Island Getaway

100%

24 reviews

· Kent Acres, Kent, Delaware · 26 acres

Hosted by La Mar G.

Tent site

· 10 guests max

Best in Delaware: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

La Mar is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

All to yourself

100% of recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp felt private.

This property is located on the St. Jones River. Whether you enjoy the beauty of bald eagles or just want to get away, this site provides the best an unmatched camping experience. Another unique fact is the connection of the island to the underground railroad. We want families to be able to have a safe place to experience the outdoors in peace. Learn more about this land: A private island that is easy to reach by boat or kayak. The perfect location for those who want to enjoy water sports and other outdoor activities such as fishing. Reserve the entire island surrounded by water views and majestic bald eagles soaring above. Parking is available at the nearby public boat dock. Kayaks/canoes are available to reach the island on a limited basis. This is the perfect place to get away and reconnect with nature. Groups are also encouraged to contact us. However, we only host one group at a time. Campers under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is a public parking lot at the Lebanon Landing Boat Dock area; The host is not responsible for any vehicles or property parked away from the island. Happy Camping!Private island close to historic downtown Dover and easy to reach by boat or a short kayak/canoe paddle. The perfect location for those who want to enjoy water sports and other outdoor activities such as fishing. Reserve the entire island surrounded by water views and majestic bald eagles soaring above. Parking available at nearby public boat dock. Kayaks/canoes available to reach the island on a limited basis. This is the perfect place to get away and reconnect with nature. Groups are also encouraged to contact us. However, we only host one group at a time. Campers under 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is a public parking lot at the docking area; The host is not responsible for any vehicles or property parked away from the island. Happy Camping!

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

10 guests max

Campfires allowed

Pets allowed

Off leash, on leash

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

Potable water available

Bottled water or jugs

Showers available

Presently the water for the shower is warmed by the sun. In the Fall we will have installed a tankless hot water heater.

Bins available

Recycling bin, trash bin

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit

Picnic table present

No wifi

Laundry absent

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Access: By boat

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 6 months out

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Kayak/Canoerental

$0.00

Kayak or Canoe rental is available for those interested in paddling to the camp site.

Reviews

100% Recommend26 ratings · 24 reviews

Gunn Island offers a truly unique camping experience, with the thrill of canoeing to a private island setting the stage for adventure. Visitors rave about the abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles and otters, and appreciate the solitude and natural beauty. While the proximity to an air force base and some road noise are noted, many find these minor compared to the overall enjoyment. Host La Mar is frequently praised for his hospitality and efforts to ensure a comfortable stay with thoughtful amenities like a shower and tiki torches.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Othneil C.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

EPIC Trip

After our epic canoe rides, we got to the island and enjoyed absolutely bliss. From conversing to fishing, to sitting in complete silence and embracing the nature around us, we had a blast. The fish were bountiful, the land was clean, the view was beautiful and all around ambiance was unforgettable. Be prepared for about a mile long canoe ride. Pack enough food and water to kick it for your whole stay on the island because you won’t want to leave. Gunn Island is one of the top camping experiences available right now. Can’t wait to go back.

Russell L.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Best campsite ever

Tent

Most epic camping trip I have ever done. I was pretty much raised camping as a young infant ,camping in a tent for recreation enjoyment etc with no water or electricity ,I was up for the challenge at Gunn island :) I’m home now but if I was able too I would have spent another day ,I’d be totally okay with spending an entire week! Was worried about canoeing our gear there LA mar our (host with the most)helped us with a large tote at arrival to the island! Being nervous about the canoe ride to the island we didn’t want to over load! My girlfriend and I made it to the island easily some trepidation not knowing exactly where we needed to go, but La Mar gave good directions. That was kind of the fun in it , the mystery ,just making it there .stepping out of comfort level and figuring it out! Real magic was the wildlife/ wilderness/ solitude for me . Saw a bald eagle upon arrival to the landing! And once making it to the island instantly witnessed a bald eagle swoop down a few feet from our campsite and scoop up a striped bass was unreal! There was a beautiful sounding owl that enchanted my girlfriend and I both nights ! Had the delight of seeing a river otter! every cast from the island was a guaranteed 16 inch if not more catfish , was awesome but just wanted a striper on my catch list , I hooked a big boy but snapped my line :( I will definitely be returning and did our souls so good it’s truly a slice of heaven! I’ll be back thanks Lamar andalso to your father will return !

Sharlene H.

7 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent · With pets

It is a lovely space....my only issue was the road noise:/ Otherwise it was perfect for the family vacation with dogs. It was really great that the dogs did not have to be on leash the entire vacation, definitely worth it

Jeff T.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Exceptional campsite.

Tent · Group trip

This campsite checks all of the boxes. It’s easy to get to if you have a watercraft and it’s very well kept + several above and beyond amenities. Fishing and dawn/dusk floats make for an ideal experience. Will be returning.

Owen W.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2024

Tent

Our family weekend was great! We saw a lot of wildlife (fish and birds, even a bald eagle!) and spent a relaxing weekend hanging out on the beautiful island. Paddling in the water around the island was fun and something different from our typical camping trip. Definitely recommend this spot to anyone looking for a unique camping experience.

Ross R.

5 reviews

Recommends

· August 2023

We renamed it Heron Island 😀

Tent

Had a great time on LaMar's Island. Despite being close enough to the air force base to hear Taps at 10, we were lulled asleep and woken again by geese, herons, and many other critters. We amused ourselves paddling on the river, crabbing, fishing, and chasing little blue lizards (5-lined skinks?) around the island. Lamar was quick responding to messages, offered to help transport gear, and offered water if needed. It was an easy paddle (just over a mile) upstream from Lebanon Landing. The water gets very skinny at low tide but is passable.... we were on paddle boards and still managed to get to the steps at dead low tide. It's a great place for a group and a private island for a couple. Definitely recommend.

Location

Kent Acres, Kent, Delaware, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Lenapehoking (Lenni-Lenape) First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking