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Cape Henlopen State Park combines dog-friendly beaches, scenic biking trails, wildlife viewing, and fascinating World War II history into one of Delaware’s most unique coastal destinations.
If you’re planning a trip with your dog or looking for an easy outdoor stop near Lewes, Dewey, or Rehoboth Beach, here’s what we experienced during our visit.
Some quick notes for visting Cape Henlopen State Park:
- Location: Lewes, Delaware
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, but with some seasonal restrictions
- Best For: Biking, hiking, beaches, history, birding
- Time Needed: Half to full day
- Entry Fee: $10 for in-state and $20 for out-of-state plated vehicles
- Restrooms: Yes
- Campgrounds: Yes- RV and tenting spots plus cabins
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for fewer crowds and cooler weather
- Pack in / pack out! When we visited, you had to pack out all trash.
Cape Henlopen State Park's History and Location
We visited Cape Henlopen State Park during a trip to Dewey Beach. It was an amazing way to spend a day!
Just a short 15 – 20 minute drive from Rehoboth and Dewey Beaches, Cape Henlopen State Park covers 5,000 acres near downtown Lewes.
In the 1600s, William Penn set aside the area for the use of local residents. It was one of the earliest examples of public land in what would become the United States.
Cape Henlopen’s location at the mouth of Delaware Bay has made it strategically important for centuries! The area played a vital role in maritime navigation, guiding ships to and from major ports like Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the original Cape Henlopen Lighthouse was lost to erosion in the 1920s.
The area also played an important role during World War II as the home of Fort Miles. Built to defend the Delaware Bay and the industrial cities beyond, Fort Miles featured massive gun batteries, observation towers, and military bunkers.
Today, you can explore restored historic structures, climb an observation tower, and learn how soldiers monitored the coastline for potential threats during the war…
And even how they had a German submarine surrender there!
After its stint as a military recreation area after the war, it became a state park in 1964.
But there are lots of remnants to explore from all of the eras- including World War II bunkers!
Cape Henlopen State Park Accommodations - Including Dog-Friendly Options!
Cape Henlopen State Park Campground has many options for reservations:
- 120 dog-friendly RV spots with water or water plus electric
- 43 dog-friendly tent sites
- 12 modern cabins (no dogs allowed)
- 3 primitive group campsites
None of the RV sites are particulary secluded, but they do all have trees and grass around them. They also each have a fire ring and picnic table.
Cabins have two bedrooms with air conditioning- a welcome amenity in the hot summer months after a day hiking or on the beach!
The campground also has a camp store, laundry facilities, and playground.
Hiking and Biking Trails at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park has 10 trails for different activities. Only the 1.5 mile Pinelands Nature Trail is NOT dog-friendly.
Most trails are bike-friendly with the exception of the Pinelands Nature Trail and .7 mile Seaside Nature Trail.
And make sure to bring your bike! The Bike Loop and Gordons Pond Trail are two “can’t miss” rides in the park.
Even Hazel enjoyed her time on wheels!
Hazel also enjoyed her stroll on Walking Dunes Trail- but make sure you take bug spray! Those black flies mean business!
Fortunately, whether you are on a bike ride or sandy walk, there are rest rooms and dog-friendly water stations throughout the park.
We also bring our own dog water bottle just in case!
Gordons Pond Trail
While Gordons Pond Trail can be walked, it is a lot of fun on a bike!
This 3.2 mile trail is an out-and-back, so anticipate an approximate 6.4 mile walk or ride in total. From inside the park the trail starts with a long boardwalk, giving you an opportunity to bird watch, search for turtles, and watch other wildlife around the pond.
During our ride, we spotted turtles sunning themselves on logs and several wading herons and egrets in the pond.
Bike Loop
The Bike Loop is 3.3 miles long.
Some interesting points that might make you pump the brakes along the Bike Loop include:
- American Discovery Trail
- Fort Miles historic area
- Campground and cabins
- Lookout tower
- Fishing pier with bait and tackle shop
- Hawk Watch platform
One of our favorite stops was exploring the Fort Miles area. Seeing the bunkers, equipment, and observation tower makes it easy to imagine how soldiers monitored the coastline during World War II.
There are 11 lookout towers all along the Delaware coast from World War II, and the Lookout Tower is worth a stop!
You can trek the stairs to the top and look out over the park.
