Trap Pond

Hello, Delaware outdoor enthusiasts! Are you searching for a unique and memorable camping experience that combines stunning natural beauty with a wealth of recreational opportunities, all conveniently located right here in our home state? Look no further than Trap Pond State Park Campground. Nestled in southern Delaware, this incredible park is renowned for being home to the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees in the United States, creating a truly enchanting and distinct landscape for your next outdoor adventure.

Trap Pond State Park Campground offers a diverse range of camping options to suit every preference, from spacious RV sites with electric hookups to secluded tent-only areas, cozy cabins, and even unique yurts. Visitors consistently praise the campground for its well-maintained facilities, clean restrooms with hot showers, and generous, shaded campsites. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, whether you're paddling through a majestic cypress swamp, hiking scenic trails, or simply relaxing by a campfire under a canopy of trees. Trap Pond isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience that invites you to explore, unwind, and create lasting memories right here in Delaware.

Trap Pond State Park Campground is ideally located at 15702 Rd 450, Laurel, DE 19956, USA. This address places it squarely in southern Delaware, making it an accessible and convenient destination for residents from across the state, especially those in Sussex County and easily reached from Kent County and New Castle County. The campground is notably just 4.5 miles off U.S. Route 13, a major north-south artery, ensuring a straightforward and easy drive for campers.

Despite its feeling of peaceful seclusion amidst nature, Trap Pond’s location offers good proximity to local amenities. The town of Laurel is a short drive away, providing access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services should you need to replenish supplies or enjoy a meal out. The park's setting in western Sussex County means you're immersed in the tranquil rural landscape, yet still within reasonable driving distance of Delaware's famous beaches (like Rehoboth and Bethany Beach) for a potential day trip, offering the best of both worlds. For Delawareans, this means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying the unique natural environment and recreational opportunities that Trap Pond provides.

Trap Pond State Park Campground is committed to providing a well-equipped and comfortable camping experience for its visitors. The range of services and facilities available are designed to meet the needs of various types of campers:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 129 sites with water and electricity hookups (suitable for RVs and trailers up to 50 feet), eight designated tent-only sites, one unique island site, two yurts, and eight climate-controlled cabins.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill attachment, perfect for outdoor cooking and campfires. Many sites also include a post with a hook for trash or lanterns.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Well-maintained bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are conveniently located in various loops (Loops A and C, plus additional ones near tent camping), consistently praised by visitors for their cleanliness.
• Potable Water Access: Water spigots are readily available throughout the campground loops for drinking and cooking purposes.
• Dump Stations: Two clean and spacious dump stations are provided for RVs and trailers, ensuring easy waste disposal upon departure.
• Firewood Sales: A well-stocked and easily accessible self-serve firewood shed is available on-site, ensuring campers can easily purchase approved firewood. (Note: Outside firewood is not permitted in Delaware State Parks to prevent invasive insects).
• Laundry Facilities: Laundry facilities are available within the campground, a convenient amenity for longer stays.
• On-Site Nature Center: The Baldcypress Nature Center offers exhibits (including a 500-gallon aquarium and a virtual pontoon tour), educational programs, and a gift shop.
• Boat Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats are available for rent seasonally, providing direct access to water activities on the pond.
• Free Bicycle Rentals: During summer months, the park offers free bicycle rentals for exploring the trails.
• Recycling Facilities: Designated recycling bins are available to encourage environmental responsibility among campers.

Trap Pond State Park Campground is celebrated for its distinctive natural features and the wide array of recreational activities it offers, making it a true highlight for outdoor enthusiasts in Delaware:

• Baldcypress Swamp: Home to the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees, offering a unique and stunning aquatic landscape perfect for paddling and photography.
• 60-Acre Trap Pond: The central feature of the park, ideal for fishing (crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish), flat water canoeing, kayaking, and pontoon boat tours (narrated tours available seasonally).
• Extensive Trail System: Over 9 miles of multi-use trails, including the 4.9-mile Boundary Trail that skirts the pond, are perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching through diverse woodlands and cypress swamp views.
• Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course provides a fun and challenging recreational option for visitors.
• Adkins Arboretum Adjacent: Located next to the park, this 400-acre preserve focuses on native plants of the Mid-Atlantic, offering additional trails and educational opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching: The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including various bird species (warblers, eagles, woodpeckers), muskrats, and other animals.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Features like a playground complex (including a Gaga ball pit), volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and organized activities cater to families and children.
• Historical Significance: The park has a rich history, including its past as a logging area and the Civilian Conservation Corps' development efforts in the 1930s.
• Seasonal Educational Programs: The Baldcypress Nature Center offers a variety of programs, including guided hikes, canoe trips, "Scales & Tales" presentations, and summer concert series.
• Quiet and Scenic Atmosphere: Campers often note the peaceful ambiance and beautiful views, especially during the quieter seasons or pondside sites.

For reservations and further information about Trap Pond State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 15702 Rd 450, Laurel, DE 19956, USA

Park Office Phone: (302) 875-5153

Campground/Nature Center Phone: (302) 875-2392 (this number might route to the nature center or direct campground line, as per reviews, both numbers are listed for the park)

Mobile Phone: +1 302-875-2392

For making reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official Delaware State Parks reservation system online (typically via Reserve America) or their toll-free reservation line (often 1-877-987-2757). Given the park's popularity and unique features, booking well in advance, especially for peak seasons (spring, summer, and fall foliage), is strongly advised to secure your desired campsite or cabin.

For Delaware residents, Trap Pond State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable and rewarding destination for countless reasons. Its convenient location in southern Delaware means a minimal drive for most locals, allowing for more time to enjoy your getaway and less time stuck in traffic. This accessibility makes it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned longer vacations, offering a genuine escape right within our own state.

What truly sets Trap Pond apart for Delawareans is its unique natural environment – the northernmost bald cypress swamp. This ecological marvel provides a truly distinctive backdrop for camping and outdoor activities, offering an experience you won't easily find elsewhere. The campground itself is lauded for its spacious, well-appointed sites and clean, modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Beyond the campsite, the park's vast array of activities – from serene kayaking through cypress knees, extensive hiking and biking trails, excellent fishing opportunities, to fun disc golf and educational programs at the Nature Center – caters to all ages and interests. Whether you're a family looking for adventure, a couple seeking a peaceful retreat, or an individual yearning to connect with nature, Trap Pond State Park Campground offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, recreational diversity, and local convenience, making it a perfect choice for your next Delaware outdoor escape.

Trap Pond

15702 Rd 450, Laurel, DE 19956, USA