Delaware Seashore State Park

Park History

Transportation along this barrier island, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, was difficult until the Federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began managing the land as Indian River State Park in 1965, but it didn't become Delaware Seashore State Park until 1967.

Activities:

Biking
Boating
Camping
Clamming
Crabbing
Cultural/Recreation/Nature Programs
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Kayaking
Picnicking
School Group Programs
Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (license required)
Trails
Surfing
Ocean Swimming
Wind Surfing

Amenities:

Accessible Beach
Bait and Tackle Shop
Boat Launch
Camp Store
Campgrounds
Day Use Areas
Dump Stations
Equestrian Trails
Food Concessions*
Indian River Marina: Fuel Dock, Wet Slips, Boat Storage, Supply Store, Charters/Head Boat, Sewage Pump-Out, Transient Slips
Gift Shop
Hammerheads Dockside Restaurant
Hiking/Biking/Equestrian Trails
Indian River Life-Saving Station Historic Site and Museum
Meeting Space
Pet Areas
Picnic Pavilions
Picnic Tables
Playground
Restrooms
Showers
Surf Fishing (Off-Road) Areas (license required)
Umbrella Rentals*
Waterfront Cottages
Wedding and Reception Venues
Wheelchair Accessibility
*Summer only

Swimming, Surfing Sunbathing

Two ocean swimming areas, patrolled by lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer season, feature modern bathhouses with showers, changing rooms and concession stands. The beach just north of the Inlet is one of the few surfing areas within the park. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at the Towers Ocean and South Inlet locations.

Camping at the Beach

Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground.

Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground.

Indian River Marina

Anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet or on the ocean beaches, and head boats and charter boats launch out of the full-service Indian River Marina, offering wet slips, fuel docks, boat storage, supplies and more.

Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum

Built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service, the full-restored station today features maritime exhibits and historic reenactors who periodically demonstrate turn-of-the-century techniques to rescue sailing ships in distress. Includes a gift shop offering unique coastal and maritime merchandise.

Fishing, Clamming and Crabbing

A special access pier at the Indian Inlet allows the elderly and people with disabilities to get close to the fishing action. Clamming and crabbing are permitted in some sections of the bays; please check with the Park Office for open areas. Marked dune crossings allow surf-fishing access for four-wheel drive vehicles on the beach (permits required). Permits are also required for fishing, clamming and crabbing.

Outdoor Recreation

The shallow bays are perfect for windsurfing and sailing. A non- motorized boat launch provides access for sail boards, kayaks, and boats in the New Road area.

Six different family-friendly trails showcase a variety of habitats for hikers, bikers, or horseback riders, and entertaining and informative programs, such as bay seining and marsh hikes, are held throughout the summer. The park hosts a popular Sandcastle Contest each July, where amateur participants create unique sculptures and castles to compete for prizes.

Nature Preserve

Burton Island Nature Preserve – Enjoy the views of saltmarsh cordgrass. This Nature Preserve is utilized by migrating songbirds and water birds such as black crowned night herons.

Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian only) Access to Burtons Island is by causeway at north end of Indian River Marina. Parking lot. Bathroom access at Park Office.

Acreage: 205 acres

Thompson Island Nature Preserve – thousands of years of human occupation and mature coastal forest make up this Nature Preserve. Trail access is limited in the Preserve. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful marsh and Island views from the overlook at trail’s end.

Amenities: Linear Trail (pedestrian only). Parking on site.

Acreage: 191 acres