that is now Killens Pond State Park.
Hike to the Pondside Bridge and see where the Murderkill River meets Killens Pond! Scan the shoreline for a water snake basking in the sun or hunting small fish and frogs. Access the bridge from the Pondside Trail or the cross country course.
Named for its centerpiece, the 66-acre Killens Pond, this state park features a waterpark, various watercraft rentals and the popular Pondside Loop Trail. The Lenape people once lived here, and the pond was created when the Murderkill River was dammed to power grist and sawmills. It is now home to a variety of fish, including bass, crappie and sunfish. The new state-of-the art elevated boardwalk allows pedestrians and bikers a safe passage along Killens Pond Road while benches and bump outs allow for wildlife watching and fishing. Kayakers and boaters can launch from the boat launch at the far end of the walkway. The waterpark features four tall slides, a main pool and baby pool, and a tot lot. The campground provides a reprieve in the woods and Delaware’s State tree, the American Holly, is plentiful. Visitors to the park’s nature center can see live animal exhibits that feature native reptiles and amphibians. The Pileated Woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler and Barred Owl can often be heard in the woods at the park.
Entries due between April 22 - 29, 2023
Photos will be on display for the month of May.
Photos must be taken in a state park and cannot display any people, domestic animals, man-made structures, or items. Photo categories include: landscapes, birds, insects, seascapes, animals, and trees. No photo-shopping or altering of photos is allowed.
Photos should be submitted on white matting with outer dimensions not to exceed 16”x20” and must have a sturdy hanger on the back. There is a $10 entry fee per photo (cash or check). All submissions must be submitted at the Killens Park Nature Center and include your name and phone number on the back. Please contact the Killens Nature Center at 302-284-4299 with any questions. All proceeds benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park.
The pond is home to largemouth bass, catfish, carp, perch, crappie, bluegills, and pickerel, all of which await the patient angler.* A convenient boat launching ramp is available, and canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer. Paddlers will also enjoy the park's water trail up the Murderkill River.
A fishing license required to fish in Delaware State Parks. Get info about fishing permits
Check prices or get more detailed info on how you can canoe, kayak, or paddle Killens Pond
Starting from 54 feet in the air, our two speed slides and two spiral slides with tunnels offer heart-pounding excitement for those who dare! The main pool's zero-depth entrance makes getting in and out easy, and smaller visitors will enjoy the tot pool and tot lot, featuring bubblers, ground water jets, small slides, and a pool-side waterplay system. A food concession and swim shop offer everything you need for a day full of waterpark fun. A separate per-person admission fee is charged at the waterpark. Visit our waterpark page
The year-round wooded campground offers electric and water hookups, accommodating both tents and recreational vehicles, as well as a primitive walk-in camping loop for tents only. Family cabins sleep four and feature an efficiency kitchen with an eating area, bedroom, bath with shower, A/C, and heat. The roomier, deluxe Pond View Cottage has extra amenities and an outstanding view of the pond. Click for Camping Information
Hiking and biking trails and a cross-country running course wind through several types of habitat featuring native plants and animals. Game courts and ball fields satisfy the athlete, and an 18-hole disc golf course challenges players to test their skill with a flying disc. The park also features playground equipment and picnic areas, and four pavilions are available to reserve for larger group events. Educational and recreational programs are conducted throughout the year at the Killens Pond Nature Center, which also features a permanent exhibit of local reptiles and amphibians and is also available for meetings and private events. Rent the Killens Pond Nature Center
Fork Branch Nature Preserve – contains mature upland forest and is the second largest forest tract in the St. Jones River watershed and coastal plain pond wetlands. Barred owls nest in the mature floodplain forest (Barred owls are a species of conservation concern due to the little mature floodplain remaining in Delaware) and it is also home to a variety of migratory and resident birds including Red-shouldered Hawk, another species of conservation concern, Prothonotary Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, White-breasted Nuthatch and Pileated Woodpecker..
The preserve is located at the corner of Kenton and West Denneys roads, along the Maidstone Branch in the St. Jones River Watershed.
Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian only). Parking on site.
Acreage: 257 acres
Sunday, September 24, 2023
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to learn about the most spectacular migration in the insect world! Discover the lifecycle of Monarch butterflies, complete a butterfly craft, and view live monarchs. This program is geared for children aged 5-9. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to register. Free with camping stay or paid park entry.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
11:00 AM
Have you ever noticed a fungus at your feet and wondered what kind it was? Join us on a short hike where we'll look for fungi and mushrooms, talk about what makes them different, and see if we can identify some fungi native to the Killens Pond area! Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to register. Free with camping stay or paid park entry.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 30, 2023
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 7, 2023
11:00 AM
Take a hike and explore! Join us as we experience nature hands, eyes and ears-on. Discovery Hikes are geared for children ages 5-10 with an adult. Dress ready to explore. Pre-registration required. Meeting location varies. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, October 7, 2023
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 7, 2023
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, October 8, 2023
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
11:00 AM
It’s pumpkin season! Discover all things pumpkin with us and get ready to explore this festive fruit! Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory, and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3-6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.
