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Camping and Hiking in Delaware
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Bellevue State Park
Bellevue Hall mansion commands a grand view of this historic
estate, and its present form reflects alterations made by
William H. du Pont, Jr. Mr. du Pont surrounded his home with the
finest facilities: tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens,
and a picturesque pond, amid woodlands and fields overlooking
the Delaware River. Originally acquired by the State of Delaware
in 1976, the park now covers 328 acres. The Delaware Division of
Parks acres. The Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation has
retained the historic charm of Bellevue while providing many
opportunities for recreation. Walking and jogging are popular
activities at any time of the year. A 1-1/8 mile fitness track
circles a catch and release fishing pond stocked with bass,
catfish, and sunfish, while the nearby exercise trail offers a
refreshing workout. Hiking trails allow you to explore other
parts of the estate. If you prefer cycling, paved paths lead you
on a leisurely tour. For information call: (302)577-3390
Delaware Seashore State Park
Water, water everywhere describes Delaware Seashore State Park.
Bounded on the east by the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and on the
west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, the 2018-acre park is
a beach-goer's delight. Throughout history, the forces of wind
and water have kept this barrier island largely inaccessible,
due to the frequent natural changes of the inlet channel between
the bays and the sea. Transportation along this narrow stretch
of land 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 operating
Delaware Seashore State Park in 1965. Today, the park is a major
attraction for millions of visitors who enjoy the large variety
of water-related activities available along Delaware's coast.
The campground at Delaware Seashore State Park is a vacation
destination for thousands of visitors each year. Open mid-march
to mid-November, the campground can accommodate a variety of
camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles.
Three-point hookups for electricity, water, and sewer service
are available on some sites. Showers, laundry, and snack vending
machines add to the conveniences of outdoor living at the Indian
River Inlet. Campsites are available on a first-come,
first-served basis. Limited sites are available for fully self
contained camping units year round. For information call:
(302)227-2800
Holts Landing State Park
Holts Landing is an undiscovered facet of the Diamond State's
park system. The 203-acres area contains a variety of beautiful
landscapes, from bay shore beach to grassy fields and hardwood
forests. Historically, the shores of the inland bays were home
to native Americans, who harvested seafood and hunted in the
surrounding marshes and forests. After the European settlers
arrived, agriculture developed slowly around the "little bays."
The property that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long
recorded history as a small family farm. The Holt family
maintained as a farm with a bayshore boat landing on this site
until 1957, when the property was sold to the state highway
department. Then, in 1965, the first parcel of land was
transferred to the State Park Commission, forming Holts Landing
State Park. For information call: (302)539-9060
Killens Pond State Park
Natural and recreational opportunities abound at Killens Pond
State Park, centrally located in the heart of Kent County. The
park's centerpiece is the 66-acre millpond which features
boating and fishing. The all new Killens Pond Water Park offers
resort entertainment in a serene, natural setting. Only about an
1� hour drive from either the northern or southern boundary,
Killens Pond makes a perfect home base for exploring the First
State. Open year-round, the park's campground and cozy cabins
are popular retreats no matter what the season. The millpond was
established in the late 1700's. Prior to the pond's creation,
the Murderkill River and surrounding hardwood forest were sites
of several Native American homes and hunting camps. According to
legend, the river's unusual name refers to a local tribe's
massacre of a Dutch trading party at the mouth of the river in
1648. Now a peaceful oasis, Killens Pond became a state park in
1965. The wooded campground is another popular attraction at
Killens Pond. This year-round facility boasts 59 sites which
feature electric and water hookups, accommodating both tents and
recreational vehicles. In addition, there is a primitive camping
loop for tents only which features 17 beautiful, secluded sites.
Camping cabins offer yet another year-round retreat for park
visitors. The cabins sleep four and feature an efficiency
kitchen with an eating area, bedroom, bath with shower, A/C, and
heat. A picnic table, grill, and porch are located outside.
Subject to availability, cabin rentals include the use of a
canoe and rowboats. For information call:(302)284-4526
Trap Pond State Park
Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern
Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the
swamp's original beauty and mystery, and features the
northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United
States. The pond was created in the late 1700's to power a
sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area.
The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding
farmland during the 1930's and the Civilian Conservation Corps
began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one
of Delaware's first state parks in 1951. Visitors have many
opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland
forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities
to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants.
Birdwatching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may
spot a great blue heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, bald eagle
or the elusive pileated woodpecker. Visitors who wish to stay
overnight at the park may camp at one of the 143 campsites on
the pond's northern shore. 131 of the sites are equipped with
water and electric hookups. Tents and recreational vehicles can
both be accommodated beneath the tall loblolly pines. Two
primitive camping areas are also available for youth groups by
reservation only. For information call: (302)875-5153
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