Delaware Seashore State Park stretches along a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth and Indian River bays. Its 6.5 miles of ocean shoreline, 20 miles of bay shoreline and 10 access locations make it far more than a single beach: visitors can swim, surf, camp, paddle, fish, launch a boat, tour a historic life-saving station or settle in beside the marina.
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
- Location: Multiple entrances along Coastal Highway (Route 1), between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach
- Park phone: (302) 227-2800
- 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
The daily charge is a vehicle entrance fee, not a per-person beach ticket. Because the park is long and narrow, choose your destination before driving in: beach, marina, campground and museum entrances are not all in the same place.
Park office hours
- April 1–30: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday
- May 1–September 12: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
- September 13–March 31: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Friday
- Pass and permit sales, May 1–September 14: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. daily
Beaches, Swimming and Surfing
The park's oceanfront includes two developed bathhouse beaches and several less-developed access areas. The bayside offers calmer-water scenery and boating access, but visitors should swim only where it is permitted and judge conditions carefully.
Tower Ocean Road
Home to the restored World War II Tower 3, this traditional ocean beach has bathhouse facilities and a guarded swimming area in season. It is a strong choice for families who want restrooms, showers and a defined beach setup.
South Day Use Area
The developed ocean beach south of Indian River Inlet has a bathhouse and seasonal guarded swimming. Chair and umbrella rentals are offered during the published summer season.
Indian River Inlet
The inlet is a focal point for fishing, boating and surfing, but its currents, jetties and vessel traffic demand extra caution. Observe posted use zones and never assume inlet water is a safe substitute for a guarded swimming beach.
Seasonal beach services
Guarded swimming runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Chair and umbrella rentals run 9 a.m.–4 p.m. during the same period.
Outside published dates and hours there may be no lifeguard. Stay off dunes, use marked crossings and check posted flags and notices. Beach access can close temporarily for storms, erosion or protected wildlife.
Fishing, Surf Fishing, Crabbing and Boating
Shore and inlet fishing
Anglers fish the ocean beach, inlet railings and jetties, bay shoreline and marina area. Conditions around the jetties can be slippery and fast-moving; wear suitable footwear, keep children close and follow area closures. Delaware fishing licenses and FIN requirements may apply depending on age and activity.
The bays also support crabbing and clamming. Review current harvest seasons, sizes and limits before keeping a catch.
Drive-on surf fishing
A surf-fishing permit provides vehicle access to designated crossings for people actively surf fishing; it is not a general beach-driving pass. Delaware Seashore crossings include 3Rs and the Key Box, Conquest and Faithful Steward areas.
- Use an eligible two-axle, highway-registered vehicle.
- Carry a shovel, jack, tow rope or chain, jack board and low-pressure tire gauge.
- Air down before the sand and never exceed 15 mph.
- Use authorized crossings and remain actively engaged in fishing.
Peak-season reservation procedures can change. Read the current rules and watch the required instructional video before going.
Trails, Paddling and Nature Areas
Six park trails explore barrier-island woods, bay shoreline, canal edges and preserves. The park manages several distinct natural areas, so trailheads may be miles apart.
Burton Island
A natural-surface loop near Indian River Marina through maritime forest and salt-marsh habitat. It is a convenient walk for campers, cottage guests and marina visitors.
Fresh Pond Area
A quieter Ocean View-area property with wooded and wetland scenery. Check the trail map for permitted uses and hunting seasons before setting out.
Assawoman Canal Trail
A canal-side route in the Ocean View area that offers walking, wildlife viewing and a different landscape from the oceanfront.
Thompson Island Preserve
A protected natural area near Rehoboth Beach. Remain on marked routes and respect posted access limits that protect sensitive habitat.
Paddlers can explore inland-bay routes around Cedar Island, New Road and Savages Ditch. Wind, tide, boat traffic and summer heat can make these exposed waters challenging. Carry a properly fitted life jacket, drinking water and a waterproof map; check conditions before launch. Some trails are pet-friendly or accessible, but surfaces and allowed uses differ—consult the map for the route you plan to visit.
Indian River Inlet and Life-Saving History
Wind and water repeatedly shifted the natural inlet through this barrier beach, making travel and navigation unreliable. Federal jetties completed in 1939 stabilized Indian River Inlet, and today's bridge carries Route 1 above the channel. The land was managed as Indian River State Park beginning in 1965 and renamed Delaware Seashore State Park in 1967.
