RVing in “The First State” and Celebrating 75 Years of Delaware State Parks

Delaware State Parks, despite being the smallest state in the U.S., punches far above its weight with one of the most vibrant and well-funded state park systems in the country—celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with new amenities, events, and a relentless focus on year-round accessibility. Host Jeremy and guest Alex Hanna from the Delaware State Park System reveal that all five major campgrounds with RV hookups (Lums Pond, Killens Pond, Trap Pond, Delaware Seashore, and Cape Henlopen) are open year-round, with full hookups and rates as low as $35 in winter. What sets Delaware apart is its 65% self-funding model—unusual for state parks—allowing for continuous investment in new attractions like the 5,000-square-foot Cypress Splash Zone at Trap Pond and 14 new waterfront cottages at Lums Pond. The system also runs a unique trading card program and a mobile Airstream called the Della Wanderer that tours RV shows and festivals, turning park outreach into a cultural experience. For RVers, the real magic lies in Delaware’s compact geography: you can visit all 17 parks in a single weekend, with day trips from any campground offering everything from Civil War reenactments and pirate history to kayaking through bald cypress swamps and beachside concerts. The episode is a passionate case for Delaware not just as a summer destination, but as a year-round, family-friendly, and deeply experiential RV playground.