Chickery's Travels

Chickery's Travels logo. A blue-green Earth globe with continents surrounded by dots with an arrow denoting movement or travel and "Chickery's Travels" as part of the dotted circle. Next to this is a photo of their blue and white Arctic Fox 5th Wheel with the awning out.

by

Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)

Nestled at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay, Cape Henlopen State Park is a gem waiting to be discovered. This beautiful park has become a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a unique combination of picturesque scenery, noteworthy history, and diverse recreational opportunities. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top reasons why Cape Henlopen should be your next camping destination.

Prime Location: Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay

Cape Henlopen’s prime location provides campers with an unparalleled opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Delaware Bay to the west, you’re never more than a 10-minute walk or bike ride away from the soothing sounds of the water and the salty breeze. Imagine watching the sunrise over the ocean—a truly unforgettable experience! In our opinion, it really is one of the best State Parks in the US!

Exceptional Campsites and Cabins

Cape Henlopen State Park offers 100 well-maintained campsites suitable for both tents and RVs. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and access to nearby restroom facilities. There are even a handful of campsites with water and electric hookups for added convenience.

Each campsite has water and electric hookups, new fire rings, and picnic tables. The majority of sites are back in, but there are 10 pull-throughs. The photo above shows our RV in site A27, which at 40’ was long enough for our 29 1/2’ Fifth Wheel and truck. If you have a longer RV, they do have a separate overflow parking area. 

The campground also has a couple of dedicated tent site areas with large campsites.

If you’re looking for a bit more comfort during your stay, the park also features twelve cabins available for rent. Each cabin comfortably sleeps six people and comes fully furnished, with climate control and a screened porch. This option is perfect for those who want to enjoy the serenity of the park, but don’t have an RV.

Learn how to pay off debt, earn an income, and save money all while traveling full-time.

Amenities at Cape Henlopen State Park

Although the campsites don’t have sewer hook-ups, the campground has three dump stations conveniently spaced at the exit of the campground. The roads are paved so it would also be an easy drive to pull an external waste tank if you needed to dump without unhooking the RV. 

The campground also has a camp store with snacks and souvenirs, three bathhouses, and a laundry room.

Engaging Activities and Attractions

Cape Henlopen State Park boasts an impressive array of recreational activities that cater to a wide range of interests, making it the perfect destination for families and groups of friends with varied taste. We never left this state park during our stay because there was so much to see and do. It covers 7,000 acres with the Delaware Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. 

My favorite part of Cape Henlopen State Park was being so close to the ocean and the fabulous beaches. The closest beach to the campground is on the Atlantic Ocean and was about a 15 minute walk. There is parking if you want to drive. If you want to get a permit for surf fishing there are even places you can drive out on the sand. There is another beach with a large concession area and a boardwalk.

Here are just a few highlights:

  • Historical Tours: Cape Henlopen’s history dates back to World War II, when it played an essential role as a U.S. military base. Today, park visitors can take a guided tour to explore the remnants of the Fort Miles Historic Area, including massive artillery pieces and observation towers that once guarded the Atlantic coastline.
  • Beaches: The park’s sandy beaches stretch along the coastline, providing an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, fishing in the ocean, or simply relaxing with a good book. It is only a 15-minute to the closest beach, which is also very quiet. The main beach area is just a short bike ride (or car) and has a large concession area and a boardwalk.
  • Fishing Pier: Anglers will love casting their lines from the park’s fishing pier, which grants access to the bay. The pier is open year-round and offers facilities for cleaning your catch of the day. Fun fact, the pier was originally built to support mine operations during World War II.
  • Nature Center: Cape Henlopen’s Nature Center provides a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn about the native wildlife and ecosystems. The center boasts live animal exhibits, interactive displays, and regular educational programs perfect for all ages.
  • Bike Paths: The park features an expansive network of scenic trails, many of which are perfect for biking. In fact, there are over 17 miles of multi-use trails and one that goes by the Lewes Ferry and into Rehobeth Beach. Grab a loaner from the nature center or bring your own bike for an enjoyable day exploring the picturesque landscape.
Another fabulous thing about Cape Henlopen State Park was the bike trails that run right alongside the campground and branch out around the entire park. In fact, there are over 17 miles of multi-use trails and one that goes by the Lewes Ferry and into Rehobeth Beach.

Book Your Stay at Cape Henlopen State Park

With its prime location, comfortable lodging options, and diverse recreational opportunities, Cape Henlopen State Park truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, now is the perfect time to plan your trip and discover this Delaware treasure.

The Delaware state park system uses Reserve America to book campsites. We really like this system because it allows you to search site availability by date as well as location in the campground. I also appreciate how when you click on a site, it shows the length and width of it as well. This makes it much easier to select one that suits your needs and preferences. 

We personally can’t wait to return!

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share this article on social media.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Deleware is perfect for your family's next camping adventure! Surrounded by water and natural beauty, there are so many activities from beaches and fishing to a nature center and historic WWII museum.

by

Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)

Nestled in the woods, the Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA feels like a state park campground, but has the amenities of a KOA. Stay and relax for a quiet weekend or use it as a base when visiting Shenandoah National Park and the historic Skyline Drive. Either way, you’re bound to leave a happy camper!

Campsites

The most important thing to know about any campground is what the campsites are like. The great thing about KOA campgrounds is that they always have a variety of site types, and this one is no exception. From partial hook up back-in campsites with 30amp power and water to full hook up back-in and pull-thru sites, there is something for every preference and budget.

The Harrisonburg Shenandoah Valley KOA has a variety of campsites to suit any preference or budget.