Indian River Life-Saving Station
Built in 1876 for the U.S. Life-Saving Service—the predecessor of the Coast Guard—the station has been restored as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits explain shipwreck rescue work and life on an isolated coast. The adjacent visitor center sells park passes and gifts.
Museum phone: (302) 227-6991
Visitor center hours
- April–May: Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- June–September: Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- October: Tuesday–Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
- November 1–March 31: Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Last museum admission is 30 minutes before closing. Programs, tours and private events can affect access.
Indian River Marina
Indian River Marina sits on the north side of the inlet at 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Delaware's largest marina has 294 wet slips, more than 150 indoor dry-storage spaces, transient slips, a working boatyard and direct access to both the inland bays and Atlantic Ocean.
Boater services
- Floating slips with water and 30- or 50-amp power, depending on slip
- Gasoline, diesel, pump-out and a seasonal fuel dock
- Dry storage for vessels up to 35 feet, forklifts and a 50-ton travel lift
- Public ramp, truck-and-trailer parking, courtesy dock and summer shuttle
- Slipholder restrooms, showers and laundry
- Charter boats and the Judy V head boat
Food, tackle and contact
- Marina phone: (302) 227-3071
- Regular marina office: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
- Winter office: Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Sunday
- Hook'em & Cook'em: bait, tackle, fish cleaning and fresh seafood
- Dockside Marina Bar and Grill: waterfront dining and entertainment
Fuel, restaurant, charter and retail schedules are seasonal; confirm same-day hours before making a special trip.
Camping at Indian River Inlet
Two waterfront campgrounds sit on the north and south sides of the inlet, connected by the bridge's protected walking and bicycling path. Sites range from no-hookup tent spaces to full-hookup RV sites. Select sites remain open year-round; winter camping is limited to self-contained units.
What campers should know
- Reserve up to 14 nights and as far as one year ahead.
- Weekends require two nights; some holiday weekends require three nights, Friday–Sunday.
- Base rate covers four people; each additional person is $2 per night, up to eight total.
- One vehicle is allowed at the site; overflow parking is available.
- The registered guest must be at least 18 and remain onsite.
- Outside firewood is prohibited; purchase firewood locally in the park.
Campground amenities
- Restrooms, showers and dump stations
- Camp store, gifts, bait and tackle
- Walking and bicycling access across the inlet bridge
- Nearby museum, beaches, marina and seasonal restaurants
- Designated pet-friendly areas
2026 campsite rates per night
Published base rates are shown below; reservation charges, extra people and other fees may add to the total.
| Site / guest | Winter | Spring / fall | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full hookup · DE weekday | $32 | $47 | $57 |
| Full hookup · nonresident weekday | $40 | $59 | $72 |
| Full hookup · DE weekend | $38 | $52 | $60 |
| Full hookup · nonresident weekend | $48 | $65 | $75 |
| No hookup · DE weekday | $25 | $32 | $43 |
| No hookup · nonresident weekday | $32 | $40 | $54 |
| No hookup · DE weekend | $31 | $37 | $46 |
| No hookup · nonresident weekend | $39 | $47 | $58 |
Cottages and Vacation Houses
Twelve cottages beside Indian River Marina provide a furnished, climate-controlled alternative to camping. Six normally follow a Saturday-to-Saturday schedule and six a Sunday-to-Sunday schedule. The park also rents the four-bedroom Assawoman Canal House and a three-bedroom oceanfront house.
Indian River cottages
Sleep six in two bedrooms plus a loft. Each includes a kitchen, dishwasher, full refrigerator, washer/dryer, heat and air conditioning, furnished screened porch and accessible design.
Assawoman Canal House
Four bedrooms for up to seven guests, with a screened porch, climate control, fireplace, fire pit, full kitchen and hotspot. Guests bring linens and towels.
Oceanfront House
Three bedrooms for up to six guests, with an ocean deck, climate control, kitchen, propane grill and hotspot. Guests bring linens and towels.
Reservation and check-in details
- Reservations may be made up to one year ahead; advance booking is required.
- Cottage check-in is at the marina office at 3 p.m.; check-out is 10 a.m.
- A guest age 21 or older must stay onsite; a $220 credit-card security deposit is required.
- Summer house stays are seven nights; house stays outside summer generally require three nights.
- Short cottage stays may be released within two weeks of arrival and must be booked by phone at 1-877-987-2757.
