Why Trap Pond & Sussex County

Delaware doesn't get much attention as a camping destination, and Trap Pond is exactly why that's a shame. It's built around one of the northernmost naturally occurring stands of bald cypress in the country — a genuinely different landscape from typical East Coast camping, with turtles, herons, and dragonflies as a near-constant backdrop on the water.

What Makes It Special

• Location: Laurel, Delaware, built around a bald cypress swamp
• Setting: Cypress swamp with turtles, herons, and dragonflies year-round
• Site types: Standard state park campground sites
• Amenities: Well-maintained bike trails, guided pontoon swamp tours
• Recreation: Bald cypress swamp kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking

Pro Tips for Booking

Take the guided pontoon tour. It's a low-effort way to see the swamp's highlights without needing your own kayak or paddling experience.

Budget travelers, take note. At $ (the lowest tier in our directory), this is one of the best value-for-comfort picks we've found — don't assume low price means fewer amenities here.

Check for a new splash zone before you go. Delaware recently broke ground on a family water-play area at this park. Read our full update on it here.

What to Do Around Here

• Bald cypress swamp kayaking — rentals available directly at the park
• Trussum Pond — a quieter, less-visited cypress swamp nearby, good for a second paddle
• Rehoboth Beach — roughly 30 minutes away for a classic Delaware beach day
• Seaford Nature Trail & Museum — a short drive for local history and easy hiking

Amenities

Nearby Activities