Renting an RV in Delaware

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the US, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in scenery and gorgeous countryside. This makes Delaware perfect for RVing. Even more, because of its relatively small stature, it’s easy to rent an RV and visit a good number of Delaware’s natural attractions in a short amount of time.

With a long history and important role in the American Revolution, you’ll find lots of historical sites to visit in your rental RV, plus 28 miles of coastline right along the Atlantic for a gorgeous drive. And at only 96 miles long you can get ready to see the state from tip to tip, and maybe take in a few other states on your trip in your rental RV as well.

Why Renting an RV in Delaware Is the Way to Go

Want to get started RVing without the loads and loads of research that it takes to buy one? Then renting an RV in Delaware is a great way to go. You can spend your precious vacation days out on Interstate 95 with your family instead of on a lot.

Rent an RV

Of course, if you do want to buy an RV, we can help you out with that. But by renting an RV in Delaware, you can get a good idea for which kind you like, which one best fits your family, and get more comfortable driving or towing one.

An RV rental makes sense for a lot of reasons and renting one lets you spend a vacation getting used to one before committing to own.

10 Big Places to See in Delaware in Your Rental RV

Despite being the second-smallest state, Delaware has lots of big attractions. From gorgeous beaches to beautiful, scenic parks, there’s a lot to love in the First State. We’ve pulled together ten spots that vacationers love to see when they go RVing in Delaware.

1. Bellevue State Park

This year-round park sits on 328 acres and is named for the historic mansion Bellevue Hall. The mansion itself is full of awe-inspiring splendor and also overlooks the Delaware River. The rest of the property offers tons of recreational opportunities: tennis courts, a catch-and-release fishing pond, a running, and walking track, equestrian stables, and gardens. It’s a perfect way to get outside and enjoy the weather while getting some exercise.

There’s no camping inside Bellevue State Park, RV, or otherwise. But it’s open from 8 a.m. until sunset, so it makes for a wonderful day trip if you’re camping somewhere else nearby or on your way between camping locations.

Learn more about Bellevue State Park

2. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean, the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is located on over 10,000 acres of land. It’s a prime spot to visit in your RV. Families, couples, and even solo travelers can find something beautiful about the outdoors here.

As a prime spot for migratory fowl, birdwatchers love to spot a wide variety of protected birds. The birds, with the beautiful scenery, also make it a haven for photographers both professional and amateur. Otherwise, hiking trails and hunting (in-season, of course) are both good reasons to visit Prime Hook as well.

Learn more about Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

3. Bethany Beach


Bethany Beach is a small town on the coast of Delaware, but a popular location for vacationers. It’s an idyllic little getaway known for being family-friendly and full of adventures for small groups. Plus, the beautiful beaches make it an easy place to stop and enjoy for a while.

Long walks down the boardwalk with stores and food stands are a great way to while away an afternoon. Otherwise, a day out on the beach while soaking up the sun and playing in the ocean is a great way to wear out the kids (or yourselves) before you retire to your rental RV. Tired of cooking? No problem there: Bethany Beach has several gourmet restaurants as well.

Learn more about Bethany Beach

4. Alapocas Run State Park

Particularly fun in the fall thanks to a myriad of changing leaves, Alapocas Run State Park is a 415-acre spot with breathtaking scenery. Located in the northern tip of Delaware, you’ll find hiking trails, a playground, athletic fields, and—most interestingly—a rock climbing wall built from an old quarry.

There’s a ton to keep anyone interested within this park, including the Blue Ball Barn: a former dairy that’s now the permanent home to a folk art exhibition. The Brandywine River and Alapocas Woods make hiking and walking very scenic. And in the unlikely event, you get bored here, some trails connect to other nearby parks as well.

Learn more about Alapocas Run State Park

5. Auburn Valley State Park

Another park in Delaware centered around a historic mansion, Auburn Valley State Park is 360 acres of preserved land around Israel Marshall’s old home. The property includes their mansion, mills, a creek, and additional land purchased by the state. These features landed it on the National Register of Historic Places, so it’s a wonderful place to stop by on your RV trip.

More than just the opulence of the mansion, the park also includes a large museum of operational steam cars and a miniature coal-fired train that runs across the property. There are also several miles of running, biking, and walking trails across the property with beautiful views.

Learn more about Auburn Valley State Park

 

6. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge sits along the Atlantic Flyway and plays host to thousands of migratory waterfowl every year. It’s a great spot for birdwatchers, but even if you’re not into that, you’ll still get a kick out of the various wildlife and gorgeous scenery along the drive. The 16,000-acre refuge features a 12-mile driveable self-tour that provides you with the opportunity to see birds, mammals, reptiles, and more in untouched habitat.

