Delaware has rivers, swamps, lakes, forests, prairies, and more than 90 respectable miles of Atlantic coastline. When factoring in its square mileage measurement, the “First State” counts on the small side, but Delaware still manages to pack a punch in terms of natural attractions. Delaware campgrounds are close to many attractions, and Delaware RV camping resorts offer even more amenities.
The central region of this state contains two prominent National Wildlife Refuges. Bombay Hook is in Smyrna, on the western shore of Delaware Bay, and Prime Hook is just 22 miles southeast of Delaware’s capital city, Dover. Both refuges were established to preserve coastal wetlands to serve as staging points for migratory waterfowl. Together, they encompass nearly 30,000 acres of nesting and feeding grounds suitable for a generous variety of bird species such as snow geese, black ducks, peregrine falcons, and barred owls. Visitors can view or photograph wildlife from inside their vehicles on the Mumbai self-guided driving tour. Those who prefer to travel on foot can take in the views from a variety of lookout towers and nature trails, one of which is fully handicapped accessible. Activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, canoeing, and crabbing are permitted.
The southeast coast is home to a very popular vacation destination: the Delaware Seashore State Park. It’s no wonder tourists and locals alike flock to this nonstop mecca for sand, sun, surf, and water sports. The Atlantic Ocean forms the eastern border of this coast; its western edge is flanked by the waters of the Rehoboth and Indian River Bays. Visitors find attractive beaches and two developed swimming areas with lifeguards available during the summer months. Inlet and ocean surf fishing and a special access pier entertain anglers of all ages and abilities. The park’s Thompson Island Preserve, a prime example of a thriving salt marsh, is located in Rehoboth Bay, just northwest of Indian River Inlet. Delaware campgrounds are nearby. Designated beach areas are reserved for surfers and surf fishermen, and select dune crossing areas provide ATVs with convenient beach entry. The shallow bays of the Delaware Seashore are popular spots for boaters, windsurfers, clammers and crabbers. A short nature trail offers interesting views of nesting shorebird colonies, surrounding bay islands, and mudflats. The annual sandcastle competition attracts some of the best amateur sand sculptors on the Mid-Atlantic coast.
