Cape Henlopen State Park

About

Cape Henlopen State Park sits at the spot where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating one of the Mid-Atlantic's most beautiful coastal settings. Spread across more than 5,000 acres near the charming town of Lewes, this park combines pristine beaches, rolling sand dunes, maritime forests, and a fascinating military history that dates back to World War II.

Visitors come for the beaches, but they stay for everything else. The park's Fort Miles complex tells the story of coastal defense during WWII, with restored gun emplacements, observation towers, and a museum housed in a former battery. It's a surprisingly compelling piece of American history tucked into a beach park.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore. Eight distinct trails wind through varied terrain, from the popular Gordons Pond Trail - a paved path that follows the coastline past tidal marshes teeming with shorebirds - to woodland paths through pine and oak forests. Birding is exceptional here, especially during spring and fall migration. The park also offers camping, fishing from piers and surf, disc golf, and a nature center with educational programs.

The beaches themselves are the main attraction for many. Wide stretches of sand face both the bay and the ocean, giving visitors a choice between calmer bay waters and Atlantic surf. A bathhouse provides changing areas, showers, and concessions during the summer season.

For families, the park works beautifully as either a day trip or a longer camping stay. The campground offers sites with hookups and is well-positioned for exploring both the park and nearby Lewes, which has great restaurants, shops, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. Summer weekends draw crowds, so arriving early is smart - the park does reach capacity on peak days.

Whether you're watching the sunrise over the Atlantic, climbing the observation tower for panoramic views, or simply enjoying a quiet stretch of shoreline, Cape Henlopen delivers a coastal experience that feels both wild and welcoming.

Accessibility

Cape Henlopen State Park has made significant investments in accessibility. The park offers free beach wheelchairs designed to move across sand, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to reach the shoreline. These chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost.

Delaware State Parks provides free Trackchairs (all-terrain powered wheelchairs) at Cape Henlopen, giving visitors with disabilities access to paved and packed dirt trails on their own terms. The Gordons Pond Trail is a paved, accessible route that offers stunning coastal scenery.

The pathway to the Fort Miles Artillery Park has been paved to provide full accessibility to all gun pads and military history exhibits. ADA-compliant pole showers have been installed at the Gordons Pond area. The park features ADA-accessible restrooms and an accessible visitor center.

Accessible campsites are available for reservation. Fishing areas include accessible options. Service animals are welcome throughout the park.

Parking areas near major facilities include designated accessible spaces. The bathhouse and concession areas are designed to accommodate wheelchair users.

Contact Cape Henlopen State Park directly at (302) 645-8983 for current details on Trackchair reservations, beach wheelchair availability, and specific trail conditions. Accessibility improvements are ongoing, so checking ahead of your visit ensures you'll have the most up-to-date information about available accommodations.

More accessible places in Delaware

• Cape May–Lewes Ferry (Lewes)
• Delaware Art Museum (Wilmington)
• Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (Dover)
• Delaware Museum of Nature and Science (Wilmington)
• Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Winterthur)