Songbirds and shorebirds stop by in Spring. Heron and egrets are here in summer. Raptors and waterfowl come through the rest of the year. Photography is encouraged, as is a slow drive, hike, or bike ride through the area. Deer and waterfowl hunting are also allowed inside the park during their respective seasons. The area is also home to a large salt marsh, a portion of which is available for viewing.

Learn more about Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

7. Brandywine Creek State Park

Brandywine Creek State Park is open year-round and is a must for a stop on your RV trip. This area contains the first two nature preserves established in the state of Delaware: Tulip Tree Woods and Freshwater Marsh. It also has 14 miles of running and biking trails, a great way to get out of the RV and get some activity.

Want something more sporting? The namesake Brandywine Creek is well-known for largemouth bass, while Wilson’s Run (a nearby creek) has trout. Otherwise, the onsite Nature Center offers history and educational background on the park’s land.

Learn more about Brandywine Creek State Park

8. Cape Henlopen State Park

Cape Henlopen has a rich history in the American Revolutionary War, as well as several other military pursuits in U.S. history. Today’s it’s a very popular recreation spot between locals and vacationers alike. Two beaches are open for swimming, while surf and pier fishing are also both popular.

Cape Henlopen also offers camping, including spots for RVs. This makes it an obvious choice for your RV trip through Delaware. Generators are prohibited, but many spots do include electrical hookups. Reservations to camp inside the park are required, though, so be sure to call ahead and book your spot.

Learn more about Cape Henlopen State Park

9. Delaware Seashore State Park

Delaware Seashore State Park offers every kind of water fun imaginable. On the east side, there’s the Atlantic coast and dunes. People love to play in the ocean, sunbathe, fish, and enjoy the beach. On the west side, there’s Rehoboth and Indian River Bays, great for boating and watersports. And they’re divided by the scenic coastal highway.

There’s plenty of great surf fishing, windsurfing, and sailing available on the bays. Ever been crabbing or clamming? Both are options in the park, plus one of the few surfing areas in the state. Not only will you enjoy getting to the park in your rental RV, but you’ll also certainly love camping there at one of the many full RV hookup sites.

Learn more about Delaware Seashore State Park

10. Fenwick Island State Park

Down in the southern point of Delaware, you’ll find Fenwick Island State Park. Fenwick Island is technically a barrier island that sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay. It’s another designated surfing spot in the state, and also offers general beach recreation and surf fishing. On the bayside, you can clam, crab, kayak, windsurf, and sail.

Fenwick Island doesn’t offer camping in the state park, but there are several RV parks nearby. If that’s not what you’re looking for, plan to camp in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park and come over for a day trip, or between two locations.

Learn more about Fenwick Island State Park

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Delaware

Every campground offers something a little different. And Delaware, despite its small size, still offers plenty of camping spots near a lot of local attractions. You can find an in-depth list from Good Sam with a bunch of camping spots across the state.

There are more RV parks and campgrounds across Delaware, of course. Many are close to the state’s many beach resorts, like Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island for example. Others are near the state’s 17 state parks and four recognized national park locations. And with several options between semi-primitive camping (as close as you can get in your rental RV, of course) to resort-style camping, you’re bound to find the ones that best suit your travels. Good Sam has a list of campgrounds in the area you can take advantage of while there.

Things to Note About Camping in Delaware

Delaware is small, so it’s fairly easy to track weather patterns that come across the state. It’s a moderate climate, but summers tend to be hot and humid while winters can be cold and windy. With its proximity to the coast, Delaware can also be regularly cloudy and breezy. If you’re looking to enjoy the beaches, late summer is a great time for a trip in your rental RV.

Campsites in Delaware tend to fill up quickly. Many require reservations ahead of time. Thankfully, the state is small enough, it’s easy to find a home base at a park or resort with RV spots and make day trips to other nearby parks and attractions. Put together a plan when you’re traveling through Delaware in your RV so you can plan to hit the spots near your camping spots.

 

If you’re new to RVing, you’ll quickly learn that driving and parking an RV (whether a towable or coach) takes finesse and practice. When making reservations, plan for a larger space than what you think you might need. You (and your other travelers) will thank you.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Delaware

Dry camping or boondocking is camping in an RV without water, sewer, or electrical hookups. It offers a little more challenge and makes camping in an RV a little less like “glamping.” For the right trip, it’s a lot of fun.

Boondocking in Delaware can mean finding public land to roll up on and just settle into. Of course, it can also mean finding a parking lot and posting up. Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, including national forests, are open for camping unless signage suggests otherwise.