Saturday, October 14, 2023
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 14, 2023
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, October 15, 2023
11:00 AM
Have you ever found a skull in the woods? Were you able to tell what kind of animal it belonged to? Join us for a crash course on ways you can identify animal skulls! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory. Ages 6+. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
3:00 PM
Cloaked in darkness, twinkling stars overhead, some animals are active only at night. How do they survive and thrive in this low-light environment? Join naturalists to uncover ways animals live in darkness. Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Saturday, October 21, 2023
12:00 PM
Help the Friends of Killens Pond State Park raise money and have fun doing it! At this fundraiser, you will create a life size scarecrow to take home! All materials will be supplied but feel free to bring your own accessories (hat, scarf, wig, etc) to make your scarecrow truly one of a kind! Materials are limited . Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure your materials! Call 302-284-4299 or email DRNEC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information.$15 for 1 scarecrow or $25 for 2. All proceeds Benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park. Park entrance fees are in effect ($4/car with DE tags or $8/car with out-of-state tags). Camping stays include park entrance.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
2:00 PM
Try out your spooky or friendly pumpkin carving skills. Directions, tools and carving templates will be provided but of course feel free to make your own design. All pumpkin carving mess is cleaned up by park staff! Program will meet at Campground Pavillion 4. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per pumpkin.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
3:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 21, 2023
4:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 28, 2023
12:00 PM
Help the Friends of Killens Pond State Park raise money and have fun doing it! At this fundraiser, you will create a life size scarecrow to take home! All materials will be supplied but feel free to bring your own accessories (hat, scarf, wig, etc) to make your scarecrow truly one of a kind! Materials are limited . Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to secure your materials! Call 302-284-4299 or email DRNEC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information.$15 for 1 scarecrow or $25 for 2. All proceeds Benefit the Friends of Killens Pond State Park. Park entrance fees are in effect ($4/car with DE tags or $8/car with out-of-state tags). Camping stays include park entrance.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
2:00 PM
Try out your spooky or friendly pumpkin carving skills. Directions, tools and carving templates will be provided but of course feel free to make your own design. All pumpkin carving mess is cleaned up by park staff! Program will meet at Campground Pavillion 4. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $10 per pumpkin.
Saturday, October 28, 2023
3:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 28, 2023
4:00 PM
Enjoy a 35-minute trip around the fields and forests of the park on a wagon ride—bring your own blankets if desired as there will be no hay added to the wagon benches. Weather permitting. Wagon ride meets at the campground overflow parking lot. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, November 11, 2023
11:00 AM
Take a hike and explore! Join us as we experience nature hands, eyes and ears-on. Discovery Hikes are geared for children ages 5-10 with an adult. Dress ready to explore. Pre-registration required. Meeting location varies. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, November 12, 2023
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, November 18, 2023
11:00 AM
Grab your hat, It’s almost winter! Learn with us all about how animals get ready for the coldest season. Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory, and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3-6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
4:00 PM
Have you ever wondered why certain animals have webbed feet, uniquely shaped shells, or different colors? Learn about some fantastic adaptations that help animals survive in their environment in our 'Animal Adaptations' program! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student
Saturday, December 2, 2023
11:00 AM
Join naturalists to hike the trails of Killens Pond State Park. Hike lengths range from 1 mile to 2.5 miles, and meeting location varies. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
11:00 AM
Take a hike and explore! Join us as we experience nature hands, eyes and ears-on. Discovery Hikes are geared for children ages 5-10 with an adult. Dress ready to explore. Pre-registration required. Meeting location varies. Call 302-284-4299 or email DNREC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
11:00 AM
Who goes there?! Discover with us the signs and tracks animals leave behind in the winter landscape! Program will be held at the nature center. Each program will have a story and activity component. Come prepared for hands-on activities both inside and outside. Pre-registration is mandatory, and an adult must be present for the duration of the program. Ages 3-6. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per child
Saturday, December 16, 2023
1:00 PM
Winter is not the best time for most trees, but some stay green all winter! Join nature center staff to find out why evergreen trees are 'forever green' and hike part of the pondside trail to see what type of evergreens are here. Program meets at the nature center. Pre-registration required. Call 302-284-4299 or email DRNEC_KPSPNatureCenter@delaware.gov for more information or to pre-register. Free!
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
5:00 PM
Did you know that each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 4,000 kilowatts of energy, and 7,000 gallons of water?! Learn all about recycling, why it matters, and how you can help the Earth along with naturalists in this Reduce, Reuse, Recycle program! Program will be held at the nature center. Pre-registration is mandatory for all homeschool programs. Ages 6 -12. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per student