Cape Henlopen State Park protects more than 5,000 acres of ocean and bay beaches, dunes, maritime forest, wetlands and wildlife habitat at the edge of Lewes. It is both a beach-day destination and a place where visitors can bike, hike, fish, camp, explore a World War II coastal-defense site and meet local marine life.
This guide brings the practical details together on one page. Information was checked against Delaware State Parks on July 19, 2026; weather, wildlife closures and seasonal operations can still affect access.
Hours, Location and Entrance Fees
Getting there
- Address: 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958
- Park phone: (302) 645-8983
- Park hours: 8 a.m. to sunset every day
- Walk-in and bicycle admission: Free
- Delaware-registered vehicle: $10 per day
- Out-of-state vehicle: $20 per day
Annual passes are usually the better value for repeat visits. The daily entrance charge is a vehicle fee, not a per-person beach admission.
Park office hours
- April 1–October 31: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
- November 1–March 31: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday; closed holidays
- Winter lunch closure: 11:30 a.m.–noon
Beaches, Swimming and the Point
Cape Henlopen includes both Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay shoreline. The setting changes considerably from the guarded family beach and bathhouse to surfing, fishing and wildlife areas, so the best beach depends on what you want to do.
Main swimming beach
Best for a traditional family beach day. The designated beach is guarded from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A bathhouse, restrooms, showers and wheelchair-accessible beach area are nearby.
Herring Point
A dramatic ocean overlook and popular surfing area. Conditions can be rougher than at the guarded beach; use only designated access and observe swimming or surfing restrictions.
The Point
The curved tip of the cape offers wide water views, birding and wildlife watching where the bay meets the ocean. Portions close seasonally for nesting shorebirds. Posted boundaries apply to people, pets and vehicles.
Gordons Pond and Deauville
Gordons Pond combines beach access with one of the area's best cycling routes. Deauville Beach, managed by Delaware State Parks north of Rehoboth Beach, offers another oceanfront option with its own seasonal access arrangements.
Lifeguards are not present outside the published guarded season and hours. Dunes are protected habitat—cross only on marked walkways and never enter fenced nesting areas.
Trails, Bicycling and Disc Golf
Eight park trails cover paved loops, forest paths, dunes and wetlands. Bicycling is one of the easiest ways to reach several attractions without moving the car.
- Bike Loop: A paved route through the main park with access to the nature center, campground, Fort Miles and beach areas.
- Gordons Pond Trail: A scenic shared-use route over wetlands and through coastal forest, connecting the Lewes side of the park with Rehoboth Beach.
- Junction & Breakwater Trail: A regional rail-trail connection between the Lewes and Rehoboth areas.
- Pinelands Nature Trail: A quieter forest walk through the park's maritime woodland.
- Walking Dunes Trail: A natural-surface route for experiencing the dune landscape away from the beach crowds.
- Seaside Nature Trail: A shorter option near the nature center for families and visitors with limited time.
The free Borrow-A-Bike program operates from the Seaside Nature Center when bikes are available. Bring a helmet if possible, share multi-use trails carefully and check the map for permitted uses and current closures. The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
Fort Miles Museum and Military History
Cape Henlopen's strategic position led to the construction of Fort Miles during World War II. The site defended the entrance to Delaware Bay and later served as a military training, testing and recreation area before the land became a state park in 1964.
Today visitors can walk through the artillery park, see historic guns and six barracks buildings, visit the Battery 519 museum and climb a restored fire-control tower when it is open. The tower and elevated overlooks provide some of the broadest views in the park. Guided tours and special programs may require tickets.
Published Fort Miles Museum hours
- January 1–March 31: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- April 1–Memorial Day: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Memorial Day–Labor Day: Daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Labor Day–November 1: Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- November 1–December 31: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Seaside Nature Center and Wildlife
The Seaside Nature Center is a useful first stop for families and first-time visitors. It has a 500-gallon touch tank, five 1,000-gallon aquarium exhibits featuring local species and habitats, reptiles, a live osprey camera, classroom, information desk and retail shop. Nature programs and the Borrow-A-Bike program operate from here.
Published nature center hours
- May 1–June 14: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; also open Memorial Day Monday
- June 15–September 7: Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
- September 8–October 18: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- October 19–27: Closed
- November 1–April 30: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Cape Henlopen is an important stop for migrating birds and provides nesting habitat for protected shorebirds. Beach Plum Nature Preserve protects rare dune and marsh habitat; only limited areas and a pedestrian trail are open so wildlife can remain undisturbed.
Fishing, Surf Fishing and Paddling
Fishing pier and shoreline
The bayside fishing pier gives walk-on anglers access to Delaware Bay. A seasonal bait-and-tackle store is listed among park amenities. Anglers generally need a Delaware fishing license and a free Fisherman Information Network (FIN) number; licensing requirements depend on the angler and activity.
Paddling
Canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are offered seasonally. Wind, current and ocean conditions can change quickly, so choose a launch and route that match your experience and check conditions before going out.
Driving onto a surf fishing beach
- A current surf fishing vehicle permit is required; the permit is assigned to a specific two-axle, highway-registered vehicle.
- Everyone using drive-on access must be actively surf fishing, not simply using the permit for beach parking.
- Required vehicle equipment includes a shovel, jack, tow rope or chain, jack support board and low-pressure tire gauge.
- The maximum beach-driving speed is 15 mph and may need to be lower for conditions.
- Use authorized dune crossings only. Beaches may close for storms, high tides or protected wildlife.
- Permit holders must watch the state's instructional surf-fishing video before driving onto the beach.
Peak-season weekend or holiday reservation procedures can change from year to year. Confirm the current requirement before planning drive-on access.
