Covid-19 Updates


Delaware State Parks Covid-19 Preparations and Response

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control continues to focus on taking a proactive and preventative approach to keep communities and employees safe in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, while maintaining operations and services as best as possible.

To encourage Delawareans to be active outdoors and to provide space for activity during the coronavirus period, no fees will be charged or passes required for entrance to Delaware State Parks, effective immediately until April 30.

  • All state parks are open; however, buildings such as park offices, museums, and nature centers are closed. Anyone visiting a park is encouraged to engage in responsible social distancing practices, avoiding groupings of people.
  • All Delaware beaches are closed until May 15 or until the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated. Beach access from within Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island state parks is prohibited. Parking and fishing at the Indian River Inlet within Delaware Seashore State Park is permitted.
  • All state park campsites, cabins, bathhouses, and cottages continue to be open at this time. There will be at least a one-day break between rental periods of cabins and cottages to allow for thorough, increased cleanings between guests.
  • Park programs, tours, and special events are canceled through May 15.
  • Picnic and pavilion reservations are cancelled through May 15.
  • Annual park passes and surf fishing permits  must be purchased online only or at third-party agents instead of at park offices or in the Dover office. Purchased park passes will be mailed before April 30.

Most Department-related events and programs, including tours, trainings and special events have been postponed. Specific information about the status of any Delaware State Parks event is available on the parks program calendar and the social media pages below.

The Department remains open. Many office-based employees are working from home and remote locations or relocating within offices to create distance among individuals. Adjustments are being made to procedures for parks personnel to reduce interactions among employees and with the public.

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Delaware, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

Updated 4:51 p.m. 3/21/2020

State Parks on Facebook

Check here for the latest updates from individual parks.