New Delaware Seashore State Park amenities are open
State, federal and county officials gathered March 27 to cut the ribbon officially opening the new campground and other enhancements at Delaware Seashore State Park.
A decade in the making, the $10 million project features improvements on both sides of the Indian River Inlet. A new camping area on the north side offers 80 full-hookup RV sites, new bathhouses, pavilions, playgrounds, additional parking and a new promenade connecting the campground and beach. Enhancements and new construction on the south side include 145 RV hook-ups, 41 tent sites, 94 all-purpose campsites, renovated bathhouses and a promenade to the beach.
A new parking lot with more than 500 spaces opened last summer for day-use beach access on the south side.
State and federal transportation funds paid for the project because the footprint of the new Indian River Inlet bridge used park lands during construction. The northside campground, with no amenities, had been used for decades as an overflow area when the southside campground was full. Due to bridge construction, the northside area has not been used by the park for nearly 10 years.
Gov. Jack Markell, Federal Highway Administration Delaware Administrator Mary Ridgeway, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan and DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens were among those attending the ceremony.
The contract was awarded for $9.87 million, of which the Federal Highway Administration paid $7.06 million while the remaining funds came from state capital funds awarded to DelDOT.
“These improvements showcase Delaware Seashore State Park as a major Delaware destination,” said Markell. “The upgrades, enhancements – and especially this new campground – make the park even more attractive to families and anyone who lives, works or visits here. All of this is good for tourism, for our economy and for the enjoyment of the people of this state.”
“Not only are the north and south sides of the park now connected, new amenities will enable visitors to access and enjoy the bridge itself as a destination,” said Bivens. “Those who want to stay overnight will have plenty of options from tent camping to RV to exclusive cottages and the state-of-the-art marina, all located along the inlet within walking distance to the beach.”
Construction completed in 2014 on the south side of the inlet included refurbishing the RV and tent campsites, 94 new camping sites, renovated bathhouses, six new RV sites with full hook-ups, more parking for anglers and other amenities.
Reservations are currently being accepted for all three Delaware Seashore State Park campgrounds. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-98-PARKS, or http://www.destateparks.com/.
Some of the new amenities include:
• 74 full-hookup campsites (featuring water, electric and sewer)
• Six ADA-compliant campsites
• Modern, fully accessible heated bathhouse with hot showers
• New laundry facilities for campers
• Fully accessible walking promenade, enabling visitors to walk to the ocean or over the bridge to the south inlet
• Sidewalk access to Indian River marina and Hammerhead’s Dockside Cafe
For day-use visitors, new amenities include:
• 221 parking spaces
• New comfort station
• Rinse-off showers
• New benches along the Indian River Inlet
• In addition, there will be new playgrounds with a local fishing theme, sun shelters, more benches and a mini climbing wall.