Around the bay side of the Bike Loop, you can stop and walk out the Fishing Pier or visit the Bait and Tackle Shop.
If you don’t want to bike or hike your way here, there is a dedicated parking lot for this area.
If you are into bird-watching, clearly Cape Henlopen is your place- and that includes a stop at the Hawk Watch!
Get a great vantage point up on the lookout platform and compare your observations to the bird list display.
Beaches at Cape Henlopen State Park
While we stayed in nearby Dewey Beach and didn’t visit Cape Henlopen specifically for a beach day, we still spent some time exploring the shoreline during our visit.
Cape Henlopen is unique because it offers more than just beaches! You can easily combine time on the sand with biking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the historic Fort Miles area.
The park has several beach access areas, including designated swimming beaches, fishing areas, and an entirely separate beach for dogs. During our late spring visit, the beaches were clean and surprisingly uncrowded compared to the nearby resort towns.
Even if you’re not planning a full beach day, stop by for a quick looksee! Stretch your legs, enjoy views of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic, and watch ships move through one of the busiest waterways on the East Coast.
Extras to Enjoy at Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park has a lot of extras to enjoy!
Stop off at the Seaside Nature Center to experience a touch tank, learn about local history, and see live fish native to the area.
You can also pick up a trinket in the gift shop.
This wild pic is from the underside of a horseshoe crab from the touch tank.
Who would have guessed they looked like prehistoric spiders under there?!
Just to the right of the Seaside Nature Center is the Bike Barn.
Did you know you can use a bike for FREE through the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park “Borrow-A-Bike” Program? Click here for specific details and hours.
Some other extras you can take advantage of at Cape Henlopen include:
- Disc golf
- Beaches- both designated for people and one specifically for dogs
- Playground
- Activities and educational programs
- Biden Environmental Center
Cape Henlopen Nature and Wildlife
In addition to the wildlife finds in the Seaside Nature Center, you can spy everything from turtles and lizards to horseshoe crabs and snakes at Cape Henlopen.
On both our visits to the park, we saw a version of this guy:
We also saw a turkey and squirrel trolling the entrance to the trail near the Nature Center.
Visting Cape Henlopen State Park with Dogs
From dog-friendly camping options to the dedicated dog beach, Cape Henlopen has an entire day of activities ready for your furry friend to enjoy:
- Partially shaded walks along Walking Dunes Trail (plus additional trails)
- RV or tenting overnights in the campground
- Romps at the expansive dog beach
- Drinks at the dog bowl fountains
And just when you thought it couldn’t get much better for your dog day out…
PIT STOP! Dog-Friendly Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
For a dog-friendly brewery adventure, take a short drive to Milton’s own Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
If you are interested in a brewery tour, there are 30, 60, and 90-minute options, as well as a distillery tour.
Although dogs are not welcome on the tours, they are welcome on the patio and in the tasting room.
We brought a comfy towel for Hazel and she made herself right at home!
The tasting room offers tons of original beers on tap. You can also order food from the window on the patio and bring it inside if you’d like.
We chose the beer flight (my favorite was Festina Peche) and shared a charcuterie tray with a sandwich. And of course we paid the cheese tax to Hazel!
We finished up with a pose near their old-school delivery trucks.
Things To Know Before You Go and What to Bring to Cape Henlopen
- Bring your bug spray!
- Plan to pack out all trash.
- Summer weekends are crowded!
- Carry extra water for dogs.
- Pack extra towels.
- Bring binoculars for birding.
- Apply sunscreen before heading out. Many trails, including Gordons Pond Trail, offer little shade.
Who Will Love Cape Henlopen State Park? The Wrap Up!
Cape Henlopen State Park combines beaches, biking, wildlife, camping, and World War II history into one of Delaware’s most diverse outdoor destinations. Its location near Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Bethany Beach makes it an easy addition to any Delaware coastal getaway.
This park is especially great for:
- cyclists who enjoy mostly flat, scenic trails with few incline challenges
- people looking for an interesting place to explore with their dogs
- hikers looking for easy trails with coastal scenery
- beach-goers looking to drive in and make a day of exploring historic areas and playing in the waves
- anglers looking for a full-park experience
It may be less ideal if you are looking for challenging hiking trails, prefer mountain biking, or didn’t bring your bug spray!
