
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will close Killens Pond State Park Saturday, Dec. 5 for the 2020 Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) Cross Country state championship races. The park will reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.
For the safety of the competing teams and to limit community spread of COVID-19, DIAA has announced that no spectators will be permitted at this year’s championships. Instead, the races will be live streamed by the DIAA. The DIAA will broadcast Division II Girls 10:30 a.m., Division II Boys at noon, Division I Girls 1:30 p.m. and Division I Boys 3 p.m.
To support the DIAA mandate, the park will be closed during the championship Saturday to avoid any large gatherings.
To watch the races or for more information about the championship, visit www.doe.k12.de.us/diaa.
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 23 - 30, 2022
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
Saturday, July 9, 2022
10:00 AM
Learn about local invasive species and how to remove them. This will be a two-part event: an educational program about invasive species followed by an opportunity to help remove them! Program will meet at the campground amphitheater. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, July 10, 2022
2:00 PM
The history of the Killens Pond area didn't start with the Dutch settlements in the 1630s. Join us to learn about the Lenape, a nation of Indigenous people who have lived along the Delaware River for thousands of years! Sunday at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, July 16, 2022
2:00 PM
Killens Pond has many different habitats, including forests and wetlands. Join us as we learn about what makes forests and wetlands unique and what we can find there. Make sure to bring close-toed shoes for an adventure through one of our forests. Saturday meet at the campground amphitheater, Sunday meet at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, July 17, 2022
2:00 PM
Killens Pond has many different habitats, including forests and wetlands. Join us as we learn about what makes forests and wetlands unique and what we can find there. Make sure to bring close-toed shoes for an adventure through one of our forests. Saturday meet at the campground amphitheater, Sunday meet at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Monday, July 18, 2022
6:30 PM
Join the staff on special themed nights for good food, games and poolside fun! $5 per person with paid park entry.
Saturday, July 23, 2022
7:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Sunday, July 24, 2022
2:00 PM
Have you ever wondered about the founding of Killens Pond State Park? Join naturalists to learn about the early history of the area (dating back to the most recent ice age), European settlement here and the formation of the pond and our beautiful state park! Sunday at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, July 30, 2022
2:00 PM
There’s an intersection between how humans live and how the native ecosystem thrives - how do we walk that line? Join us while we hike the trails and discuss some of the ways humans coexist with the natural world. Meet at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, July 31, 2022
2:00 PM
We hear all the time that we should be taking better care of the Earth. But what exactly does that look like? Join us to learn about ways we can protect the Earth and its creatures, so all can thrive for future generations! Meet at the nature center. Program is accessible; call for more information. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, August 6, 2022
2:00 PM
What is a wetland and why are they so important? Learn about the wonders of the wetlands while on a short hike! Program will start at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, August 7, 2022
2:00 PM
Join Roger Mustalish, MPH, Ph.D. an international conservationist as he leads a hike through our woods, highlighting medicinal plants and their history in our region. We will review the medicinal nature of plants found on our everyday hiking trails that have been part of healing traditions of Native and Non-Native Americans for generations and discuss those that have been the foundation for the creation of modern medicines. Please note, this walk will be observational and will not include or promote foraging or sampling at these locations. Additionally, the information to be presented is not designed to diagnose, prescribe or treat any medical condition. Pre-registration required by August 6 at 302-284-4299. Sponsored by the Delaware Humanities.
Monday, August 8, 2022
6:30 PM
Join the staff on special themed nights for good food, games and poolside fun! $5 per person with paid park entry.
Thursday, August 11, 2022
7:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Saturday, August 13, 2022
8:00 PM
Explore the park after dark! Join naturalists to explore different aspects of our natural world. Topics: June 11 - owls, August 13 - moon folklore. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, August 14, 2022
2:00 PM
Have you ever wished superpowers were real? What if I told you they are?! Come check out some cool animals with outstanding abilities! Saturday at the campground amphitheater; Sunday at the nature center. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, August 20, 2022
2:00 PM
Not all habitats have to be huge - some can be small, or even microscopic! Join us to learn about what makes a microhabitat and how organisms survive there. We will be doing log rolls and looking under rocks, so be prepared to get a little dirty! Saturday, meet at the campground amphitheater, Sunday, meet at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Sunday, August 21, 2022
2:00 PM
Not all habitats have to be huge - some can be small, or even microscopic! Join us to learn about what makes a microhabitat and how organisms survive there. We will be doing log rolls and looking under rocks, so be prepared to get a little dirty! Saturday, meet at the campground amphitheater, Sunday, meet at the nature center. Call the nature center at 302-284-4299 to register and for more information; pre-registration required. Free with paid park entry.
Thursday, August 25, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Saturday, August 27, 2022
7:30 PM
Explore the park after dark! Join naturalists to explore different aspects of our natural world. Topics: June 11 - owls, August 13 - moon folklore. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Friday, September 2, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Saturday, September 3, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 3, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 3, 2022
7:30 PM
Explore the park after dark! Join naturalists to explore different aspects of our natural world. Topics: June 11 - owls, August 13 - moon folklore. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Sunday, September 4, 2022
2:00 PM
Have you ever wished superpowers were real? What if I told you they are?! Come check out some cool animals with outstanding abilities! Saturday at the campground amphitheater; Sunday at the nature center. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Friday, September 9, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a guided kayak tour of the pond! You will get wet and muddy. Closed-toed shoes are required, and old clothes are recommended. For ages 13+. Previous paddling experience recommended; must be comfortable paddling. Don’t forget your water and flashlight. Kayak programs are weather permitting. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $20 per paddler
Saturday, September 10, 2022
10:00 AM
Learn about local invasive species and how to remove them. This will be a two-part event: an educational program about invasive species followed by an opportunity to help remove them! Program will meet at the campground amphitheater. Pre-registration is required. Call 302-284-4299 for more information and to pre-register. Free with paid park entry.
Saturday, September 10, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 10, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 17, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 17, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 17, 2022
7:30 PM
Explore the park after dark! Join naturalists to explore different aspects of our natural world. Topics: June 11 - owls, August 13 - moon folklore. Exact meeting location will be provided after registration. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 24, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, September 24, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 1, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 1, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 8, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 8, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 15, 2022
5:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person
Saturday, October 15, 2022
6:00 PM
Enjoy a 40-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. Online registration ends 22 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-284-4299. $5 per person