The best camping near Delaware Seashore State Park

Spread across a long strip of bay and ocean shore, Delaware Seashore State Park is a popular spot to go crabbing, clamming, fishing, swimming, and camping. Its single campground has over 350 sites, spread across the north and south sections of the Indian River, connected by a bridge. Campground facilities include laundry rooms, showers, restrooms, and a camp store, plus a marina with a bait and tackle shop nearby. History buffs can learn about the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which laid the groundwork for the U.S. Coast Guard, by paying a visit to the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at the visitor's center.

1. You can reserve a site at the Delaware Seashore up to one year in advance, either through the Delaware State Parks website or over the phone.
2. A two-night stay is required on weekends (three nights on major public holidays).
3. About two-thirds of the sites have full hookups and most accommodate RVs. Of the sites, 33 are tent-only.
4. You are required to show up within 24 hours of your reservation start time. Late arrivals should contact the park to avoid automatic cancellation.
5. If the camping areas at Delaware Seashore are full, there are a few private campgrounds in the general vicinity where you may have better luck.

Delaware Seashore State Park is a year-round destination, though the busiest time is—unsurprisingly—between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, when lifeguards are stationed.. Expect highs in the 80s from June through August, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s through September, and early fall is a great time to visit if you want to avoid crowds.

• You can pick up basic supplies at the park's camp store, or head up to Rehoboth Beach, a 10-minute drive up the shore, to do a more thorough shop.
• The park features two restaurants: the Big Chill Beach Club at the South Inlet Day Use Area and Hammerheads Dockside at the Indian River Marina.
• Accessible features include 30 feet of Mobi-Mat to allow wheelchairs to access the beach safely, plus a special-access pier at the Indian inlet.
• Permits are required for fishing, clamming, crabbing, and the use of vehicles on the dune.