Cape Henlopen State Park
Quick Facts
Why Lewes & the Delaware Beaches
Cape Henlopen State Park sits at the mouth of the Delaware Bay in historic Lewes, the “First Town in the First State,” home to over 5,000 acres of beaches, walking dunes, and the WWII-era Fort Miles Historic Area with its bunkers and observation towers. The park’s Seaside Nature Center lets kids touch horseshoe crabs and explore osprey exhibits, while the nearby Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers an 85-minute crossing to New Jersey.
This is one of the most-loved state parks on this entire list, with real range — beach access, extensive bike trails, and even a military history museum with old bunkers to explore, all at a genuinely great value near the Delaware beaches.
What Makes It Special
- Location: Lewes, at the mouth of the Delaware Bay
- Setting: One of the most-loved state parks on this list
- Site type: State park campground
- Amenities: Free bike loans, fishing pier, military history museum and old bunkers, playground, dog-friendly
- Recreation: Beach access, hiking, and fishing
Pro Tips for Booking
Explore the WWII observation towers. They’re a genuine highlight, part of the Fort Miles Historic Area with its bunkers and cannons.
Use the free bike loans. They’re a real perk for exploring the park’s extensive trail network without needing your own.
Visit the Seaside Nature Center. Kids can touch horseshoe crabs and see osprey up close.
What to Do Around Here
- Fort Miles Historic Area, with WWII bunkers and observation towers
- The Seaside Nature Center, with horseshoe crab touch tanks
- Fishing from the park’s pier
- Biking the park’s trails, with free bike loans available
- The Cape May-Lewes Ferry, an 85-minute crossing to New Jersey
