Tucked along Indian River Bay near Dagsboro, Holts Landing State Park protects 205.9 acres of bayshore, salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater wetlands and open fields. It is a quieter alternative to the ocean parks, built around one of the area's few public boat ramps, a fishing and crabbing pier, accessible nature trails and a shaded picnic grove.
This guide brings the practical details together on one page. Information was checked against Delaware State Parks on July 19, 2026; tides, weather, hunting seasons and facility work can still affect access.
Hours, Location and Entrance Fees
Getting there
- Location: Holts Landing Road, Dagsboro, Delaware
- Park phone: (302) 227-2800
- General park hours: 8 a.m. to sunset every day
- Boat ramp: Open 24 hours a day
- Walk-in and bicycle admission: Free
- Delaware-registered vehicle: $5 per day
- Out-of-state vehicle: $10 per day
The daily charge is a vehicle entrance fee. An annual Delaware State Parks pass covers repeat day-use entry, while separate boating registration or ramp requirements may still apply.
Park administration
Holts Landing is administered from the Delaware Seashore State Park office at 39415 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
- April 1–October 31: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
- November 1–March 31: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Friday
24-Hour Boat Ramp and Bay Access
Holts Landing provides one of the few public launch points on Indian River Bay. The ramp remains open around the clock so boaters can plan around tides, weather and fishing conditions even when the day-use portion of the park is closed.
Before launching
- Check tide, wind, fog and thunderstorm forecasts.
- Prepare lines, plugs and equipment before backing onto the ramp.
- Move away from the launch lane before loading gear or passengers.
- Use the designated trailer parking and never block turnaround areas.
- Carry required safety gear, lights and a wearable life jacket for each person.
Ramp requirements
Boats registered outside Delaware generally need a current Delaware Ramp Certificate to use state-maintained ramps. Delaware-registered boats do not pay a separate ramp fee. Review current registration and safety requirements before arrival.
Water depth and wind-driven tides vary across the shallow inland bays. Know your vessel's draft and use extra care around oyster beds, marsh edges and marked navigation channels.
Fishing, Crabbing and Clamming
The bayside pier is one of the park's signature features and one of the relatively few public fishing piers in southern Delaware. Anglers target seasonal Indian River Bay species, while crabbers can work hand lines, traps or nets from permitted areas.
Fishing from the pier
Bring tackle appropriate for tidal bay water and expect changing current and depth. Keep casting lanes clear, supervise children and dispose of hooks and monofilament securely.
Blue crabbing
Bring a net, bait, bucket and measuring tool. Only keep legal crabs within the current recreational limit, and return undersize crabs and protected females gently to the bay.
Seasonal clamming
The park map marks a designated seasonal clamming area from December 1 through April 15. Shellfish closures, harvest limits and licensing rules still control whether gathering is allowed.
Delaware fishing and shellfish licensing requirements vary by age, gear and activity, and a Fishermen's Information Network (FIN) number is required for most anglers. Check current seasons, minimum sizes, possession limits and health closures before keeping a catch.
Trails, Birding and Wildlife
Two named trails form the heart of the park's land-based recreation. Together they pass salt marsh, maritime forest, freshwater ponds, old borrow pits and open fields where visitors may see osprey, herons, songbirds, turtles and muskrats.
Sea Hawk Trail · 1.3 miles
A fully ADA-accessible loop through several park habitats. It is the best choice for an easy nature walk and includes connections toward the grove, observation areas and waterfront facilities.
Seahorse Trail · 1.2 miles
A natural-surface route through the quieter southern portion of the park, circling forest and wetland areas. Expect a rougher, less-developed experience than on the Sea Hawk Trail.
Short connectors can combine the trails into a longer outing. Bring insect repellent, avoid muddy trail edges and perform a tick check after walking through grass or brush. Hunting is a listed park activity in designated seasons and areas; review current notices and wear visible colors when appropriate.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding and Windsurfing
A kayak launch gives hand-carried craft direct access to Indian River Bay. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can explore the park's shoreline and nearby marsh edges, while windsurfers use open water when conditions are suitable.
Plan for inland-bay conditions
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times.
- Check wind direction, tide and thunderstorm timing.
- Stay visible to powerboats and avoid marked channels when possible.
- Carry drinking water, a whistle and a waterproof phone or radio.
- Give marsh vegetation and nesting birds plenty of room.