Every campsite has a picnic table and fire pit. Most, but not all, sites have cable as well. Our friends stayed in the KOA Patio ™ sites which include your own private deck area, with a gas grill, outdoor dining table and chairs, fire pit, and glider swing.

If you don’t have an RV or have extra company, they also have tent sites with power and water, rustic cabins, and deluxe cabins.

Campground Amenities

Another great feature of KOA Holiday campgrounds are the amenities to provide everything you need to just stay and enjoy yourself right there. The Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA had a nature trail, catch & release fishing pond, playground, small frisbee golf course, ping pong, corn hole, and a swimming pool for hours of family fun. It also had the standard amenities like a bath house, laundry facility and fenced dog park.

Local Area

Being located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley has its perks. This campground is just miles away from Shenandoah National Park, home to the historic Skyline Drive, a must see when visiting the area. They are also near the Massanutten Ski and Waterpark Resort, antique stores, wineries, breweries, Harrisonburg’s historic downtown, caverns, and fabulous hiking trails.

Book Your Stay

Whether you are looking for a quick get away or family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing KOA campground! Click here to make reservations and don’t forget to sign up for the rewards program to get 10% off every KOA stay. We love the rewards program because you also earn points to use towards discounts on future stays. We were able to get $50 off our weekend here using accumulated rewards points.

Interested in learning more about what KOAs have to offer? Click here to listen to Sean & Kenny’s interview with the President and CEO of the company.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share the image below on Pinterest.

Nestled in the woods, the Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA feels like a state park campground, but has the amenities of a KOA. Stay and relax for a quiet weekend or use it as a base when visiting Shenandoah National Park and the historic Skyline Drive. Either way, you're bound to leave a happy camper!

by

Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)

We visited the Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views Campground when it was the Luray KOA. Nestled between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities.

Watch the short video review below or continue reading for more details.

Sites

We love KOAs because they offer so many different types of sites to suit any budget or preference, and this one was no exception. In fact, the Luray KOA had some of the most unique site offerings that we’ve seen.  

  • Deluxe Patio Sites – These are full hook-up pull-through sites with a dining table, extra seating area with lounge chairs, umbrella, and fire ring. We stayed in these sites as you can see from the image above. We loved how the fire pit area had its own little patio too.
  • Standard Pull-Thru Sites – There were standard full hook-up pull-thru sites that come with a smaller concrete patio, picnic table, and fire ring.
  • Back-In Pergola Sites – These sites were so cool, we want to stay in one next time. They have a picnic table under the pergola, which is situated at the rear of your RV. Then just below the pergola, there is an extra seating area with lounge chairs, a fire ring, and mountain views. 
The Luray KOA has the most unique campsites including these pergola mountain view campsites. The pergola has a picnic table and extra seating, then below it, you have a fire ring and more seating to enjoy the mountain views.
  • Other Back-In Sites – As usual, there are a variety of back-in sites based on RV length to accommodate small campers and big rigs. The extra long back-in sites were probably the longest I’ve seen! Another bonus of the back-ins is that they are all situated around the edges of the campground so you have greenery and views behind you — not other RVs.
The extra long back-in sites at the Luray KOA can fit the largest RVs. They also back up to greenery and views of Shenandoah National Park.
  • No RV? No problem! They have tent sites, cabins, and yurts to enjoy.

Amenities 

This campground has all the amenities you’d expect, but we thought they were nicer than most. For example, they had two swimming pools, a playground with a large open field for the kids to run around in, and the largest dog park we’ve ever seen.

Campground map of Shenandoah Views Campground in Luray, VA

Another great amenity was a camp kitchen with sinks and a long counter behind the bathhouse. This is a terrific place for those staying in the tent sites to do their dishes.

Local Area 

Luray Caverns boasts the largest caverns in the Eastern United States. They have well-lighted, paved walkways that lead visitors through cathedral-sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders at every turn. With so many fabulous formations, I can’t name them all, but here’s one of my favorites: Dominating Giant’s Hall at 47 feet in height, this column is the tallest and one of the most spectacular formations in the caverns. The Double Column is a classic example of the two basic cave formations the stalactite and stalagmite coming together as one massive wonder of nature.

Luray Caverns is the largest caverns in the eastern United States.

Hawksbill Greenway consists of two miles of trails along a quiet creek. It’s a great place just off downtown Luray to ride your bike or go for a stroll. Downtown Luray has several shops, restaurants, and a great little ice cream place. If you’re looking for an inexpensive afternoon, do some window shopping, ride your bikes on the Greenway, and treat yourself to an ice cream cone.

Shenandoah National Park spans nearly 200,000 acres of protected land and provides a diverse array of activities and amenities for tourists. The park’s Thorton Gap Entrance Station is located a short 9.5 miles from the Shenandoah Views Campground making it a “must-see” destination. Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful views along the scenic Skyline Drive, explore the park’s history at the Big Meadows Visitor Center, or take a hike on one of 514 miles of trails (with plenty of options for all fitness levels), there is something for everyone.

View from Blackrock Summit in Shenandoah National Park

Book Your Stay Now

Whether you are looking for a quick getaway or a family vacation, you can’t go wrong with this amazing campground! Click here to make reservations for a wonderful stay in the Shenandoah Valley.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share the image below on Pinterest.

We visited the Luray KOA this spring and loved it! Nestled between Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest, it has fabulous views all around the campground, not to mention all the recreational opportunities. It's a family friendly campground for all ages.

Signup to receive weekly updates and exclusive free content only available to subscribers!

Privacy Policy

Travel Schedule

Recently
Zion National Park, Utah

Currently
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Next Stops
Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park

 

Notice

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.