RVing in “The First State” and Celebrating 75 Years of Delaware State Parks

What this episode covers

On this week’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast, we celebrate a major milestone: 75 years of Delaware State Parks. To mark the occasion, we’re joined by Alex Hannah, who oversees marketing and outreach for the Delaware State Park system. Alex brings incredible enthusiasm, deep knowledge of the parks, and plenty of insider tips for RVers looking to explore one of the most underrated state park systems in America. For a small state, Delaware truly punches above its weight class. With beautiful beaches, forested campgrounds, historic sites, water recreation, wildlife viewing, and year-round camping opportunities, Delaware State Parks offer an impressive variety of experiences packed into a remarkably compact area. In this episode, we dive into the history of the park system, explore all five state parks that offer camping, and highlight some of the lesser-known parks that make excellent day trips during your stay. Thank you to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation for providing the photos for this post! To listen to our interview with Alex Hannah please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas podcast wherever you get your favorite shows! Celebrating 75 Years of Delaware State Parks Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation While Delaware State Parks officially began in 1951, the roots of the system stretch back much further. Alex shared that the original concept of preserving land for public use dates all the way back to 1682, when William Penn established the Warner Grant at Cape Henlopen. More than 300 years later, that same conservation mindset continues to guide the system today. The first official Delaware State Parks were: Trap Pond State Park Fort Delaware State Park Brandywine Springs State Park Today, the system has grown to 17 parks, a zoo, a marina, campgrounds, beaches, historic sites, and countless recreational opportunities throughout the state. Why Delaware State Parks Stand Out One of the most impressive facts about Delaware State Parks is how they operate. Unlike many state park systems, Delaware is approximately 65% self-funded, which means the parks must continuously focus on visitor experience, programming, amenities, and customer satisfaction. That commitment has helped Delaware earn the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management twice—an honor shared by very few state park systems nationwide. The result is a system that feels both welcoming and innovative, with new amenities, upgraded facilities, extensive programming, and year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Five Delaware State Parks with Campgrounds For RVers, Delaware offers five state parks with camping facilities, and each delivers a distinct experience. Lums Pond State Park Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Located in northern Delaware near Bear, Lums Pond serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring Wilmington, Newark, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region. The park encompasses roughly 1,700 acres centered around Delaware’s largest freshwater pond. Highlights include: Full-hookup RV sites Extensive hiking and biking trails Paddle boating and kayaking Nature center The Go Ape zipline course, which actually sends riders soaring over the water One exciting addition is the construction of 14 new waterfront cottages, which will expand lodging options for visitors. Lums Pond is also remarkably convenient, making it a favorite stop for RVers traveling north and south along the East Coast. Killens Pond State Park Photo provided by DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation