We know, we know, there are still several more summer weekends upon us, but we just can’t tell you how much we love camping in the fall. We’re so lucky to live here on The Shore because we are always within a short drive of so many world-class camping options. So, in preparation for all those fun fall camping trips in our future, we’ve compiled a list of our 9 favorite campgrounds on Delmarva.

Cape Henlopen State Park

15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958

Cape Henlopen got its start as a military fort constructed in 1941. Their recently renovated campground is beautiful and shady. With a new camp store, laundry, playground, picnic tables, and fire rings, Delaware Gov. John Carney has declared, “This is the crown jewel of the Delaware State Park System.” During your stay at Cape Henlopen, check out the picnic pavilions, 18-hole disc golf course, basketball courts, hiking and biking trails, or even climb to the top of the World War II observation tower (the view from the top is incredible). The park even offers a full schedule of educational classes and lectures on history and nature.

Tall Pines Campground Resort

29551 Persimmon Rd., Lewes, DE 19958

Tall Pines Campground Resort, located in Lewes, DE, has several types of cabins, tent sites and RV spots. Stay for a night, a week, the season, or a whole year, there is no limit to the amount of fun you can have at Tall Pines. With amenities like Flicker’s Splash Park, a swimming pool, 18 holes of mini golf, a fitness center, playground, and proximity to the outlets in Rehoboth Beach, you might never want to leave.

The Resort at Massey’s Landing

20628 Long Beach Drive, Millsboro, DE 19966

The Resort at Massey’s Landing is a beautiful beachfront resort located right along the Delaware Seashore. Massey’s Landing offers RV sites, adorable beach cottages, and tent camping for whatever your camping preference might be. A stay at Massey’s Landing means there is no need to make the trek to the beach to fight the crowds because they have their own private beach, pool (complete with pool bar!), fishing, paddleboarding, canoeing, biking, playgrounds, a special doggie beach, fitness classes, and so much more. You’re never going to want to leave and, with amenities like these, you won’t have to. If you’re looking for a special water getaway, book one of their three different cruises: an Eco Cruise at 1pm for $15 per person, a BYOB 21+ cruise at 4pm for $20 per person, and an evening cruise at 7:15pm for $20 per person. This resort truly has something to keep everyone happy and occupied.

Delaware Seashore State Park Campground

130 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

The Delaware Seashore State Park is located right in the Indian River Inlet with a great view of the Indian River Bridge. Camp within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean on either the south side or north side of the Inlet. The two sides of the park are connected with a bridge, complete with separate walking and biking paths. Their campsites can accommodate anything from a tent to a large RV and come with electric, water, and sewer hook ups. To help keep the family occupied, the campgrounds include two restaurants, a full-service marina (complete with bait and tackle shop), and bike and walking trails. Don’t forget to check out the Indian River Life-Saving Station or the beautiful new Big Chill Beach Club while you’re here!

Trap Pond State Park

15702 Goose Nest Rd., Laurel, DE 19956

While most of the other campgrounds on this list offer quick trips to the beach, Trap Pond State Park offers a completely different: a shady, wooded atmosphere and canoe trips through the baldcypress trees. Visitors can rent rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks during the summer and a boat ramp can accommodate smaller motorized boats for fishing. Trap Pond also has three different canoe trails for visitors that want to explore the swamp in greater depths. Another unique offering at Trap Pond is the ability to camp in a yurt! According to their website, “Yurts are round stationary structures with canvas walls…” but you have to see these for yourself. Trap Pond also offers the more traditional camping options of RV, tent, and cabin sites.

Castaways RV Resort & Campground

12550 Eagles Nest Rd., Berlin, MD 21811

Castaways is much more than just a campground, they are an RV resort and campground with the full gamut of amenities. Bring your RV and have access to all the hook-ups, rent an adorable little cottage, or “rough it” in one of their tent sites. With plenty of on-site amenities like a tiki bar, dog park, the Bay Breeze Cafe, the Sweet Spot ice cream, and a camp store, you don’t have to venture far for whatever your heart desires. The kids will love fishing, crabbing, and clamming off of the pier or you can try something a little more fast-paced with a stand-up paddle board, kayak, or jet ski.

Assateague Island National Seashore

7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811

Assateague Island may not have the fancy amenities that some campgrounds offer, but they do have something unique: ponies! Assateague Island National Seashore has a few campgrounds with several camping options for people wishing to camp in tents, trailers, or RVs. The more adventurous campers can take advantage of Assateague’s backcountry camping which is only accessible by backpacking or paddling to the island. This is truly a great way to unplug for a weekend. Just a heads up, according to the NPS website, “Campers are reminded to bring firewood (locally purchased), sunscreen, insect repellent, screen tents for shade and insect protection, and long tent stakes to anchor tents in the sand and wind.”

Fort Whaley

11224 Dale Road, Whaleyville, MD 21872

With over 200 campsites, Fort Whaley has plenty of space for campers. You’ll never be bored at Fort Whaley with tons of fun to be had. Campers can take advantage of FREE mini golf, a swimming pool, dog park, fishing in the lake, billiards in the clubhouse, a laser tag course, and a pump track are just some of the awesome activities waiting for you at Fort Whaley. Better yet, Fort Whaley’s campers get FREE access to the water park and discounted admission to the High Ropes Adventure Park.

Chincoteague Island KOA

6742 Maddox Boulevard, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

We got our first look at the new Chincoteague Island KOA back in June and we still can’t say enough great things about this gorgeous new campground. With a beautiful view of the Assateague Island lighthouse and over 200 acres of shady campsites, this campground is another perfect option for the family or a romantic getaway.

Wherever you plan to camp this fall, you have plenty of options right here on Delmarva. And most of the campgrounds are pet-friendly, so don’t forget to bring Fido! Where is your favorite place to camp on The Shore?