Delaware Forest Service campsite reservation portal now open

The Delaware Forest Service has launched a new online portal for reserving campsites and other venues on state forestland.

Applicants can make reservations for primitive tent camping, rent the Lodge at Redden State Forest and reserve the pavilions. Additional campsites at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest are also now open to the public. In total, Blackbird has 16 campsites available and Redden has 18. Online reservations for all locations can be made at de.gov/forestcamping.

“The Delaware Forest Service is proud to offer new amenities and sites at both Blackbird and Redden state forests. One of our main goals has been to provide a multi-use area dedicated to recreational opportunities around our actively managed forests. By providing camping opportunities, our users can see how we sustainably manage our forests for future generations,” said Kyle Hoyd, Delaware state forester. “By offering the Lodge at Redden State Forest, people can experience and view sustainably managed timber in a historic setting, providing a glimpse into Delaware’s past. I encourage Delawareans and visitors to engage with Delaware state forests to see how great and versatile they truly are.”

The campsites at both Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest offer a variety of amenities, including charcoal grills, fire rings, firewood, picnic tables and water spigots. Selected campsites are also compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including wheelchair accessibility for visitors. Campsites can be reserved for $25 per night, with a maximum three-night stay. 

Blackbird campsites are located at the Tybout Tract of the Blackbird State Forest. Blackbird State Forest has 10 tracts totaling over 6,000 acres and contains a mixture of oak, yellow poplar, maple, gum and hickory trees. Its 40 miles of trails are used extensively for hiking, running, bicycling and horseback riding. The trail system at Blackbird interconnects campsites and pavilions.

Redden campsites are located at the Headquarters Tract of Redden State Forest. Redden has 18 tracts totaling over 12,900 acres and contains mixed hardwoods including oak, maple and gum trees. The 44 miles of trails are popular for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling and birdwatching.

The rustic Redden Lodge was built around 1903 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 11-room pinewood lodge was designed to serve the executives of the Pennsylvania Railroad as a shooting or hunting retreat, east of Penn Central Railroad line. The executives would arrive with horses and dogs at the Carriage House, now Redden Education Center at the headquarters entrance.

The lodge is available for conferences, special events and gatherings as a weekday overnight ($250) and weekend rental ($500). Special-use permits are required for events utilizing vendors. Reserving the Redden Lodge has a two-phase process. First, make a reservation online committing to policies. Second, call 302-856-2893 to schedule a site visit. Amenities include a basic appliance kitchen, three bathrooms, shower and tub, an open dining hall and sitting room, rooms for primitive lodging, a south hall and a screened porch.

Blackbird State Forest has two pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Tybout Tract and Ennis Tract near the Blackbird Education Center.

Redden State Forest has three pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Headquarters Tract, Ellendale Tract and Jester Tract.

At both locations, a strict carry-in, carry-out policy is in effect. Groups of 10 or more require a reservation and permit.