2026 lodging rates
Nightly rates are shown unless marked weekly. Taxes, reservation charges or other fees may apply.
| Lodging / guest | Winter | Spring / fall | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage · DE weekday | $114 | $146 | $238 |
| Cottage · nonresident weekday | $143 | $183 | $298 |
| Cottage · DE weekend | $166 | $306 | $369 |
| Cottage · nonresident weekend | $208 | $383 | $462 |
| Oceanfront house · DE weekday | $132 | $168 | $2,975 weekly |
| Oceanfront house · nonresident weekday | $165 | $211 | $3,724 weekly |
| Oceanfront house · DE weekend | $191 | $352 | — |
| Oceanfront house · nonresident weekend | $240 | $441 | — |
| Canal house · DE weekday | $120 | $154 | $2,716 weekly |
| Canal house · nonresident weekday | $151 | $193 | $3,402 weekly |
| Canal house · DE weekend | $175 | $322 | — |
| Canal house · nonresident weekend | $219 | $403 | — |
Dining, Picnicking and Park Amenities
Food in the park
- Big Chill Beach Club: elevated ocean and inlet views at the South Day Use Area
- Dockside Marina Bar and Grill: waterfront meals and entertainment at Indian River Marina
- Hook'em & Cook'em: fresh seafood plus bait, tackle and fish-cleaning services
These businesses operate seasonally or adjust hours. Bring water and snacks if your day depends on a specific meal time.
Facilities and activities
Depending on location, amenities include bathhouses, restrooms, picnic areas, pavilions, playground, visitor center, retail, campground, event venue, bait and tackle, concessions, boat ramp, marina, beach wheelchairs and chair/umbrella rentals.
Popular activities include swimming, surfing, sunbathing, biking, hiking, birding, boating, paddling, fishing, crabbing, clamming, windsurfing, picnicking and educational programs.
Accessibility
The park lists accessible trails and beach wheelchairs among its amenities. Developed bathhouse areas are generally the best starting point for visitors who need a shorter route to restrooms and the beach, while natural trails can include sand, roots or uneven ground. Indian River cottages are designed for accessible use.
Equipment availability and beach conditions can change. Call the park office at (302) 227-2800 before visiting to confirm the most suitable entrance, beach-wheelchair procedure, parking and any accommodation needed for a program.
Pets and Important Park Rules
Bringing a pet
- Pets are allowed only in designated areas and must be controlled on a leash no longer than six feet.
- From May 1 through September 30, pets are prohibited in designated swimming and sunbathing areas.
- Leashed dogs may accompany permitted surf-fishing vehicles in designated drive-on areas.
- Pets may not enter dunes, nesting habitat or posted closures.
- Service animals are permitted as provided by law.
Protect the coast
- Cross dunes only on marked walkways.
- Pack out trash and fishing line; never leave hooks or bait on the beach.
- Follow posted swimming, surfing and fishing zones.
- Do not disturb seals, shorebirds or other wildlife.
- Observe campground quiet hours, fire restrictions and site limits.
Delaware Seashore Visitor FAQ
Which beach is best for swimming?
Tower Ocean Road and the South Day Use Area are the park's two developed bathhouse beaches with seasonal guarded swimming. For the greatest level of supervision, visit during the published lifeguard season and hours.
Can I walk between the two campgrounds?
Yes. A protected walking and bicycling path crosses the Indian River Inlet bridge and links the north and south sides. Expect wind, sun and a climb over the bridge.
Can I drive on the beach?
Only with the appropriate surf-fishing permit, required safety equipment and an eligible vehicle—and only while actively surf fishing in designated areas. Peak-season reservations may also be required.
Is the park open in winter?
Yes, the park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Office, museum, food and rental hours are reduced seasonally. Select campsites remain available to self-contained units.
Are the marina, museum and beach all together?
No. Delaware Seashore is spread along Route 1. The marina is at Indian River Inlet, the life-saving station is north of the bridge and beach entrances are distributed along the oceanfront. Use the park map before driving between them.
What should I bring for a full day?
Pack sun protection, drinking water, insect repellent, layers for changing wind, and footwear suited to your activity. Add a tide and weather check for paddling or fishing, and carry the required recovery equipment for drive-on surf fishing.
Live Information and Reservations
Use these official links for changes that can happen after this guide is published: closures, reservations, permits and seasonal schedules.