For $6 a month, a Delaware State Park pass offers entry to 17 parks, 34 nature preserves, thousands of events and programs, and endless memories and adventures.
From Early Settlers to Early Education
Land preservation has deep historical roots in Delaware. Long before the founding fathers took quill to the Constitution, William Penn set aside land in 1682, which became Cape Henlopen State Park.
By the time the park system was established in 1951, Brandywine Park, Trap Pond, and Fort Delaware State Park had been founded. Trap Pond State Park was the first state park to welcome visitors.
New Castle County is now home to 10 parks: Alapocas, Auburn Valley, Bellevue, Brandywine Creek, Brandywine Zoo, Fox Point, Fort Delaware, Lums Pond, White Clay Creek, and Wilmington State Parks.
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A Park for Every Person
If you spent the rest of 2026 exploring a new trail, program, or state park offering, you’d barely scratch the surface of Delaware’s 27,000 acres of state park land. From birding to bonfires, panning for gems to painting, history to hiking, and cabins to climbing, Delaware State Parks offer year-round family fun.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for family-friendly fun, there is a program for you. To ensure everyone has access to our state parks, many parks have ADA-compliant trails, free accessibility equipment, and upgraded park facilities.
2026 Pricing: |
Effective March 1 - November 30 |
Residency | Daily Entrance Fee | Annual Pass |
| Delaware | $5 for inland parks, $10 for beach parks | $50 |
Out of State Vehicles | $10 for inland parks, $20 for beach parks | $100 |
An annual pass can pay for itself in 5 visits or less. Park users generate 65% of the revenue utilized to operate and maintain state park land.
While Delaware’s State Parks look different than 75 years ago, their mission has remained the same: to provide safe, enjoyable recreation, responsibly care for our natural and cultural resources, and connect people with nature and generations to come. Entertaining and educating the whole family is a walk in the park with a state park pass.
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