Top state parks
State ParkCape Henlopen State Park
State ParkTrap Pond State Park
State ParkKillens Pond State Park
State ParkBellevue State Park
State ParkBrandywine Creek State Park
State ParkFenwick Island State Park
State ParkFort Delaware State Park
State ParkFort DuPont State Park
State ParkDelaware Seashore State Park
State ParkHolts Landing State Park
State ParkLums Pond State Park
State ParkFox Point State Park
State Parks by county
All state parks (16)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Henlopen State Park | Sussex County | — | Lewes | 4 |
| Trap Pond State Park | Sussex County | — | Laurel | 4 |
| Killens Pond State Park | Kent County | — | Felton | 4 |
| Bellevue State Park | New Castle County | — | Bellefonte | 7 |
| Brandywine Creek State Park | New Castle County | — | Greenville | 6 |
| Fenwick Island State Park | Sussex County | — | Bethany Beach | 4 |
| Fort Delaware State Park | New Castle County | — | Delaware City | 5 |
| Fort DuPont State Park | New Castle County | — | Delaware City | 5 |
| Delaware Seashore State Park | Sussex County | — | Rehoboth Beach | 4 |
| Holts Landing State Park | Sussex County | — | Long Neck | 3 |
| Lums Pond State Park | New Castle County | — | Glasgow | 5 |
| Fox Point State Park | New Castle County | — | Edgemoor | 7 |
| Alapocas Run State Park | New Castle County | — | Wilmington | 7 |
| Wilmington State Parks | New Castle County | — | Wilmington | 8 |
| First State Heritage Park | Kent County | — | Dover | 7 |
| Auburn Valley State Park | New Castle County | — | Hockessin | 6 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.