Good to know
The bay may look protected but wind can build a short, steep chop and make the return trip much harder. Beginners should stay close to shore, avoid strong offshore wind and turn back early.
The park lists a launch, not an on-site rental concession. Bring your own craft and required safety equipment unless a current program specifically provides gear.
The Grove, Picnics and Seasonal Programs
The Grove is a shaded event area near the waterfront with mature trees, picnic space, playground, pavilion and fire pit. It is suited to an unhurried family afternoon as well as reserved gatherings.
Day-use facilities
- Picnic tables and open lawn
- Reservable pavilion
- Fire pit and grills where posted
- Playground and horseshoe pits
- Restrooms and parking
- Soccer and open recreation field
Events and programs
Summer concerts and Family Fun Nights are popular community traditions, often supported by the Friends of Holts Landing. Schedules vary each year and individual programs can be canceled for weather.
Reserve the pavilion for reunions, group picnics and similar gatherings rather than assuming it will be available on arrival. Confirm fire rules, capacity and setup limits with the park.
Primitive Youth-Group Camping
Holts Landing has a primitive campsite for organized groups. It is not a public family campground and does not offer RV hookups, cabins, cottages or the services found at a developed campground. Advance arrangements are required.
Group leaders should confirm eligibility, capacity, adult supervision, parking, water, restroom access, fire rules and equipment requirements before reserving. For full-service tent and RV camping, see our Delaware Seashore State Park guide.
Accessibility
The 1.3-mile Sea Hawk Trail is described by Delaware State Parks as fully ADA accessible, making it the park's clearest option for a predictable nature outing. The main day-use area groups parking, restrooms, pavilion, picnic facilities and playground near the accessible loop.
Natural conditions still matter: rain, leaf litter, vegetation and maintenance can affect trail surfaces and waterfront access. Call (302) 227-2800 before visiting to confirm current trail conditions, accessible fishing or launch access, and accommodations for a program or reserved event.
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.
- Clean up pet waste and carry it to an appropriate receptacle.
- Keep pets away from wildlife, marsh nesting areas and posted closures.
- Confirm separate rules before bringing a pet to group camping or a reserved event.
- Service animals are permitted as provided by law.
Protect the bay
- Pack out fishing line, hooks, bait containers and all trash.
- Use only designated launches and established trails.
- Respect seasonal hunting, clamming and habitat restrictions.
- Do not feed wildlife or disturb marsh vegetation.
- Follow posted fire rules and fully extinguish permitted fires.
From Holt Family Farm to State Park
The Holt family farm included a working bayshore landing before the Delaware State Highway Department acquired the property in 1957. Soil and fill from borrow pits helped support highway construction. In 1965 the Parks Commission assumed the first 55 acres and created Holts Landing State Park.
Additional acquisitions through 2009 expanded the park to 205.9 acres. The former borrow pits now add freshwater habitat to a landscape that also includes salt marsh, maritime forest, fields and Indian River Bay shoreline.
Holts Landing Visitor FAQ
Is Holts Landing a swimming beach?
No. It has bay shoreline, but Delaware State Parks does not list guarded swimming among the park's activities. Visit Fenwick Island or Delaware Seashore for a developed swimming beach with seasonal lifeguards.
Can I use the boat ramp after sunset?
Yes. The boat ramp is open 24 hours, although the rest of the park generally closes at sunset. Prepare for darkness, carry required navigation lights and avoid disturbing nearby homes.
Do I need a license to crab or fish?
Delaware licensing and FIN requirements depend on the activity, age and gear used. Review current DNREC rules before fishing, crabbing or clamming, and check harvest sizes and limits each season.
Which trail is accessible?
The 1.3-mile Sea Hawk Trail is a fully ADA-accessible loop. The 1.2-mile Seahorse Trail is a more natural-surface route through the quieter southern section of the park.
Can families camp here?
Holts Landing has primitive camping for eligible organized youth groups, not a general family campground. Use Delaware Seashore State Park for reservable public tent and RV sites.
Is the pavilion reservable?
Yes. Reserve ahead for a group gathering and confirm capacity, fire-pit use, parking and event rules. Unreserved picnic tables may be available elsewhere in The Grove.
What should I bring?
Bring drinking water, insect repellent, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes and a tick-removal tool. Add a life jacket and weather plan for paddling, or tackle, a measuring tool and current regulations for fishing and crabbing.
Live Information and Planning Links
Use these official links for details that can change after this guide is published: closures, reservations, harvest rules and seasonal programs.