Camping, RV Sites and Cabins
Cape Henlopen's family campground is open year-round at select sites. It offers walk-in tent sites, pull-through sites and sites with water plus 30-, 50- or 100-amp electric hookups. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. The campground also has a camp store, laundry, playground, bathhouses, showers, drinking water, dump stations and overflow parking.
Reservation basics
- Reservations may be made up to one year in advance and for stays of up to 14 nights.
- A two-night minimum applies on weekends; some holiday weekends require Friday through Sunday.
- One vehicle is permitted at the campsite; additional vehicles use overflow parking.
- Base campsite rates cover up to four people. Additional guests are $2 per night, up to eight people total.
- The registered guest must be at least 18 and stay at the site.
- Outside firewood is prohibited. Purchase firewood in the campground to limit invasive pests.
Camper cabins
Cabins are in a quieter area at the edge of the campground and sleep six. The front room has a queen bed and a sofa that sleeps two; the back room has two sets of bunk beds for four guests.
- Air conditioning, electric heat and lighting
- Compact refrigerator and outdoor grill
- Oversized screened dining porch and picnic table
- Cooking and drinking water outside
- Nearby bathhouse for restrooms and showers
- Non-smoking and ADA-accessible; pets are not allowed
2026 published campsite rates
Nightly base rates vary by season, residency, site utility and day of week. Booking fees or taxes may be additional; the reservation system provides the final total.
| Site / guest | Stay | Winter | Spring/Fall | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water only — resident | Weekday | $26 | $36 | $45 |
| Water only — nonresident | Weekday | $33 | $45 | $57 |
| Water only — resident | Weekend | $32 | $41 | $48 |
| Water only — nonresident | Weekend | $40 | $55 | $60 |
| Water + electric — resident | Weekday | $35 | $42 | $53 |
| Water + electric — nonresident | Weekday | $44 | $53 | $67 |
| Water + electric — resident | Weekend | $41 | $47 | $56 |
| Water + electric — nonresident | Weekend | $52 | $59 | $70 |
2026 published cabin rates
| Guest | Stay | Winter | Spring/Fall | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Weekday | $80 | $99 | $131 |
| Nonresident | Weekday | $100 | $124 | $164 |
| Resident | Weekend | $85 | $105 | $136 |
| Nonresident | Weekend | $107 | $132 | $170 |
Cabins are available year-round. Summer stays require a one-week minimum; other weekend stays must include Friday and Saturday, and holiday weekends generally require three nights.
Amenities and Services
Beach and day use
- Guarded seasonal swimming beach
- Bathhouse, restrooms and showers
- Seasonal chair and umbrella rentals
- Seasonal food and refreshments
- Picnic areas and reservable pavilions
- Playground and basketball courts
Outdoor recreation
- Fishing pier and bait-and-tackle store
- Seasonal paddlesport rentals
- Eight hiking and biking trails
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Birding, geocaching and nature programs
- Surfing and permitted surf fishing
Camping and facilities
- Camp store and firewood sales
- Drinking water and dump stations
- Laundry, bathhouses and showers
- Nature center and retail shop
- Historic site and event venue
- Recycling and overflow parking
Rentals, concessions, stores and some restrooms operate seasonally. Bring drinking water, sun protection and insect repellent even when you expect services to be open.
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchairs and a wheelchair-accessible beach area are listed among park amenities.
- Action Trackchairs are available by advance reservation for visitors with mobility challenges.
- All camper cabins are ADA-accessible.
- Several trails and shared-use paths have hardened or paved surfaces, although sand and weather can affect conditions.
- Fort Miles includes improved accessible pathways, but access inside historic structures may vary.
Call the park before visiting to reserve specialized equipment and confirm the best parking, beach crossing or route for individual mobility needs.
Pets and Important Park Rules
- Pets are welcome only in designated areas and must be controlled on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Except for service animals, pets are prohibited in designated state-park swimming areas, swimming beaches and surfboarding areas from May 1 through September 30.
- Dogs are allowed in designated surf-fishing vehicle areas when leashed, but wildlife closures still apply.
- Pets are not permitted in camper cabins.
- People, pets and vehicles must stay off dunes and out of marked nesting areas.
- Use marked beach and dune crossings and carry out pet waste.
- Outside firewood is not allowed in the campground.
Cape Henlopen Visitor FAQ
Is Cape Henlopen a good park for a first visit with children?
Yes. The guarded beach, bathhouse, playground, nature-center touch tank, short trails and Fort Miles exhibits make it easy to combine beach time with other activities.
Do I need to pay if I bike into the park?
No. Delaware State Parks currently lists walking and bicycling admission as free. The $10/$20 daily charge applies to vehicles.
Is the beach always guarded?
No. Lifeguards are scheduled only at the designated swimming beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. Other beaches and off-season visits are unguarded.
Can I visit Fort Miles without taking a tour?
The outdoor artillery park and historic area can be explored during park hours. Museum buildings, tower access and guided experiences follow their own seasonal schedules and may require tickets.
Can I drive onto the beach with a regular park pass?
No. Drive-on access requires a current surf fishing vehicle permit, required safety equipment and active surf fishing. Seasonal daily reservations may also apply.
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least half a day for one beach plus the nature center or Fort Miles. A full day is better if you want to bike, visit several overlooks or combine beach time with a museum tour.
Live Information and Reservations
Most trip-planning information is included above. These official links are for live availability, transactions, maps and conditions that can change after this guide is published.
Closures, hours and operating noticesReserve camping
Live campsite and cabin availabilityPark map
Roads, trails, beaches and facilitiesCampground map
Loops, sites and campground facilitiesPrograms and tours
Nature programs and historic toursBuy passes and permits
Annual entry and surf-fishing permits